I have used this recipe since I moved out of my parents house, and started washing dishes several times a day. Combine 2 parts oil with 1 part salt and 1 part sugar (I use tablespoon measures for single use). Spread on hands and leave for 5 minutes, then rinse in lukewarm (NOT hot) water. t really works!
Ita

For Sore, Dry Skin

Here is a recipe I found for hand cream that is excellent for sore, dry skin. The recipe, developed by Rosemary Gladstar, is contained in the book "Tasha Tudor's Heirloom Crafts."

3/4 cup of apricot or almond oil
1/3 cup of coconut oil or cocoa butter
1 teaspoon lanolin
1/2 oz of grated beeswax

Melt these ingredients over low heat. Cool to room temperature. While these ingredients cool, mix together:

2/3 cup of rosewater
1/3 cup of aloe vera gel
1-2 drops of rose oil
the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule

Add these ingredients to the first mixture. Whip together until their consistency resembles buttercream frosting. Store in a covered jar.
Pam M.

A "Natural Recipe" Formula

I suggest that Dorene check out two books Cheaper and Better by Nancy Birnes, which has lots of recipes for homemade substitutions for things from food to cleaning supplies to cosmetics. Also, I just checked out from the library The Natural Forumla Book for Home & Yard by Rodale Press, edited by Dan Wallace. It also has similar recipes for such items (no food stuff, though). Here is a recipe from Natural Formula.

Orange Lotion

1/2 oz Cocoa Butter, melted
1 oz Olive Oil, warmed
1 oz Orange Juice
2 drops essential oil (Orange Flower if possible)

Mix all ingredients together in blender until light and fluffy. This lotion need not be refrigerated, but should be used as soon as possible. It may separate, but can be beaten together again.

It also mentions mixing vegetable glycerin and rose water, but most homemade lotions should be refrigerated and used up as soon as possible (within a week) because they do not have preservatives and bacteria can grow in them.
Kristen G.

Recipe with Sources

1 cup glycerin
1 cup rosewater

optional:

10 drops (or about 1/8 teaspoon) essential oil fragrance, such as lavender or ylang ylang
1/4 teaspoon (or more) vitamin E oil

Put all ingredients into glass or plastic bottles. Portion out the ingredients according to the ounce capacity of the bottles you are using. Shake well until all ingredients are completely combined.

If using scent, shake well several times a day for 2-3 days before giving or using. If using a fragrance, pick one that smells good combined with roses because of the rosewater.

Don't use metal containers or utensils: they taint the lotion and change the acidity.

Glycerin, rosewater, and vitamin E oil are available at most drugstores. Essential oil fragrance available at specialty fragrance, bath or herb shops. You can also mail order essential oils from Caswell and Massey 800-326-0500. One tiny bottle costs about $6 and will scent many quarts of lotion.
LV

Beeswax Based

3 tbsp. grated beeswax
1 tbsp. liquid lanolin
1/2 cup light sesame oil
2 tbsp. strong chamomile tea
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Combine all ingredients in a glass ovenproof container. Heat in the Microwave until all the wax and oils are melted. Do Not boil. Pour the mixture into a jar or container and allow to cool completely. yield: 4oz.
Jamie H.

Simple, Cheap Mix

I buy cheap, good smelling lotions at the dollar store (3 large bottles) and 1 jar of vasoline. I use a big bowl and my electric mixer and mix them together. Use after a shower or after washing your hands. It keeps your skin nice and soft.
Jan S.

With Cream of Oats

1/2 cup juice of sour almonds
1-1/2 cup of water soaked oat flour
1-1/2 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of white wax

Mix very well all of the above ingredients to make the cream. This can be kept in a plastic or glass container to be used daily. Enjoy!
Nella

I've Loved It

This is a recipe I got from a good friend of mine and she gave me some as a gift and I loved it. I haven't made it myself, but here's the recipe she gave me.

Splendid Hand Cream

1/2 oz. sodium laurel sulphate
4 oz. cetyl alcohol crystals
6 3/4 oz. glycerine
1/2 oz. lanolin anhydrous

Place all ingredients in a double boiler, and stir until crystals are dissolved. Add 37 1/2 oz. hot water (not boiling). Add 1 1/2 oz. of favorite cologne. Add enough food coloring to give a pleasing color (use caution--put in by drop). Beat with electric mixer until light, fluffy and the color is well mixed.
CR

Three Part Recipe

1 lb. unibase compounding lotion (obtained from a pharmacist)
1 pt. glycerin
7 cups distilled water

Mix by hand and not by a mixer.
kp

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