You can make a simple hand oil at home with a few readily available ingredients. Here's a recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Castor Oil
- 3-4 teaspoons of Almond Oil
- 2 drops of Galbanum essential oil (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions:
- Combine the Oils: In a small, clean container, mix the castor oil and almond oil together thoroughly.
- Add Essential Oil (Optional): If you desire a fragrance, add 2 drops of galbanum essential oil to the mixture. Note: Always ensure you're not allergic to any essential oils before using them. Other suitable essential oils include True Lavender.
- Mix Well: Stir the mixture gently to ensure the essential oil is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to a Dark Bottle: Decant the hand oil into a dark-colored, clean 25ml bottle. Dark bottles help protect the oil from light degradation, preserving its quality.
Alternative Essential Oil Options (If Not Using Galbanum):
- True Lavender
Why these ingredients?
- Castor Oil: Acts as a thickener and humectant, helping to draw moisture to the skin.
- Almond Oil: A light, easily absorbed oil that moisturizes and softens the skin.
- Galbanum/Lavender Essential Oil: Adds a pleasant scent and may offer therapeutic benefits (such as relaxation). Use with caution and proper dilution.
Important Considerations:
- Always do a patch test before applying any homemade product to your entire hands to check for allergic reactions.
- Store the hand oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Use within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., a few months) for best results. Since it doesn't contain preservatives, it is best to make small batches.
