The Benefits of Cottonseed Oil for Home Made Cosmetics

Cottonseed oil is extracted from cotton kernels, a process that includes refining the oils and removing unwanted flavors. Cottonseed oil boats high levels of both polyunsaturated fats and Vitamin E.

Cottonseed oil is extremely versatile, and has been used for culinary and cosmetic purposes in America for over 100 years.

Cottonseed oil is used in many types of cosmetics. Most types of cosmetic lotions and creams need an emollient to maintain their smooth texture. The high levels of Vitamin E in cottonseed oil benefit the skin, as Vitamin E is thought to have wrinkle reducing properties.

Additionally, cottonseed oil is mildly scented, allowing you to add essential oils to suit your own personal tastes. Cottonseed oil also has great keeping properties, so you will not need to replace your cosmetics as often.

The following recipes using cottonseed oil are both easy and inexpensive to make at home.

Lye Soap

• 3 pounds shortening or other solid oil
• 2 pounds of cottonseed oil
• 1 pound Lye
• 3 pints of water

Combine the shortening and cottonseed oil in a pan and heat until the temperature of the oil reaches 140 F. Dissolve the lye in the water (which should be about 50 degrees F).

Carefully add the lye mixture to the oil and shortening mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon. If stirred incorrectly, the lye will sink and the soap will not be successful, so stir carefully!

The mixture should be poured in a wooden box lined with a wet cloth, and allowed to set for twenty-four hours. After the twenty-four hours, the soap is ready to cut.

Almond Exfoliating Shower Mix

• ¼ cup of almonds or walnuts, ground in a food processor or coffee grinder
• ¼ cup uncooked oatmeal
• 3 tablespoons cottonseed oil
• 24 ounces distilled water
• 3 stalks of Aloe Vera, with the outside skin removed
• Fragrance (You can use any essential oil that you like, or none)

Mix all ingredients well in a blender. They will have a coarse consistency after mixing. Store in a re-sealable plastic bag, and use liberally to exfoliate skin.

Lavender Lotion

• 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
• ½ cup dried lavender flowers
• 4 tablespoons grated beeswax
• ½ cup light olive oil
• ½ cup cottonseed oil
• In a double boiler, heat the oils and the lavender flowers over water for approximately 15 minutes.

Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth placed securely over a measuring cup, and then (wearing gloves) squeeze the cloth over the cup to remove oil from the flowers.

Place the measuring cup back into the double boiler, and begin to add the lavender drops and beeswax, stirring until the beeswax is melted.

Place mixture in an airtight container, and use on dry skin as needed.