The Benefits of Macadamia Nut Oil for Home Made Cosmetics

Macadamia nut oil has very high levels of monounsaturated fats, one of which (called palmetolaic acid) has cholesterol lowering properties. Macadamia nut oil is among the most heart healthy oils that are on the market today, and is equally useful in cosmetics.

Macadamia nut oil has a mild nutty flavor, and a light texture. Macadamia nut oil is used in the treatment of dry flaky skin, and can be used alone or in lotions or creams to defeat dry skin.

Macadamia nut oil is among the lightest oils, and is absorbed into the skin very quickly. Macadamia nut oil is great for those who want a very light moisturizer, with the added benefits of vitamins and minerals that are present in the oil.

Macadamia nut oil also helps retain the skin's natural water barrier, and is useful in treatment and protection against sunburn. It is especially helpful in maintain the skin of older adults, whose natural water barrier has begun to break down.

Macadamia nut oil is also very stable, and doesn't need to be kept cold to stay fresh. You can take your macadamia nut oil products with you to the beach and on camping trips without worrying about refrigeration. Macadamia nut oil products will stay fresh for up to six months.

Macadamia nut oil is also a great massage oil, and will provide moisture and fragrance to your skin. When used with another oil, the scent of the macadamia nut oil will be most noticeable, so you can use this oil with an unscented oil, like olive oil, for a product with a nutty aroma.

This fresh exfoliant of strawberries and macadamia nut oil will slough off dead skin from the feet and hands, and leave them moisturized and feeling fresh.

Strawberry Exfoliant

• 8-10 strawberries
• 2 tablespoons macadamia nut oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Dice strawberries, and then mix with other ingredients. Massage onto hands and feet, then rinse. Since strawberries contain a natural exfoliant, this mixture will moisturize and exfoliate dry feet and hands.

Lavender Macadamia Lip Balm

• 1 teaspoon Macadamia nut oil
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 2 teaspoons lanolin
• 1 teaspoon cocoa butter
• 1 teaspoon beeswax
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers

In a double boiler, melt butters and oils until well incorporated. Add lavender flowers, and stir for 8-10 minutes. Strain the mixture, and store in a small re-sealable container. You may also use this mixture to moisturize hands.

Solid Macadamia Oil Perfume

• 2 ounces beeswax
• 3 ounces shea butter
• 4 ounces macadamia nut oil
• 1 ounce essential oil or fragrance. (Vanilla would be a good choice in this particular recipe. You may add more or less essential oil, according to personal taste)

Melt beeswax, shea butter, and macadamia nut oil over low heat in a double boiler. Remove from heat, and add essential oil or fragrance. Store in a lidded container. This perfume doesn't fade, and is a good way to make your own scent!

The Benefits of Palm Kernel Oil for Home Made Cosmetics

Palm kernel oil is made from the kernels of the palm tree, and it is often used in as a carrier oil for cosmetics.

Palm kernel oil has a higher melting temperature than regular palm oil, and is often also used in soaps and hair products to provide a thicker texture.

Palm kernel carrier oil is in fact almost exclusively used in the soap industry, and is also an excellent addition to cosmetics. Palm Kernel oil provides a smooth texture for home made cosmetics, and makes home made soap lather well.

When used in cosmetics, palm kernel oil provides a moisturizing agent. However, it should be used in moderation, since using palm kernel oil in excess can lead to dry skin.

Palm kernel oil has no scent, and is great for scent infusions, since it will not interfere with the aroma of essential oils.

Since palm kernel oil is a solid at room temperature, you need to add liquid oils to make creams and lotions. Some oils, like sweet almond or hazel nut oil, will add a sweet nutty aroma to the odorless palm kernel oil. Liquid oils will also make the palm kernel oil thick and rich.

Orange Lotion

• ½ ounce palm kernel oil
• 1 ounce olive oil
• 1 ounce orange juice
• 2 drops orange essential oil

Melt palm kernel oil, and then add all other ingredients. Mix well to make a smooth lotion.
Use quickly (within a week) or keep refrigerated.

Repairing Lip Balm

• 3 tablespoons palm kernel oil
• 3 teaspoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon glycerin
• ¹/₈ teaspoon lecithin
• ½ teaspoon honey
• 10 drops vitamin E oil
• 4 drops tea tree oil
• 4 drops grapefruit essential oil

Melt the palm kernel oil and avocado oil in a double boiler. Let cool slightly, then add the vitamin E and lecithin. In a separate bowl, mix glycerin and honey, then add to oils. Lastly, add the essential oils, stir well, and place into a re-sealable container.

Rose Face Cream

• 3 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 1 ½ teaspoon palm kernel oil
• 2 teaspoons cocoa butter
• ¼ teaspoon lanolin
• ½ teaspoon beeswax
• 2 tablespoons distilled water
• 1 ¾ rose water
• ¾ tablespoon glycerin
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera
• 1 drop lavender oil

Melt the oils, butters and lanolin over low heat in a double boiler, and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

While the mixture cools, place the water, rose water, glycerin, aloe vera and lavender in a blender. Turn the blender on medium, and slowly begin adding the oil mixture. Add oils until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Pour into re-sealable containers, and use as a face cream. You should keep this cream refrigerated to prevent bacteria.