Kristen's Quilters Lotion

The best kept secret just might be in your cupboard!

Kristen is a quilter and loves having soft and smooth hands. But anyone who has worked with fiber for long periods of time knows that that it can dry out your hands and make them scaly and rough. This can be a huge problem because it means your work catches on your hands causing plenty of problems. However applying lotions can also cause a problem because they can stain the fibers and get them dirty. Ack! What is a quilter to do? Let’s go make a lotion that Kristen and her friends will be able to use then return to their work without any worries of staining or getting their projects greasy!

First, I started with Colorless Jojoba Oil. Colorless Jojoba Oil is a fantastic oil that has been used in the cosmetic industry for a very long time. It is so popular because it is light in texture while penetrating into the skin for truly gentle care.

Second, I used Fractionated Coconut Oil. Fractionated Coconut Oil also a light oil that imparts a dry silky feeling to the skin. Perfect if you are wishing to avoid a heavy finished product.

Next, I used Cyclomethicone. Cyclomethicone is a dry silicone oil. It leaves a dry, silky, talc like feel to the skin without being heavy or greasy. Perfect for our desired lotion!

I also included Dimethicone. Dimethicone is another silicone oil but it is very different from cyclomethicone. Dimethicone adds slip and glide while still allowing the skin to breathe. It also reduces stickiness in a formulation and gives the skin a velvety feel. Because this can also contribute a heavier feel, we will only use a small percentage in this formulation.

For our humectant, I choose Hydrovance. Hydrovance is an incredible moisturizer. It is light and non-sticky with incredible moisturizing properties. You will be amazed at how good your skin feels!

Additionally, I felt to need to add an extract. Orchid Extract was added because it has long been used for moisturizing properties. Just what hands which work with dry fabrics need. Orchids have also been used for skin restoration and protection for a very long time. Perfect for keeping the skin soft.

My final two ingredients are absolute musts. The first being an emulsifier to keep the lotion from separating and the second a preservative, to keep our lovely work from spoiling and becoming a home to a host of microbes.

Recipe:

Weigh all of the ingredients except for the preservative into a microwave safe container. Heat gently until all of the oils have melted. Heat in the microwave using short time bursts until everything is melted. Blend the ingredients to a smooth, creamy consistency using the immersion blender. Add the Liquid Germall Plus once the temperature drops to approximately 120° F in the mixing bucket. Stir gently until completely mixed. Pour into containers and allow to cool completely before labeling. Enjoy!