DIY Aloe Vera and Mint Body Cream

Lately it seems we are washing our hands every time we turn around. At least I am anyway. With COVID-19 going around I wash my hands every time I touch something. And because of it, my hands have been getting a bit dry.

If you're in the same boat as me and many others and want to try your hand at making a cream that's cooling and light, I decided to make my own and I think you'll like this. And once again, it's super easy to make and moisturizing.

I grow aloe in my garden, so for this recipe I harvested some of the aloe leaves to use the clear aloe flesh and gel to make this cream. If you don't have an aloe plant you can buy aloe vera gel.

Below is the recipe. I love this cream and it's minty scent and the way it feels on my skin. You might even want to share with someone.

Aloe Vera and Mint Cream Recipe

• 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
• 1/2 cup Fresh Aloe Flesh and Gel or Store Bought Aloe Vera Gel (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup Beeswax (Grated or Pastilles)
• 10 to 12 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

When it was time to mix ingredients, I used my Braun hand blender but you can use a blender on a low speed.

Harvesting Fresh Aloe Leaves

If you are using fresh aloe, it's pretty easy to cut out the flesh. This was my first time harvesting from the plant and my aloe vera plant is huge so the leaves provided more than I thought it would. When you start to cut the leaves, it will quickly get slippery and a little messy so be careful when cutting.

1. Choose a healthy thick leaf and cut near the base of the plant.
2. Rinse leaves when you get them inside.
3. On a cutting board, start trimming the plant with a sharp knife. Trim off the edges, then carefully trim off the top green part. Then slide the knife under the clear aloe flesh and trim away from bottom green part of leaf. So you're just left with the clear aloe.
4. Again be careful using the knife so you don't cut yourself. As I said it will quickly get slippery and kind of slimy from the aloe gel. You can wipe your hands with paper towel if necessary.
5. Cut the flesh into pieces and set aside.

Making the Aloe Cream

You will need a large pan filled almost half way with water and a smaller bowl for the ingredients, one that is safe to sit in hot water. Or if you have a double boiler, you can use that.

In the small bowl add the following:

1. Add the coconut oil and beeswax.
2. Place the small bowl in the larger pan of water, turn the burner on to medium - medium-low heat and slowly melt ingredients. Stir frequently.
3. When the beeswax is completely melted remove from burner and place the small bowl on cutting board. Use pot holders and be careful as the small bowl will be hot.
4. Add in the room temperature aloe vera and the peppermint essential oil.
5. Using my Braun hand blender, I mixed until aloe chunks were blended and mixture was fluffy. It didn't take long and you don't want to over mix and have it separate.
6. Pour in a container or containers and wait for it to thicken. It will take about 2 to 4 hours before it's thickened and ready to use.

This should keep well for two to three weeks, maybe a bit longer if you keep it in the refrigerator. I keep mine by the kitchen sink and use a small makeup spatula to take out a small amount. It will be slightly thick but as soon as it touches your hand and rub your hands together, it will soften quickly.

If you live in a warm climate and the cream starts getting liquidy, you can place in the refrigerator for a bit and it will thicken. Also if you live in a warm climate it won't keep as long on the counter, it may start to get moldy.