Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

Base Cream Recipe From Scratch

by 8 Comments

When making your own body lotions/face creams you have 2 options: you can either make your own or buy one. Below is a recipe for a basic cream/lotion base.

When making a cream from scratch there are two stages that must be considered – the oil phase and the water phase. They must be kept separate until each has reached a maximum heat of 70 degrees, after which they can be mixed together.

WATER PHASE

900ml distilled or purified water

25 g Unigerm g-2 ( synthetic preservative ) or 7g grapefruit seed extract ( natural preservative )

OIL PHASE

100ml carrier oil of your choice ( a good all rounder is almond oil or jojoba oil )

60g emulsifying wax ( reduce to 40 gram for lotion consistency )

STEP 1

Pour distilled/purified water in a saucepan. Apply low heat and slowly build to a maximum of 70 degrees. Keep checking to ensure you do not exceed the maximum temperature.

STEP 2

In a separate saucepan add the carrier oil and the emulsifying wax, once again on low heat. As with the water, phase keeps on checking the temperature. You will generally find that once the emulsifying wax has fully melted you are close to the desired temperature.

STEP 3

Once you have reached 70 degrees in both the water and oil phase, remove from the stove and pour the water into the oil.

STEP 4

Stir until the mixture reaches 45 degrees, then add the preservative and other active ingredients such as essential oils, vitamins, or extracts. Continue to stir.

STEP 5

Once the mixture has reached around 35 – 36 degrees you will notice it starting to thicken. Let it cool completely.

And that is it. Now you have your very own base cream!

Over the coming weeks I will be posting many different types of creams & lotions for you to make using this base cream.

Comments

  4. Grapefruit Seed Extract is not a preservative! It is an anti-oxidant and a broad-spectrum antimicrobal but definately not a preservative. You’ll have germies growing if you don’t use a real preservative!

  5. Hi Naomi,

    I get lots of conflicting stories over grapefruit seed extract. . For Bath n Body readers maybe you could suggest a few alternatives to GSE my only other suggestion would be “Naticide”

  7. Hi,
    This looks pretty straightforward and easy. Thanks fir the recipe. I noticed that you didn’t use a stick blender…is it not necessary for making a base cream?

    Flora

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Have you read?

DIY Halloween Bath Bombs – Spooky-Fun Self-Care for Ghouls of All Ages

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

  • Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here 
  • Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars 
  • Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange 
  • Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid 
  • Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup baking soda 
  • 1/2 cup citric acid 
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch 
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt 
  • 2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil) 
  • 1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle 
  • 10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends) 
  • Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green) 
  • Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms 
  • Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons 

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

 Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

 Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

 Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

 Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

  • Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!” 
  • Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store 
  • Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting 
  • Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!” 

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely. 
  • Use gloves to avoid stained fingers. 
  • Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon). 

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

 

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