Lemon Skincare Balm Recipe

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lovely herb to use in homemade skincare. You can infuse it into oil and turn it into a soothing, moisturising balm.

Ingredients

• 20 g dried lemon balm leaves
• 100 g olive oil or sunflower oil
• 15 g beeswax
• Optional: 2 g vitamin E

Method

1. Infuse the oil: Place the dried lemon balm leaves in a clean, dry glass jar and cover with the oil. Make sure the leaves are completely submerged.
2. Warm gently: Place the jar in a water bath on low heat for 2–3 hours. Keep the oil warm, not hot.
3. Strain: Filter the oil thoroughly through a fine cloth, removing all the plant material.
4. Measure: Weigh out 100 g of the infused oil.
5. Melt: Add the beeswax and gently heat in a water bath until completely melted.
6. Finish: Remove from the heat and stir in the optional vitamin E.
7. Pour: Transfer into clean, completely dry balm tins or jars and allow to cool and set.

How to use: Apply a small amount to dry skin as needed.

A few important tips – Lemon Skincare Balm Recipe

• Dried herbs are best because fresh herbs contain water, which can encourage microbial growth in homemade oil preparations.
• Vitamin E helps slow oil oxidation but is not a preservative.
• Store in a cool, dry place and use clean, dry fingers when applying.
• Do not use on broken or infected skin, and discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Because this is a water-free preparation, contamination risk is lower than with water-based products, but it is not sterile. Use thoroughly dried equipment and containers, avoid introducing water, and discard the balm if it develops an off smell, visible mould, or other changes.
• For best quality, make small batches, label them with the date, and use within several months. If you notice any irritation, stop using it.

You can adjust the texture: For a softer balm, use 10 g beeswax; for a firmer balm, use 20 g.