making lotions/creme without water

[Patchouli]

I have read the threads on preservatives and decided to not make a lotion that contains water and thereby eliminate the need for preservatives as I don't want them on my skin. Soooo can anyone give me a recipe that would work. I usually make a face creme that contains oils/water/Ewax etc but I guess because of the small amount I have never had a mold problem but now I need to make some body care items for family/friends. Is there anyway one can use an oil (like almond oil) and use beeswax to turn it into a lotion and if so what ratios would I use? I will be fragrancing so I can't use cocoa butter/coconut oils because they have their own strong fragrance. thanks for any ideas
Patchouli

[spidergrrl]

I would like to know this as well. I'm like you--I don't want to use preservatives so i choose not to use water. I find all my things are lovely but come out very like a balm. There seems to be no way to make them creamy/fluffy without a water phase. Any ideas for a no water lotion? I'm fine to use cocoa butter as mine is partially deodorized. Thanks.

[edensong]

I make some light "creams" and serums without water. Try experimenting with combinations of kokum and mango butters, lighter oils suited for the face and aloe vera gel.

[craftmom]

You can substitute aloe juice for water.

[iinacio]

Patchouli, if you just add beex wax in oil you'll have an salve and this will not be exactly water soluble.
You can mix oils and emulsifiers without water, mix well, if needed beat it like a cream. In contact with water this turns into a lotion.
I make a oil cleanser with 50% oils and 50% polysorbate 20. Of course, for a lotion you need to experiment with low percents. Try others emulsify too.

You can substitute aloe juice for water.

That will not solve the problem. Aloe juice is not an emulsify; in lotions its a reacher sub for water but it'll be even more prone to deterioration.

[gaias]

One idea using water is to make an infusion which has antibacterial
qualities out of lavender and thyme , rosemary. I have tried this
and the cream lasted over one year and still going strong -intact,
no mold, smells good, etc.

[tribal-jiva]

I make ointments and salves using infusions and tinctures with the beeswax and oils, and I just add lavender oil (e.o) when i pour it into the jars to set and this preserves them just fine. You could also use viatmin E to preserve them (just pierce one capsule). So far I haven't had any problems using these.
Shelly

[gaias]

I also use eo's - not only to preserve, but because they are proven
to have skin care benefits - lavender, rosewood, rosemary all come
to mind. Carrot seed oil has great benefits but a strong unusual aroma.
They are just amazing in their preservation quality, and also in their
effect on skin .
Valerie Worwood's
essential oil book is a good one which comes to mind to inform and
educate. Unless you object to using eo's for some reason, it is a
great route to go with creams and lotion products.

[iinacio]

Well, could be the fact that I live in a tropical country but no away any water based product would stay "naturally" clean here. Infusions go bad in 4 days even in frigie If they are sterelized and kept in a dark bottle, absolutly air free, they coud be preserved but once the bottle get some air...
I agree EO's could increase shelf life but you need to select them very careful, make a blend and have your lotion tested to be sure. The problem is your lotion could be contaminate even if you don't note anything strange.
About vit E, it's a marvelous antioxidant for the oils, but has no effect to preserve against bacteria, fungus and yeats.

[gaias]

I have heard of Borax being used. Not sure what that is- some
call it "desert salt" so if it is a natural salt and not a chemical and
it is "safe", maybe it helps. Just a little is used. I never have had
experience with it , tho, so this is an open ended suggestion. I
have used Borax for laundry!

[Luvmyweeds]

Do a google search for borax. I use it for lots of cleaning including laundry. It removes odor much like baking soda. It is natural and is mined. Not sure about using it as a preservative... Are you thinking about boric acid maybe?? I'm half asleep, but boric acid is what came to my tired little brain.

Lisa

[iinacio]

I have heard of Borax being used. Not sure what that is- some
call it "desert salt" so if it is a natural salt and not a chemical and
it is "safe", maybe it helps. Just a little is used. I never have had
experience with it , tho, so this is an open ended suggestion. I
have used Borax for laundry!

Borax (sodium borate) is a mild surfactant; it helps to stabilize emulsion and it can act as an emulsifier if added with bees wax (but not alone). It could be added to body care products in small quantities, usually to increase cleaners action (like soap, shampoo) and because it has a mild bactericide action over the skin.
However, I don't think borax could be a good preservative to lotions and creams unless you use it in large quantity what you should not do because borax has a pH range ~9.5 and also there is some repports about allergic reactions to large amount.
Sorry, I don't want to sound like a snob "no-no" person. I'm always searching for a good and natural preservative by myself. It's just that I had made this path before and thought maybe I could spare you to do the same.