Creamy Honey Mint Cleanser

YIELDS 120ML GLASS JAR

LIQUID STAGE

32g water 14g glycerin 10g honey 50g peppermint hydrosol (or 50g water plus 5 - 7 drops peppermint essential oil)

OIL STAGE

20g emulsifying wax 10g stearic acid 60g avocado oil

COOL-DOWN STAGE

1.5g Geoguard

TOOLS NEEDED:

Double boiler x2 or two bowls set over pots containing 1-inch of gently simmering water. Immersion blender or whisk Deep-sided container such as a glass measuring cup or large bowl (if using whisk)

DIRECTIONS: Warm all Liquid Stage ingredients in a double boiler. Do not overheat. If using water and essential oil instead of hydrosol, add water, but omit essential oil until the final cool-down stage of preparation. While Liquid Stage warms, in a separate double boiler, melt all Oil Stage ingredients together. When Oil Stage is thoroughly melted, and Liquid Stage mixture is warm (not hot) to the touch, pour Oil Stage into a deep-sided container such as a glass measuring cup or a large bowl. With an immersion blender or whisk, adding 1/3rd at a time, incorporate warmed Liquid Stage into Oil Stage. Blend thoroughly between additions. The mixture will look like cream. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes.

Thoroughly mix in preservative, and essential oil if using. Scrape into a wide-mouthed cap jar and allow to cool and set completely, at least 4 hours. USE: As-is for a balm cleanser, or mix with a few drops of water in the palm of your hand for a lighter, creamier texture.