Part 1! This is a heel balm recipe I found on Soap Queen. I only changed out the avocado oil for rice bran oil because I didn't have it. This isn't my recipe even a little! (Head over here for the original recipe). I wanted something rich and smooth with Cera Bellina and this fit the bill.
My past attempts at making balms that are both smooth and soft enough to spread -yet not liquidy- have been pretty unsuccessful. Since this was a gift for someone I wanted to make sure it was a real winner so I went with a pro's formulation. Plus I've been really interested in playing with Cera Bellina wax and this seemed like a good time. Cera Bellina is a modified beeswax that helps smooth out some butters that are prone to grittiness (Shea) and create an oily gel consistency. Sounds neat right!?
Above the squiggly line is the Soap Queen's recipe converted to grams. I prefer to work in grams personally. Below the squiggly line is the recipe halved. I wanted to make only enough to fill a 4oz tin. You'll also note that "RBO" (rice bran oil) is subbed in for Avocado oil.
Everything weighed into a heat-proof glass container. The little beads are the Cera Bellina.
I always prefer melting waxes and butters on the stove (unless it's palm oil for soap, ain't nobody got time for that). I feel I can control the temperature better and there is no chance of overflowing or exploding oils.
All nice and melted and smooth!
I added a label to the balm since I am giving it away. I always like people to know what is in a product. You never know when someone will have an undisclosed allergy, and better safe than sorry. Plus writing out ingredients in INCI format is oddly fun and satisfying for me. It just looks so professional and I'm proud to be able to make something so neat. I changed the name a little to include hands and specify night time, since this balm is RICH! It would be perfect slathered on feet inside some cotton socks for sleeping. Likewise for cotton gloves! ... though I could never wear gloves while sleeping, unless camping... anyway, I digress.
I use the 2" round Avery labels for inkjet printers. I have never found a label that really stands up to use. Dry use or wet use, nope. But at least it will tell them what it is in the beginning, before the words rub off.
I poured the balm in a warm liquid state because I wanted a smooth un-dented top. I think it looks nice and clean.
Cooled! This product was the most praised out of the three. Oddly enough, the smell was noted as one of it's best qualities. I definitely used no scent and super refined shea AND cocoa butter. Hmm, must be the smell of the oils. I will admit that when I open the lid on my bin full of oils I always take a big whiff. I love it. But for me the smell is exciting with possibility. Maybe that joy rubbed off! ;)
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