ADDING ESSENTIAL OILS AND PRESERVATIVES
When making homemade calendula cream, adding essential oils can enhance the benefits and scent of the cream. Some popular essential oils to add to calendula cream are: lavender, chamomileAnd tea tree oil. Please note that essential oils should be used in small amounts, usually no more than 1% of the total weight of the cream, to avoid irritating the skin.
In addition to essential oils, a preservative should be added to extend the shelf life of the cream. Natural preservatives, such as Leucidal® Liquid SF Max, can be used to avoid aggressive chemicals. This preservative is derived from radish and is an effective antimicrobial agent. It is important to note that even with a preservative, homemade creams have a shorter shelf life than commercial creams, typically about 3-6 months.
When adding essential oils and preservatives, it is essential to follow the recipe carefully and measure accurately. Adding too much of either can cause the cream to separate or cause skin irritation. It is also crucial to mix the cream thoroughly to ensure that the essential oils and preservatives are evenly distributed.
(For this recipe, which makes about 2 cups total, adding 1% essential oils would mean you would need to use 4.8 milliliters of essential oils. This precise amount ensures you are using a safe and effective concentration for your creation .4.8 milliliters is approximately 0.974 teaspoons, so you are adding a little less than a teaspoon of essential oil to your recipe).
In summary, adding essential oils and a natural preservative can increase the benefits and shelf life of homemade calendula cream. However, it is important to use these ingredients in small quantities and follow the recipe carefully to avoid any negative effects.