Creating a Safe, Effective, Preservative Free Cream


In truth, this isn't really a cream. Cream - by definition - is an emulsion that contains both oil and water.

This formula is my attempt at creating a 'cream' without adding any water-based ingredients.

The goal: to create a product that performs as close to cream as possible but needs no preservative and is easy to make in a DIY setting.

I'm guessing you think it looks like a whipped butter, and judging from the picture, I would tend to agree with you.

But the texture is soft yet stable, and this 'cream' melts into the skin beautifully.

Is it perfect?

Not yet, but I think a bit of serious tweaking may get me about 95% of the way – which is not too shabby.

Why Preservative Free?

If you've followed this blog for a while, you know I like a challenge. I get a LOT of requests for how to make safe, preservative-free just-about-everything.

This product is still a work in progress, but I'm having a lot of fun with the different batches - the first of which is pictured above.

If it all turns out satisfactorily, the formula and instruction will be included in an upcoming publication.

Partly because you asked, but also because your questions are always so inspiring!

Check it Live

Here's a peek at how batch one turned out in a super short film I put up on my Instagram account.


More About Cream

Wikipedia

Comments

Anonymous said…
I’m so excited for this. I have tried to make preservative creams but can’t get them creamy enough. Good luck on this. Can’t wait for the 'perfect' result. JNC
Jade Forest Co. said…
Will we be privy to the final results of your natural deoderant experiment too?
LisaLise said…
@JNC - great to hear from you! I am pretty close with this one— just want to see if I can get it a bit closer .. :)

@Jade - thanks for your comment! Both the deodorant and this ‘cream’ will be included in the coming publication. They have both been performing well and holding steady through tests. :)
Shauna Rudd said…
Thanks for this, Lise -- I'm anxiously awaiting this, too. It looks beautiful already :-)
Unknown said…
So excited to see what you come up with! I had some anhydrous cream once that felt JUST like lotion when it went on, like, non oily. Sadly the company I bought it from stopped making it and I have been trying to figure out how to make my own ever since! Cant wait!!!
LisaLise said…
Hey there @Shauna - Thanks for your comment.-. I'm anxious to see how close I can get to what i am trying to achieve too!

@Lulubeans - Maybe you can get some of the way if you can recall the ingredients in the lotion. It might be worth trying to remember. :)
SCEE said…
Hi Lise! I am keen to learn to make this preservative-free cream too! Which publication can I find your final recipe in? :)
LisaLise said…
HI SCEE - The publication isn't ready for sale yet, but I hope to be there soon!
Unknown said…
Waiting with baited breath!!!.
Also on a quest for the perfect one. Ingredients are not as sour able/ available in south Africa. All my attempts are too greasy! Too solid! Too everything......
Maya said…
As always you inspire us with your trials and informative posts.
So happy to hear about this.

Is the water in suspension that it works w/o a preservative?
LisaLise said…
HI Maya, this 'cream' is an anhydrous product. No water :)
LisaLise said…
Hey there Anon - I truly hope I don't disappoint! I think you have a challenge being in a warmer climate, but it's still do-able. :)
Anonymous said…
Hi! Was wondering how you went with this? Do you have more info?
Thank you :)
LisaLise said…
Hi anon — the formula for this product is in my book of natural balms — visit LisaLise.com . It is named Mango Velvet Anhydrous cream ☺️