Note: We recently updated this recipe to include an emulsifier and preservative to keep the honey from separating and your balm from going bad prematurely. If you prefer a more natural product (and can overlook some separation), stick with the first recipe. Otherwise, we recommend following the emulsifier recipe.
Dry and cracked hands are a common problem for many people, especially those living in cold weather conditions. Applying hand cream is essential to keep your hands moisturized and protected from external factors. However, finding the right hand cream that suits your skin type and meets your preferences can be a challenge. That's why we have compiled a list of homemade hand cream recipes that you can easily make with natural ingredients. These hand creams are perfect for sensitive skin and provide extra hydration, without leaving a greasy residue. You can customize them by adding your favorite essential oils or fragrances for the best smelling hand cream.
Raise your hand if your skin takes a beating during the cold winter months. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in the tropics, it’s safe to say that your hands are most likely chapped from frequent washings and the elements and are badly in need of a little extra TLC. But one thing you learn rather quickly during the winter is that high-quality hand balm can cost a small fortune—especially if you’re looking for something thick and creamy but also non-toxic.
Luckily, this homemade honey balm is the perfect antidote for all your dry-skin woes. Just slather on a little bit in the morning and wave goodbye to dry, cracked, irritated hands. For an added boost, apply before bed, cover with cotton gloves, and let this recipe work magic on your hands overnight.
Rich Honey Hand Balm
Trust me when I say that this stuff works miracles. While it makes an amazing hand balm, you can also use it as an after-shower lotion, cuticle cream, hair conditioner, or for anything else that might need a little extra moisture this winter. My husband even has a jar of his own that he uses as a beard balm and sparingly as a hair gel.
But the real beauty of this balm is that it’s made with beeswax and raw honey, so it’s thick (and I do mean thick!) enough to lock in moisture while the honey helps heal wounds and calm irritation [source].
In addition to its calming and healing properties, here are several other ways honey helps combat dry winter skin:
Antimicrobial
Honey is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial [source], so it can keep skin bacteria in check and help prevent future infections.
Anti-inflammatory
Honey has been directly observed to reduce skin inflammation after being applied to wounds [source]—what better way to soothe chapped, red hands!
Balances skin pH
Because it’s slightly acidic, honey helps regulate skin pH [source], thus promoting skin healing and regeneration.
Natural moisturizer
The sugars in honey act as natural humectants [source], meaning they help increase moisture in the skin and reduce dryness, even after being washed off.
High in nutrients and antioxidants
Honey delivers key amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants to skin cells [source], helping to nourish the skin and prevent free-radical damage.
When it comes to texture, this recipe is somewhere between a firm wax and a creamy oil. But if you would like a thicker, more solid balm, increase the amount of beeswax.
If you would like a creamier, more spreadable balm, add more oil. It’s a rather forgiving recipe, so feel free to play around with it until you find the texture that is right for you.
A note about choosing scents: This time of year, something wintery is always a good choice. Try adding eucalyptus essential oil or something simple and classic like lavender and vanilla. I would stay away from cinnamon because, while it smells super warm and festive, it can be rather irritating on the skin. To a lesser degree, peppermint falls into this category, too—a little goes a long way.
Honey Hand Balm FAQs
We've been getting a few questions in the comments I wanted to address.
What if the honey settles at the bottom?
I've made this a few times over the years and haven't had this issue when making my balm. I noticed a tiny bit of settling, which is natural, but nothing to write home about. If you see a lot of separation (like all of the honey ends up at the bottom of your container), it could be caused by the brand of honey or the temperature of the oils when you added the honey.
Let the melted oils cool as much as possible (think: barely lukewarm but still soft) before adding the honey. If you still see separation, you can always use an electric hand mixer to blend the oils with the honey, once the balm has completely cooled, then spoon it into your containers.
You can also use an emulsifying wax to hold everything together (see the second recipe below).
Can I use other oils in place of the almond/olive oil?
Yep! Any liquid-at-room-temperature oil should work.
Can I use other butters in place of the shea butter?
Yep! Any solid-at-room-temperature butter should work.
What's the shelf life?
Without a preservative, it should last 1–2 months without needing refrigeration. With a preservative, it should last about a year. But like all homemade beauty products, if you notice a change in smell or consistency or if you see mold, toss it out.
Rich Honey Hand Balm
Equipment
- 8 ounce jar or several small tins with lids
- Microwave safe bowl
- Double boiler (optional)
Materials
Simple Honey Hand Balm (without Emulsifier or Preservative)
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup almond oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 5 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1-½ tablespoons raw honey
- Essential oils of your choice
Honey Hand Balm with Emulsifier and Preservative
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup almond oil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons shea butter
- ¼ cup beeswax pastilles
- ¼ cup emulsifying wax pastilles
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon Leucidal Liquid SF or any other natural preservative
- Essential oils
Instructions
- Combine everything except for the raw honey, Leucidal Liquid SF (if using), and essential oils in a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second increments for 1–2 minutes, until the oils and beeswax have completely melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler to melt your oils.
- Place the bowl of melted oils in the freezer for about 2 minutes. When you take it out, the mixture should be solid around the edges but still liquid in the middle.
- Stir for about 15 seconds until the mixture comes together almost like a thick batter.
- Add the honey, Leucidal Liquid SF (if using), and essential oils. Stir again. While the Leucidal SF says to let the mixture cool overnight before adding, I've found that the balm is much too solid at that point to mix well. I prefer to add it when the balm is barely at room temperature and still mixable.
- Spoon the balm into a lidded glass container, and pop it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes to cool completely.
- Let the balm solidify before using.
Notes
Quickfire Hand Cream Recipes
Looking for more hand cream inspiration? These homemade hand creams are perfect for overworked hands and extremely dry skin. They contain natural moisturizing factors that provide instant relief and protection to the skin barrier. Additionally, they are made with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, and vitamin E that help reduce dark spots and sun damage.
Shea Butter Hand Cream is a moisturizing hand cream made with natural ingredients that provide instant relief and protection to dry skin. The recipe calls for ½ cup of shea butter, ¼ cup of jojoba oil, 2 tablespoons of rose wax, and 10 drops of vitamin E oil. To make the hand cream, melt the shea butter, jojoba oil, and rose wax in a double boiler until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vitamin E oil. Pour the mixture into a jar and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, whip the mixture using an electric mixer for a few minutes until it becomes fluffy. Store the hand cream in a cool, dry place.
Colloidal Oatmeal Hand Cream is a soothing hand cream that helps relieve dry and irritated skin. The recipe requires ½ cup of shea butter, ¼ cup of colloidal oatmeal, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. To make the hand cream, melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in the colloidal oatmeal and lavender essential oil. Pour the mixture into a jar and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, whip the mixture using an electric mixer for a few minutes until it becomes fluffy. Store the hand cream in a cool, dry place.
Lactic Acid Hand Cream is a nourishing hand cream that contains active ingredients such as lactic acid and peppermint essential oil to help reduce dark spots and sun damage. The recipe requires ½ cup of shea butter, ¼ cup of sweet almond oil, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 1 tablespoon of lactic acid, and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. To make the hand cream, melt the shea butter, sweet almond oil, and beeswax in a double boiler until fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in the lactic acid and peppermint essential oil. Pour the mixture into a jar and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, whip the mixture using an electric mixer for a few minutes until it becomes fluffy. Store the hand cream in a cool, dry place.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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