emebotanicalskincare

Happy International Women's Day!

Here's to all the bold and brilliant women of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, professions, or no profession who continue to inspire us.

I only wish we had more women running our countries. Maybe we wouldn't be in the current precarious position if we did 🤔

Let's spread love, not war ❤️

Almost finished, shall I do a wax top for my Creme Brulee Body Cream 🤔

I think so. Watch this space 😉

How I love Autumn 🍂 😍

Gorse flower oil extract 😊✨️

Following on from my previous post.
I've posted the difference between oils.
I've shared the benefits of gorse flowers for the skin.

Now, to make an oil extract.

Make sure your flowers or whatever plant material you are using are dried very well. You do not want any water contamination. Otherwise, microbes will grow 🧫 You can air dry on paper towels over a week or 2, or you can use a dehydrator on a low and slow temp for a few hours.

Make sure all your equipment and storage jars are sterilised and dry.

Choose your base oil. I like to use jojoba as it is actually a liquid wax and has a very similar composition to our skins sebum. Which, in turn, makes it easier to absorb into the skin. Jojoba is a pe*******on enhancer, and that's just what we want to deliver the plant compounds to where they need to be. You could also use sweet almond, grapeseed, sunflower, or fractionated coconut oil.

Put your dried plant material into a clean glass jar with an air-tight lid. Choose a jar that will be just the right size for the amount you want to make. You want the jar to be filled to the top to reduce air.
I usually do a 1:3 ratio, so for 100g batch, I would use 25g dried material and 75g oil.
Pour the oil into the jar and make sure all of the plant material is covered. Screw on the lid and label with the date and time made. Leave for 2 weeks out of direct sunlight but somewhere warm and shake every day.

Or you could hot infuse the oil. Using a bain marie, or slow cooker on a very low heat for a few hours.
I prefer the slow jar method as you don't risk burning or destroying the plant compounds. You will need to be patient, but it's always worth the wait.

Once infused, use a clean cheese cloth or muslin cloth to strain. Pour into a clean glass pipette bottle and label.

Enjoy your beautiful infused oil. Use on its own, or to make balms and creams.

Emma x

petals to brighten your day ✨️

remedy for helplessness and despair, promotes a sense of and . No wonder this plant literally called to me and drew me in. What I need now more than ever is hope and resilience.

This blooms all year round in mild climates and has a beautiful coconut/vanilla scent. Gorse is part of the pea family (Fabaceae) and is native to Western Europe although it can be found in many places globally now.

Skincare benefits ✨️

Gorse has properties that can help to redness, irritation, and sensitivity. As well as help to soothe
and prone skin.
It also contains and which help to fight free radicals that cause skin damage and premature ageing. Mildly so can be used to help oil production and the skin. Clarins use a Gorse extract in one of thier anti aging creams.

Oil extract coming up 😀

Have a great day beautiful people.

Emma x

Did you know that essential oils, plant/carrier oils, and oil extracts differ in their composition, extraction methods, and uses?

🌿 Essential oils are volatile, aromatic compounds extracted from plants via steam distillation or cold pressing. They are highly concentrated and have therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving effects. For the skin, they can help multiple complaints and aid in circulation when properly diluted. When inhaled, they provide the same benifits and more for well-being. These potent treasures should be used according to IFRA guidelines to prevent negative reactions and should be used sparingly due to the plant matter needed to make them. 1 10ml bottle of rose essential oil takes 100kg - 200kg of petals to make! Hence, the price of rose essential oil 😳

🌿 Plant, or carrier oils, are extracted from seeds, nuts, or fruits (e.g., jojoba, coconut, or argan oil). They are rich in fatty acids and vitamins, providing deep hydration, nourishment, and barrier protection for the skin. They can be used on their own, blended with other base oils, and as a carrier for essential oils or other oil soluble actives.

🌿 Oil extracts involve infusing plant materials into a carrier oil to extract the active compounds (e.g., calendula or rosemary-infused oils). Oil extracts retain the therapeutic properties of both the plant and the carrier oil, offering skin-soothing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.

Each type of oil serves a unique role in skincare and holistic wellness.

I love to make oil extracts. They can be used for multiple applications and are much more sustainable than essential oils. Especially if you grow your own organic plant material and source the base oils from a reputable ethical supplier. They are easy to make, and the rewards are numerous.

Stay tuned for a Gorse oil extract I am currently making.

Emma xx

I got a day in my lab 🙌
Some soap making, a couple of shampoo bars, and working on an aftershave elixir with a high scent to use instead of a spray fragrance. As usual everything is as natural as it can be organic and as sustainable as I can find ✨️ 😊

Hey all, it's been a while 👋
EME is still here, and so am I, with my old look back 😆

I have been taking a social media break as I continue to be busy caring for my elderly disabled father, myself, and my family.

I am still formulating in my spare time and am still dreaming of having my own business one day.

I know now that it will be in education, not production. Knowledge is power, and there definitely needs to be more nonbias research-based information out there on homemade skin/hair care products and how to look after the skin/hair holistically in a way that will protect the microbiome and the planet.

I am growing increasingly concerned about all the DIY natural skin/hair care recipes out there that are not being made by people with the right skills or knowledge. Just because something is natural does not make it safe for the skin or compatible with the skin. And if I see one more person measuring in cups, spoons, or drops, or not adding a preservative or adjusting pH in a water-containing product, I might go insane 😡🤬

Please, everyone, remember that personal care products should be essential, mindful, and effective and made by someone who knows about the skin and how to use ingredients correctly.

Anyone can formulate but learn from a reputable source, not from someone who just wants to sell you stuff to make a quick buck from their Amazon storefront!

Formula Botanica has a brilliant website, blog, and podcast full of free info for formulators at all stages. They also have paid courses available.
I'd also recommend for safe and effective formulations that also include make-up and haircare. Loads of free formulations and info on ingredients and even more if you become a patron.
is a great UK supplier and also has lots of free formulations for you to try on their website.
is another fab UK supplier who also does a range of ready-made bases that you can tailor.

So until I have the time to share all my secrets with you, check out these resources and happy formulating!

Emma xx

Easter Mini Bath Bombs are in the making.

With a few simple ingredients, you can make Bath Bombs in a jiffy.

Why waste your money buying them when you can make them?

I've tried a slightly different formula this time. If they harden well and turn out OK, I'll post the finished results and full formulation🙏

Wishing you all a Happy Easter 🐣🐰

Emma x

Every morning I dip my (clean & dry) fingers into this gorgeous gel I am reminded -

1. How beautiful our world and our oceans are and how important it is to protect them.
2. How proud I am of my formulation and that I know about every ingredient. How they were grown, harvested and processed and what benefits they have for the skin.
3. That it contains only organic and biodegradable ingredients that won't damage our waterways or environment once washed down the drain.
4. I know that what I am putting on my skin will enhance and feed my natural barrier & microbiome, not damage or strip it.

Can you say the same about the skincare products you use?

How much do you know about what goes into high street products?

Consumers are becoming more conscious but there is still a long way to go.

Learning how to formulate is a life skill I would recommend to everyone.
But remember, learn from a reputable source! Never measure in drops or spoons and take an accredited course on natural preservation unless you want to be smearing bacteria, mould and fungus on your face 🤯

I am thinking of doing an ebook so everyone can learn how to make this amazing oleogel themselves.
Would you be interested?

Hope you have a great day beautiful people.

Emma xx