Hands belonging to a homesteader take a lot of abuse…
Especially when said homesteader is not a fan of wearing gloves.
Like me.
I mean, yeah, I do wear gloves when it’s really cold, or when I’m doing something really rough (like rolling up barbed wire), but otherwise, I like to be able to feel and touch what I’m doing. And gloves just hamper my style.
As a result, I’ve been told several times that my hands look rather “old” for my age.
But you know what? I rather like my “old” looking hands. And these hands have done a lot of stuff in their 30+ years…
- They’ve held the reins of the hundreds of different horses that I’ve ridden.
- They’ve kneaded countless loaves of bread.
- They’ve assisted with all sorts of different surgeries (back when I was a Vet Tech)
- They’ve rocked my babies.
- They’ve torn down/built/and fixed a whole lot of fence.
- They’ve played piano music for church services, weddings, and funerals.
- They’ve milked cows. And goats.
- They’ve shook the hands of some really amazing people.
- And they’ve shoveled manure, cleared brush, weeded, and planted…
So, if my hands want to look a little “well-used,” well, I’m totally fine with that. 😉
I’ve found that spring time is especially hard on my hands. I usually jump right into digging, planting, and weeding, which results in crusty, chapped skin. (Playing in the dirt really dries my skin out quickly–has anyone else noticed that?)
Sometimes regular hand lotions/hand creams just don’t cut it–especially if they are the cheapo kind.
That’s where this amazing homemade hand cream recipe comes in. I use a variation of this homemade lotion on my cow’s udder, but I tweaked the recipe a bit to make it more suited for hands that are sandpapery and rough after days spent out in the garden. Here’s how you can whip up a batch for yourself:
Homemade Hand Cream Recipe
(this post contains affiliate links)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shea butter (where to buy)
- 1/8 cup sweet almond oil (where to buy)
- 1 tablespoon beeswax (where to buy)
- 10 drops myrrh essential oil (how to get the best prices on my favorite essential oils)
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
Instructions:
Melt the shea butter, beeswax, and sweet almond oil together in a double boiler. (I just use a Pyrex measuring cup and place it in a pot of simmering water).
Stir the mixture as it melts.
Once everything is melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Stir in the essential oils, and pour the liquid hand cream into a small glass container. Allow it to harden completely (this usually takes several hours).
Apply this homemade hand cream recipe to your dry hands as often as needed–especially after a long day working outside or playing in the dirt.
Notes:
- Why shea butter? Shea butter is known to provide powerful moisturizing and nourishing benefits for the skin. You could also substitute half of the shea butter for 1/8 cup cocoa butter or coconut oil.
- Why sweet almond oil? Sweet almond oil is a wonderful moisturizer that also contains vitamins that nourish and soothe the skin. If you don’t have sweet almond, you can substitute jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.
- Why beeswax? The beeswax in this recipe helps the hand butter to set up and stay firm. It also coats the skin and protects it. If you want your hand butter to be softer, try reducing the beeswax. If you would like it firmer, increase the amount of beeswax. I like to use the small beeswax pellets when I make DIY salves/balms since they are easier to melt and measure.
- Why myrrh and cedarwood essential oils? These are two essential oils that are known for their ability to soothe and nourish skin. However, there are many other essential oils that work well in skincare too, so feel free to substitute/play around a bit. My other suggestions would be: lavender, geranium, frankincense, and sandalwood.
- If you use the essential oils I mentioned in the recipe, the finished product has a earthy, woodsy smell which I love. If you are wanting a bit more of a feminine scent, trying adding in 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Looking for the most cost-effective way to purchase high-quality essential oils? Look no further!
- Feel free to double the recipe if you like– as written, it makes a fairly small amount, but a little bit goes a long way.
- If your house is very hot in the summer, this hand butter might get a little runny. If that’s a problem, you can store it in the fridge.
- I like to apply my hand butter at night, right before bed. This allows the butter to soak in (without me accidentally washing it off).
- For a fluffier, more decadent hand cream, try my whipped body butter recipe. BONUS = it smells like chocolate….
Looking for more DIY skin recipes? Here ya go:
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home says
May 6, 2014 at 10:32 pmI was just about to call it a night and your email popped into my inbox. I always love everything you post, but I just had to stop and take a moment tonight to comment … What a beautiful post! I absolutely love your perspective of embracing the fact that your hands represent a life well lived! Amen to that, sister! As I’ve reached my 40s, I look in the mirror and it’s easy to get caught up in the world’s view of what is beautiful. But true beauty is a life that is “well-used” – a life full of hard work as God has gifted us … a life that reflects joy and grace from the inside out. I wish you lived nearby so I could give you a hug with my “old” hands because you have certainly touched me with your wisdom! You are such a blessing! xo
Jill Winger says
May 11, 2014 at 2:01 pmThank you so much Kelly– you are always such an encouragement to me! I wish you lived nearby too! <3
Linda W. says
May 15, 2014 at 7:49 pmThank you, ladies, for your comments. I am 40 this year, and it has been a somewhat difficult thought that I am 40! When I look in the mirror and see the beginning of gray hairs and beginnings of slight wrinkles, I wonder who I am looking at! However, I am very blessed to know that my husband loves me very much, no matter the wrinkles, gray hairs, and extra pounds that I carry. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful man! And I am working to realize that the woman in the mirror is going down the road that God would have me go, gray hairs and all!! God bless, and thanks again for your comments!
Jeri says
May 20, 2014 at 9:55 amI turned 40 on Sunday and was thinking the exact same thing! God Bless!
Bonnie headen says
November 17, 2017 at 9:16 pmWait till you turn 60 girls! None of it matters, be secure in who you are inside. There’s a new Immortal body coming!
Joetta Smith says
May 13, 2019 at 7:20 amThis hand butter is amazing! Love, love it!
Jessica says
February 12, 2017 at 10:57 pmLove this hand lotion! Use it every day nails stopped splitting and it’s absolutely amazing! Love your recipes and thanks for sharing:)
Cathy says
May 7, 2014 at 6:32 amSo glad for this post! I am the same way as you and have rough, scratchy hands, lol!
Sharon G says
May 7, 2014 at 7:05 amThanks for that recipe! My hands are a bit of a disaster after working in my garden….
Fran Parker says
May 7, 2014 at 7:11 amWhat a great recipe. I have to get the other ingredients but I did have some Almond Oil in the house and tried just some of that on my hands and it left them silky smooth despite the abuse they get.
I will be getting the other items as well to make my own.
I love all your articles. Thanks for all you do!
Lucy says
May 7, 2014 at 8:25 amGardening really dries your hands out. I am anxious to try your “recipe”. Thanks!
Debbie says
May 7, 2014 at 8:46 amThanks for the easy hand butter recipe. I love essential oils and always looking for easy recipes to make. I am going to try this for my “rough” feet. Thank you!!
Jill Winger says
May 11, 2014 at 2:00 pmYes– it’d be great for feet too!
DJ says
May 7, 2014 at 9:10 amI would caution against using pyrex in a double boiler type set-up. While I realize
that it is working for you, it can be a dangerous thing to do. Experience has taught me
that the glass can actually explode if heated this way. Please everyone, be very careful.
The recipe sounds wonderful, these ingredients are wonderful for our skin. Thanks for all you do to inform and educate.
Jill Winger says
May 11, 2014 at 2:00 pmGood to know! I’ve never had that happen, but I might consider my set-up now!
Jen says
May 17, 2014 at 12:48 pmI’ve noticed that you can get a suction under the glass cup if you get the water too hot. I use a couple of sealer rings to lift the glass off the bottom of the pot so there is very little risk of a broken cup. I use this when I melt honey in a mason jar. It’s a very simple solution. Thanks for the recipe!
Heather says
May 23, 2014 at 2:22 amWhat other type of container would you recommend? I am currently looking for a new type of container to make natural lip butter in, as well.. (Where my recipe has *extremely* similar ingredients to this hand butter!!) I can just buy more of some ingredients and double-up on skin care health. I never go to bed without my lip balm/butter, and this sounds like the perfect thing to nourish my “well-worn” hands as well. Thank You!
Daryle in VT says
April 26, 2018 at 10:58 amStainless steel works fairly well. Any camping supplier would have a good choice of campfire cups that would work.
I think Bulk Apothecary had smaller jars, should you make too much and have to give some away.
Prairie Wife says
May 7, 2014 at 2:40 pmThis will definitely do the trick..I hate to wear gloves too and by the end of Spring things are looking a little rough lol!
Colette says
May 7, 2014 at 7:44 pmJust wondering if it is important to the quality to store in a glass container? My packrat tendencies make it difficult to toss out the plastic containers of my current face moisturizer – they have a “wide-mouth” opening that would be perfect for something like this.
Jill Winger says
May 11, 2014 at 1:58 pmYou could probably substitute a plastic container in a pinch. I’m just a fan of glass myself. 🙂
Laura says
May 8, 2014 at 5:58 amThis recipe also makes for a wonderful diaper ointment (minus the essential oils). It’s very nourishing & the beeswax helps to protect those little buns
Jill Winger says
May 11, 2014 at 1:57 pmYes it would! 🙂
Sandra says
April 25, 2018 at 12:15 pmAdd some doTERRA Balance eo for the baby bum!
Ursula says
May 8, 2014 at 8:55 amCan you state the cost to make this and about how much it makes? Curious before I go buying the ingredients.
Jill Winger says
May 11, 2014 at 1:57 pmThe cost depends on where you purchase the ingredients, but it makes around 1/3 of a cup of hand butter.
Ursula says
May 27, 2014 at 9:24 amJill I realize that it would vary depending on where the ingredients are purchased but can you tell me an approximate amount?
Cj Wahlen says
May 8, 2014 at 11:40 amI use steric acid and emulsifying wax in my recipe. It is very similar to this one accept that I also add mango butter and some other oils. The mango and Shea work we’ll together to remove caluses’.
Heather says
May 9, 2014 at 5:25 pmPlease can someone make do it yourself recipes that are safe for people with nut and seed allergies? I can’t use most if the ingredients listed and even the substitutes listed. I admit I am quite discouraged because I can’t buy pre made body care that I don’t react to and all the home made recipes I see contain nuts and seeds and oils derived from them.
Rob says
August 25, 2016 at 6:23 amJust use a little coconut oil – it absorbs quickly, & leaves hands (& face) feeling lovely & smooth. For really dry hands, use olive oil – but it will take longer to absorb in.
Gwynneth says
May 17, 2014 at 9:30 amIt is nice to hear that someone else likes to play in the dirt without gloves and that you embrace the signs of the passing of time. Grey hair, wrinkles, ages spots, stretch marks show that we have experienced LIFE. They tell a story. I am excited and encouraged when I hear other women say they are okay with these changes. We are in the process of becoming wise women who will be the ones our daughters and grand daughters will look to for advice. Thank you for this post and recipe.
Jill Winger says
May 17, 2014 at 2:42 pmYes, they do indeed tell a story, don’t they? I love that. 🙂
Monte Turner says
May 17, 2014 at 4:07 pmI made this today… well my version of it and it’s awesome!!
Jill Winger says
May 19, 2014 at 1:15 pmYAY!
sue says
May 17, 2014 at 8:36 pmBe careful when using conventional oils. Many times harsh petroleum solvents are used to separate the oil from the plant pulp. You want “cold pressed” oils at the least, “Organic cold pressed” or “expeller pressed” would be the best. (it’s not only how they grow the plant (almonds are sprayed a lot!) but how the oil is processed. Anything you put on your hands is immediately in your blood stream because of all the tiny blood vessels servicing nerves which control the dexterity and sense of touch in your hands.
Sarah says
May 18, 2014 at 7:38 amI get dirt ground into my cuticles, under my nails and sometimes in little wrinkles of my hands even though I am wearing gloves! I love the idea of having a cream especially for gardeners hands, thanks for the recipe. I agree with above, I would rather have hands that show I have a good productive life!
Jill Winger says
May 19, 2014 at 1:14 pmAmen sister!
Buddy says
May 24, 2014 at 12:47 pmKelly thank you so much for this recipe, it sounds wonderful, I’m ordering everything to make it. I just have a question, could I substitute coconut oil for shea butter and have the salve come out an work as well. I have chronic psoriasis and I’m gonna try this instead of nsaids. Thank you so much. Buddy
Aga says
June 27, 2014 at 4:43 amHow long can this last? Does it need to be stored in the refrigerator? I would like to try and make my own cosmetics but I wonder about the bacteria growing in them as they do not contain preservatives. Are there any natural ingredients that preserve it?
Jill Winger says
June 30, 2014 at 10:10 amI don’t store mine in the fridge–and it’s lasted several months at least. The essential oils are natural preservatives.
Charlotte says
August 15, 2016 at 7:48 pmI just made this and it never whipped creamy. Gonna try a half jar on my blender to see if that helps. It is quite humid so that could be an issue. I used nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
Jill Winger says
August 17, 2016 at 3:02 pmYes– if it’s too warm, it won’t whip.
Sue Buckley says
December 15, 2016 at 11:35 amCan the gardeners hand butter be whipped?
Sue Buckley says
December 15, 2016 at 11:57 amAnswered my own question. Experimented with a batch and turned out beautifully!
Jill Winger says
December 20, 2016 at 2:22 pmYeah! Glad it know it works!
Diane Farias says
December 13, 2018 at 3:24 pmBlender may not incorporate enough air to the mix to make it whip up . Try a mixer
alex says
December 10, 2016 at 9:15 amThank you for your recipe…I would like to make that wonderful handcream for my dad’s name day as a present and it will be really helpful if you can tell me instead of cups how much oz or grams is exactly the shea butter and the sweet almond oil.
Nada says
March 11, 2017 at 11:37 amJill .. thank you so much for this recipe
I used it for my feet and it’s amazing, never saw my feet that smooth ?
Also i put a tiny portion on my face (just tried that now) and it seems it’ll turn out perfect
The only issue i am facing is that it has a sandy texture! Any clue why ? And how to avoid it in the future ?
Darcie Miller says
February 23, 2018 at 4:33 pmThe shea butter can feel sandy or gritty, but melts into your skin
Julie says
April 9, 2017 at 5:37 pmIt is cool
Beachspirit2 says
April 12, 2017 at 9:41 amI use grass fed beef tallow to set up mine as it’s the closest fat in both proportion of fatty acids and type to our own skin. You can use it straight and your skin will drink it in and then it’s gone with no residue. Best antiaging stuff I’ve ever tried. But, you can smell like McDonalds and your pets love you. It also helps firm up the sesame oil and almond oil portions. Lemon oil works for both men and women as a scent when you don’t want to smell beefy.
Queenie says
April 12, 2017 at 10:07 amPlease do not use Lemon Essential Oil in this if you will be outside as it is phototoxic and the rays from the sun can do much damage.
Mary Ann says
April 18, 2017 at 10:18 amGreat recipe! I used different oils and added some Vit. E. Instead of using a double boiler I put the pyrex in a toaster oven at a low temp – worked great. In a previous reply I saw warnings about pyrex exploding – its the newer pyrex that is made in China that is dangerous.
dawn says
May 17, 2017 at 11:33 amhi jill,
i have a block of bees wax. would the measurement for me be 1 tablespoon grated wax?
Laurie says
May 17, 2017 at 12:10 pmIt would be nice if your recipes were in grams too. 🙂
What is the best essential oil to use in place of cedar of the ones you suggest? I have an allergy to it. Or will any of them work equally well?
Shelley says
May 17, 2017 at 2:35 pmThank you! I’m going to have to order the ingredients and get right on this one. I am exactly like you too. I don’t like wearing gloves and my hands are really rough looking right now. Sometimes I’ve been embarrassed of my hands, especially when I see other women with perfectly manicured nails, but your comment about being proud of your hands for all the good work they have done over the years made me think differently. I’m going to be proud of my “old” hands too!
Jill Winger says
May 31, 2017 at 1:51 pmHeck yes!! Be proud of those hard-working hands, girlfriend!
dawn says
June 15, 2017 at 5:40 pmanother earthy scent is frankincense, myrrh, and lemon, in basically a 3:1:1 ratio.
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Diana says
August 11, 2017 at 7:40 pmThank you for sharing. I’m just getting started experimenting with oils.
I like your recipe. I love the woodsy smell also,so was thrilled to get your mixture. Thanks DJG
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suzanne Iarrobino says
September 1, 2017 at 2:27 amthank you so much Jill for your recipe for our hard working hands you are such a beautiful woman that loves the LORD i have just turned 71 and love to do everything natural just getting into making my own laundry detergent and natural house cleaners no more toxic cleaners for me i wish i do gardening , dig dirt cut grass, home made cooking raising 2 grands they are now 20 and 25 yrs and really good young adults love the Lord very respectful I praise the Lord i am healthy and do not have to take any meds. I love your site i guess we all wished we lived near you lol Many Blessings to you and your family please keep it up Yeshua (Jesus name in Hebrew)love you and so do I 🙂
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Melissa Irish says
December 19, 2017 at 6:34 amdoes this feel greasy going on?
Cara H says
December 19, 2017 at 4:13 pmHi,
I just made these and thought it would be helpful to share my feedback. We aimed for (50) 4oz containers of this hand cream. We used (4) 14 oz containers of shea butter, (2.5)15oz bottles of sweet almond oil and about (1/2) a bag of yellow beeswax. We were able to make all 50 oz containers + we had about 22 oz extra. This doesn’t include spillage when filling the containers. I thought this would be helpful for anyone making these bulk. Ps. We upped the amount of EO used – we made these in batches and used 3 tsp per batch – one of myrrh, one of cedarwood, one of lavender. Each batch had 1/2 cup beeswax, 8 oz sweet almond oil, and 14 oz of shea butter.
Karla McCusker says
February 24, 2018 at 6:48 pmHas anyone had a problem with it being a little greasy?
Aileen says
December 27, 2017 at 6:03 amHi!
What container and wich size did you use for this hand cream? Thank you 🙂
Toni says
January 27, 2018 at 12:26 pmMan, I forgot how much I love beeswax lotions. My hands feel so much better. Regular lotion just wasn’t getting the job done!
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June Green says
February 20, 2018 at 7:04 amWhat is this?…the sisterhood of the old looking hands? I belong here! Thank you so much for your message,its just what I needed to hear, I love my beautiful old looking hands and they have done pretty incredible things throughout the years and today will be extra special,thanks to you. God bless you.
Annegret says
March 2, 2018 at 10:08 amI don`t seem to have this problem during the summer time, but as soon as the temperatures going down at the end of autumn/fall, it starts on a regular basis. My skin cracks and the top of my fingers around the nails and a bit further down, get these little cuts (like paper cuts). Then my fingers and the inside of my hands sound like sandpaper, when I rub them against each other. I can`t even touch certain things (fabric), when my hands are like this. I have tried a mixture of coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil, but its like the mixture isn`t getting absorbed by my skin (it just seems to lay on the top of my skin). Getting more and more frustrated now. Tried commercial hand creams (different ones to no avail). Any idea what I am doing wrong ?
Judi Castille says
April 25, 2018 at 8:38 amWill try when back home. I wear globes if I can as I still need them to be in a decent state when I go out. But some extra help won’t go amiss.
Jeanette Duurvoort says
December 15, 2018 at 6:52 amI have made a hand cream with cocoa butter, and discovered not many E.O. mix well with the cocoa smell. I want to try yours….must I put the cream (finished product) in GLASS Is food safe plastic O.K to use?? THNX kindly.
I am still reading ….your web site is …moving THNX
Paige says
December 29, 2018 at 12:31 pmThis looks amazing! I can’t wait to make this. I see in your notes you say you can use lavender essential oil instead. Do that mean a total of 20 drops of lavender or just 10?
Betty Miller says
February 21, 2019 at 8:44 pmI will never by commercial hand cream again. My husband loves this too! I quickly made more as gifts for my mom and aunt. They were highly impressed as well!!!!
Stephanie says
February 23, 2019 at 2:49 pmHow long will the hand cream keep? How should it be stored if making extra?
Hélène says
April 17, 2019 at 7:21 amI simply mix frankincense and lavender into coconut oil. Bam, beautiful hand or body help.
Sharon says
April 17, 2019 at 7:35 amI have tried several versions of homemade body butters, whipped body butters and hand creams – so far they have all turned into a hard salve-like consistency. The shea butter and the beeswax makes it hard…too hard to spread. I love the idea of making my own skincare, but there are so many different recipes out there! I’m going to keep trying! I’m not a fan of a strong shea butter smell. I didn’t know that until I made some body butter with it… no amount of essential oils could hide the smell.
Marilyn says
April 17, 2019 at 12:59 pmYes, I’ve noticed that dirt dries my skin out quickly. It gets really rough and dry in a quick hurry. I also don’t like wearing gloves and to complicate things, I wash my hands every time I turn around, so there’s no point in putting lotion on any time during the day. My lotion has to do it’s work at night. I’ve rarely found a lotion that will soften and re-hydrate my skin. I’m anxious to try your recipe to see if it works.