Cold Cream Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Moisturizer Guide

Cold cream has been a beloved skincare staple for centuries, known for its luxurious moisturizing and gentle cleansing properties. Traditionally made with animal-derived ingredients like beeswax and lanolin, cold cream can now be enjoyed in a completely vegan form without sacrificing its rich, soothing qualities.

Whether you have sensitive skin, prefer cruelty-free beauty, or simply want to avoid harsh chemicals, this vegan cold cream recipe offers a nourishing alternative that you can easily make at home.

In this post, I’ll guide you through crafting a creamy, natural cold cream using plant-based oils and waxes that hydrate and protect your skin. Perfect for removing makeup, calming dryness, or simply pampering your face, this cold cream is gentle yet effective.

Plus, you’ll find tips to customize it to your skin type and suggestions for usage that elevate your self-care routine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cold cream recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a natural, eco-friendly skincare option. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have or can easily find at your local health store.

The blend of plant oils and candelilla wax gives it a rich texture that melts beautifully into your skin without feeling greasy or heavy.

Unlike commercial creams filled with preservatives and synthetic fragrances, this cold cream is free from artificial additives and tailored for sensitive skin. It’s multi-purpose: use it as a gentle makeup remover, a hydrating night cream, or a soothing balm after sun exposure.

And because you make it yourself, you can adjust the scent and texture to your liking.

Ready to treat your skin with some vegan love? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (solid but soft at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup sweet almond oil (or jojoba oil for a lighter feel)
• 2 tablespoons candelilla wax pellets (vegan alternative to beeswax)
• 2 tablespoons distilled water (or rose water for a floral touch)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin (optional, for added hydration)
• 5-10 drops essential oil (lavender, chamomile, or frankincense work beautifully)

Equipment

• Double boiler or heatproof bowl over a saucepan
• Glass mixing bowl
• Small whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Clean glass jar or tin for storage
• Spatula or spoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the double boiler: Fill a saucepan with about two inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place your heatproof bowl on top, making sure it does not touch the water.
2. Melt oils and wax: Add coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and candelilla wax pellets to the bowl. Stir occasionally until everything is fully melted and combined. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Heat the water phase: In a separate small pot or microwave-safe container, warm the distilled water (or rose water) to roughly the same temperature as the melted oils — warm but not boiling.
4. Combine phases: Slowly pour the warm water into the melted oil and wax mixture while whisking vigorously. This helps emulsify the ingredients, creating a creamy texture.
5. Add glycerin and essential oils: Stir in the vegetable glycerin (if using) and your chosen essential oils. Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken and cool.
6. Cool and store: Pour the cream into a clean glass jar or tin. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then seal the container with a lid.
7. Use: Apply a small amount to your face with gentle circular motions. Use as a nightly moisturizer or makeup remover by massaging it on and wiping off with a warm, damp cloth.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If your cream hardens too much in cooler climates, gently warm it between your fingers before application to soften.

For a lighter cream, reduce the candelilla wax to 1 tablespoon and increase almond oil to 1/3 cup—this creates a softer lotion-like texture.

Try adding a teaspoon of aloe vera gel for extra soothing benefits, especially if you have sensitive or irritated skin.

You can customize your cold cream with different essential oils depending on your mood or skin needs. Lavender and chamomile calm inflammation, while frankincense supports skin regeneration.

Always do a patch test before using new oils.

Nutrition Facts

Note: This cream is designed for topical use only and is not meant for ingestion.

Serving Suggestions

Apply your vegan cold cream daily as part of your skincare routine. Use it:

• As a gentle makeup remover by massaging onto dry skin and wiping away with a warm cloth.
• As a nourishing night cream to restore moisture while you sleep.
• On dry patches like elbows or knees for extra hydration.
• After sun exposure to soothe and repair skin.

Want to complement your natural skincare with homemade treats? Check out my Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for a delicious vegan dessert that’s just as wholesome.

Also, if you’re exploring more creative recipes, don’t miss the savory flavors in the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the hearty goodness of the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan cold cream is a rewarding way to care for your skin naturally and sustainably. This recipe offers a gentle, hydrating formula free from synthetic chemicals and animal products, making it perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a luxurious cream that cleanses, moisturizes, and soothes your skin.

By customizing the essential oils and consistency, you can tailor this cold cream to exactly what your skin craves. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your skincare products allows you to avoid irritants and support your skin’s health holistically.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the glowing, soft skin that comes with mindful, vegan beauty care.

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