How to Make Manuka Honey Skin Cream: 4 Easy DIY Recipes
Are you looking to enhance your skincare routine with natural ingredients? Making your own Manuka honey skin cream is easy and well worth the effort, as this ingredient is known for its skin-nourishing qualities.
Manuka honey is known for its potent antibacterial and healing properties, making it a perfect choice for soothing and nourishing skin. We wrote our first post on Manuka honey years ago and we’re still excited about it as an ideal ingredient in skincare.
- Creating your own Manuka honey cream allows you to customize the formula to suit your skin’s specific needs while avoiding harmful chemicals often found in commercial products.
- By using Manuka honey along with other quality ingredients like shea butter and essential oils, you can craft a luxurious cream suitable for most skin types.
- Whether you are targeting dryness or blemishes or simply aiming to achieve moisture retention, DIY Manuka skin cream offers a natural solution tailored to your skincare preferences.
We love DIYs and natural skincare. Natural skincare is best in every way, and when you make your own products at home, you have full control over scents, ingredient quality, and desired effects.
Benefits of Manuka Honey in Skincare
Manuka honey boasts a plethora of skincare benefits that make it a powerhouse ingredient in natural skincare products.
Dry Skin
Manuka honey is renowned for its moisturizing qualities. It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and locking it in for a hydrated and supple complexion. Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin, as manuka honey works to keep your skin soft and nourished.
Acne, Eczema, or Sensitive Skin
For those struggling with acne, eczema, or sensitive skin, manuka honey can be a game-changer. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing.
Acne-prone skin benefits from manuka honey’s antibacterial properties, which can aid in preventing and treating breakouts. Eczema sufferers find relief in the soothing effects of manuka honey, which eases itching and promotes skin repair.
Basic Manuka Honey Skin Cream Recipe
The below recipe is a simple and basic template for making your own Manuka Honey skin cream. We’ve also included three additional recipes in the next section for more varied applications. However, you can easily use the recipe below as a starter template and modify it to suit your desired skincare outcomes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of shea butter
- 1 teaspoon of beeswax
- 3-4 drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent
Directions:
- Preparing the Mixture: In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together until fully combined.
- Adding Manuka Honey: Once melted, remove the mixture from heat and carefully stir in the Manuka honey. Ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Incorporating Essential Oil: Drop in your chosen essential oil and mix well to infuse the cream with a delightful scent.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into a clean, airtight container for storage. Let it set at room temperature until firm.
7 Essential Oils for DIY Manuka Skin Creams
Lavender Oil
Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender oil can help reduce skin inflammation and promote relaxation, making it ideal for nighttime creams.
Tea Tree Oil
With strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is excellent for acne-prone skin and can help clear up blemishes while using Manuka honey cream.
Frankincense Oil
Helps to promote the regeneration of healthy skin cells, making the skin appear smoother and firmer. It’s also beneficial for reducing the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Rosehip Oil
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, rosehip oil is highly effective for hydrating dry, itchy skin and reducing signs of aging.
Chamomile Oil
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile oil can soothe irritated skin, making it a great addition to creams used for sensitive or inflamed skin.
Geranium Oil
Helps regulate oil production, tighten the skin, and improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Geranium oil also has a balancing effect on the skin’s natural oils.
Ylang Ylang Oil
Known for its balancing effect on sebum levels in the skin, Ylang Ylang is beneficial for both dry and oily skin types. It also has a soothing fragrance that enhances the sensory experience of your DIY cream.
These essential oils not only add fragrance to your Manuka honey cream but also enhance the cream’s therapeutic properties to suit various skin types and conditions.
3 Simple Manuka Honey Skincare Recipes
Manuka honey can easily be blended with other luxurious ingredients to create creams, balms, or lotions for a variety of skincare outcomes. Let’s dive into three easy recipes below.
1.) Moisturizing Manuka Honey Body Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut butter
- 2 tablespoons Manuka honey
- Optional: 10-15 drops of essential oil (like lavender or rose for fragrance)
Instructions:
- Combine coconut oil, shea butter, and coconut butter in a double boiler over low heat. Stir until completely melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in Manuka honey until well incorporated.
- If using, add essential oils and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a clean jar and allow it to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will solidify into a creamy body butter.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.
2.) Anti-Wrinkle Manuka Honey Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup almond oil (infused with Manuka oil)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons Manuka honey
- Optional: Vitamin E oil for an extra antioxidant boost
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, gently melt the coconut oil and almond oil together.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding the egg yolk. Whisk vigorously to ensure the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the Manuka honey (and Vitamin E oil if using).
- Once fully combined, pour the cream into an airtight container and let it set in the refrigerator.
- Use nightly after cleansing. Apply a thin layer to the face and neck, avoiding direct contact with the eyes.
3.) DIY Moisturizing Eye Cream with Manuka Honey
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon Manuka honey
- Optional: 5 drops of chamomile essential oil for extra soothing properties
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt the beeswax slowly. Once it begins to melt, add the avocado oil and jojoba oil, stirring constantly until well combined and fully melted.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to a lukewarm temperature. At this point, carefully stir in the Manuka honey and chamomile oil if using.
- Pour the mixture into a small, clean jar with a lid. Allow it to cool and set at room temperature.
- Apply gently around the eyes at night, using your ring finger for minimal pressure to avoid tugging at delicate skin.
These tailored recipes provide specific benefits for different skin needs, leveraging the natural properties of Manuka honey to enhance skin health and appearance.
Wrap-Up: Manuka Honey Cream
Creating your own Manuka honey cream with natural ingredients is a simple yet effective way to enhance your skincare routine.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Skincare with Manuka Honey Cream
Natural, Effective, Personalized
Introducing Manuka honey into your skincare through DIY creams offers a natural, effective way to enhance your skin. These recipes allow you to customize products to your specific skin needs, embracing a personalized approach to beauty.
Eco-Friendly Beauty
Creating your own skincare products also supports sustainable beauty practices by reducing packaging waste and avoiding harsh chemicals. Ditch the synthetic skincare products and reduce your daily exposure to chemicals with natural ingredients.
Start Your DIY Journey
Try these Manuka honey cream recipes for yourself and see the difference in your skin’s texture and overall glow. Embrace this simple step towards a healthier, more radiant complexion.
FAQ: Manuka Honey Cream
1. Why Manuka, and why is it good for the skin?
Manuka honey is a unique type of honey native to New Zealand, produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush.
It is renowned for its superior antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it particularly beneficial for skin care. It helps to heal blemishes, soothe irritated skin, and improve skin hydration.
2. Can I use Manuka honey cream on sensitive skin?
Yes, Manuka honey cream is generally safe for sensitive skin due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. However, if you have allergies or extremely sensitive skin, it’s advisable to perform a patch test first or consult with a dermatologist before regular use.
3. How often should I use Manuka honey cream?
Manuka honey cream can be used daily as part of your skincare routine. For best results, consider using it twice a day, in the morning and evening, to maintain hydrated and nourished skin. When possible, we suggest using moisturizers immediately after showering or bathing.
4. How long does homemade Manuka honey cream last?
Homemade Manuka honey cream can last for up to a month if stored properly in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration can extend its shelf life, but check the consistency and smell before use to ensure it’s still good to use.
Some preserving essential oils like rosemary can make it last longer.
5. Can I add other natural ingredients to my Manuka honey cream?
Absolutely! You can customize your Manuka honey cream by adding other natural ingredients like aloe vera for extra soothing properties, vitamin E for enhanced skin repair, or other essential oils suited for your skin type to boost the cream’s benefits.
The recipes we mentioned are a good starting point. Feel free to customize and tweak them according to your needs.
6. Where can I buy quality Manuka honey?
Quality Manuka honey can be purchased from health food stores, some supermarkets, or online retailers that specialize in natural products. Look for UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) certification to ensure you are getting genuine and potent Manuka honey. Generally speaking, the higher the UMF, the better.
7. Is there a vegan alternative to beeswax in the recipes?
Yes, for those seeking a vegan option, candelilla wax or soy wax can be used as an alternative to beeswax. These plant-based waxes will help achieve a similar texture in your Manuka honey cream.
8. Can Manuka honey cream help with acne?
Yes, thanks to its antibacterial properties, Manuka honey can help in treating acne. It helps reduce acne bacteria and soothe inflammation, promoting clearer skin. However, it’s best to use it as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen tailored to acne-prone skin.
Also, remember that other lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and stress management have effects on acne. Natural skincare is but one part of the holistic approach to mitigating acne.
9. How do I store my DIY Manuka honey cream correctly?
Store your DIY Manuka honey cream in a clean, airtight container to prevent contamination and oxidation. Keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard. If your home is warm or humid, you might consider storing it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness for a longer period.
10. Can children use Manuka honey cream?
While Manuka honey is natural and gentle, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician before applying Manuka honey cream on children, especially if they have sensitive skin or allergies. We also always suggest patch testing when using any new skincare products, including ones you purchase from the store.