With temperatures rising, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the sun. To stay safe while enjoying the rays, I always lather on layers and layers of sunscreen. But, even with proper precautions, sun exposure can cause dry and irritated skin. Years ago, I developed a recipe for “skinsicles,” a frozen combination of skin soothing ingredients. Click here to see the recipe and tutorial. Next week is going to be hot and sunny, so I thought it would be the perfect time to revisit and simplify the “skinsicle” recipe.
These Aloe Vera and Lavender Skin Soothing Cubes contain a combination of aloe vera liquid and fresh aloe vera juice from inside the plant. Glycerin is added for its humectant properties, and lavender 40/42 essential oil gives a light scent. Blend the ingredients together, then pour into an ice cube tray. In this case, I used the Medium 9 Ball Silicone Mold.
Once frozen, rub the cube on the skin. The cubes are oh-so-refreshing, especially when applied on a hot day! I recommend applying the cube outside to avoid a mess. =) You can allow the liquid to stay on the skin or wash it off if you prefer. I recommend allowing the liquid to stay on the skin for at least 10-15 minutes before washing off. The glycerin does cause the mixture to feel slightly sticky on the skin, but I found this stickiness faded with time.
In my tests the cubes did not freeze completely, most likely due the fresh aloe vera matter and essential oil. If you’d like to help the lavender 40/42 blend in better, mix Polysorbate 20 with the essential oil at a 1:1 ratio, then add the mixture at step three. Because this product is frozen and was for personal use only, I did not use a preservative. If you’d like to add a preservative, I would recommend Germaben. In addition, while some research does support that aloe vera reduces skin inflammation, this product does not claim to heal, treat, prevent or cure burned or irritated skin.
What You’ll Need:
Medium 9 Ball Silicone Mold (or ice cube tray of your choice)
4.5 oz. Aloe Vera Liquid
.5 oz. Glycerin
.5 oz. Aloe Vera Juice (from inside the leaf)
1 mL Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
Dropper
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ONE: In a small container, add the aloe vera liquid and glycerin. Stir together.
TWO: Squeeze the gel from a fresh aloe vera plant until you add about 1/2 ounce. Adding a little less or extra won’t hurt. =)
THREE: Add the lavender 40/42 essential oil to the mixture.
FOUR: Quickly stick blend the mixture (or mix in a blender) to get rid of any large chunks of the aloe vera plant.
FIVE: Pour the mixture into the mold cavity and place into the freezer. Allow the cubes to freeze overnight. In my tests, I found that the cubes did not freeze all the way, most likely due to the essential oil and possibly the aloe vera juice from inside the plant. They were firm enough to hold their shape. Once you’re ready to use, remove one cube from the mold and rub it on the skin to soothe. Allow to dry and wash off if desired. I recommend applying the cube to skin while outside. =)
Aloe + Lavender Skin Soothing Cubes DIY
Ingredients
- Medium 9 Ball Silicone Mold or ice cube tray of your choice
- 4.5 oz. Aloe Vera Liquid
- .5 oz. Glycerin
- .5 oz. Aloe Vera Juice from inside the leaf
- 1 mL Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
- Dropper
Instructions
- In a small container, add the aloe vera liquid and glycerin. Stir together.
- Squeeze the gel from a fresh aloe vera plant until you add about 1/2 ounce. Adding a little less or extra won't hurt. =)
- Add the lavender 40/42 essential oil to the mixture.
- Quickly stick blend the mixture (or mix in a blender) to get rid of any large chunks of the aloe vera plant.
- Pour the mixture into the mold cavity and place into the freezer. Allow the cubes to freeze overnight. In my tests, I found that the cubes did not freeze all the way, most likely due to the essential oil and possibly the aloe vera juice from inside the plant. They were firm enough to hold their shape. Once you're ready to use, remove one cube from the mold and rub it on the skin to soothe. Allow to dry and wash off if desired. I recommend applying the cube to skin while outside. =)
If I was to use the preservative, do I still need to place the soap in the freezer? Will the shelf life lessen if not used not used right away?
At room temperature all the ingredients in this recipe are liquid, so we recommend keeping them in the freezer so they stay solid.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Sorry for this stupid question but do they have to be stored in fridge or can they be kept at room temp? Am guessing they will melt, correct??
They store best in the freezer! That prevents it from melting and it also feels really nice and cool on the skin. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can you use vegetable glycerin instead of USP?
I believe that would be just fine! Both vegetable glycerin and USP glycerin should work well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love this idea!
Thanks Angie, glad you love it! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I don’t have to add the actual juice from an aloe plant if I don’t have it, right? Can I just omit it or do I have to add more of anything?
Thanks
That is correct! The aloe gel is optional. You can leave it out of the recipe, or add more aloe vera liquid to the recipe. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This is a great idea. We’ve always just frozen the Aloe Vera leaves. This will smell better.
Thank you Dana, glad you like the cubes! They’re so nice and refreshing. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry