As someone that works with her hands all the time, they tend to get particularly dry and uncomfortable. I don't like traditional lotions or using straight oil because it leaves my hands greasy for far too long. This salve sinks in quickly and won't leave your hands feeling like an oil slick.

It's also very lightly scented with essential oils, meaning the smell from your hands isn't going to transfer to whatever you're working on! :D

This DIY hand salve works in two ways: moisturizing your hands and sealing in the moisture with beeswax.

Also: this salve is great for dry elbows, feet, knees - anywhere you need it, really.

Step 1: Tools + Materials

Materials:

1 oz (or 1/2 cup lightly packed) grated beeswax
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
up to 15 drop essential oil of your choosing (I did 10 sweet orange, 3 grapefruit, and 2 clove)

This recipe makes about 10 oz of salve. The salve is fairly soft - if you prefer a firmer salve, you may want to add an additional 1/4 cup grated beeswax.

Regarding the oils I chose: it's the favorite blend I've come up with! It's fairly cheap and I love how avocado oil feels. I also enjoy how cheap olive oil is! However, olive oil does have a stronger smell than most so take that into consideration!

Feel free to switch out oils as you'd like, but make sure you end up with 1 cup of LIQUID oil.

Tools:

Measuring cups and spoons
Microwave OR double boiler
Stand grater
Clean jars or tins with lids for storing finished product
Spatula or spoon
Kitchen scale (optional)

Modified from this recipe on Food 52.

Step 2: Grate and Measure the Beeswax

If you bought your beeswax in a block like I did, you'll want to grate it. If you have pastilles or pellets, you're ready to measure!

If you have a kitchen scale, grate enough beeswax to reach 1 oz.

Without it, grate enough beeswax to fill a 1/2 cup measure. Lightly pack the grated beeswax in as you add it!

(Tip for grating: instead of moving the beeswax up and down the grater, hold the beeswax in one hand and the grater in the other - keeping both in the air. Move the grater back and forth over the beeswax - this way is much easier!)

Step 3: Melt the Beeswax

I do this in the microwave, but feel free to do it in a double boiler if you feel better doing it that way!

To melt the beeswax:

Add into a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup
Microwave at 50-70% power, stirring every 45 seconds or so until all the beeswax has melted.

This whole process should only take a few minutes, so make sure you stay near the microwave to watch it.

Step 4: Add Essential Oils and Vitamin E

Once the beeswax is nicely melted, add in the vitamin E oil and stir well.

Then add in your essential oils and stir until everything is completely mixed.

Remember to not go over 15 drops of essential oil: the more essential oil you add, the more and more irritating it will be for your skin. We want this to soothe, not irritate. :D

Step 5: Pour Into Containers and Let Cool

Now you're ready to pour the salve into your containers and let it cool! I always let mine cool uncovered overnight - somewhere up high that my cats can't get to. ;)

Once it's cool, put on the lid and store somewhere room temperature or under for best results. (72 F / 22 C and below - otherwise things may start melting and mess with the consistency.)

I used two 4 oz mason jars and a small mint tin to hold my salve.

This salve is slightly soft and easy to apply. A little bit goes a LONG way. I often get too much for my hands and end up spreading it all over my arms too. :P

I hope you enjoy this salve! I'd love to hear what essential oil combinations you use.