Base Ingredients for Making Homemade Ointments and Creams

When making homemade cosmetics, choosing the right base is crucial. The base determines:

• Consistency (solid vs. soft)

• Absorption (heavy vs. light)

• Target use (e.g., eczema, dry skin, joints, lips)

• Shelf life

Below is an overview of the most common bases – from traditional to modern natural alternatives:

1. Petrolatum (Vaseline)

Description: Semi-solid substance made from mineral oils.
Advantages: Long shelf life, excellent protection, retains active ingredients well.
Disadvantages: Non-breathable – skin “doesn’t breathe,” synthetic origin.
Uses: Regenerative ointments, healing preparations, protection against frost.

2. Lard

Description: Traditional animal fat, rich in fatty acids.
Advantages: Highly absorbable, biocompatible with human skin.
Disadvantages: Shorter shelf life, not suitable for vegans.
Uses: Herbal ointments (comfrey, calendula, hemp), healing creams.

3. Shea Butter

Description: Fat from the nuts of the shea tree (Karité).
Advantages: Highly nourishing, healing, softening, naturally contains SPF.
Disadvantages: Heavier texture, may be comedogenic for oily skin.
Uses: Hand creams, facial balms, anti-eczema ointments, regenerative creams.

4. Beeswax

Description: Natural wax from the hive – thickens and stabilizes ointments.
Advantages: Protective film, antibacterial properties, extends shelf life.
Disadvantages: Not an ointment by itself – must be combined with oil or fat.
Uses: Firming ointments, lip balms, protective creams.

5. Propolis

Description: Bee resin with high content of bioactive compounds.
Advantages: Strongly anti-inflammatory, healing, antibacterial.
Disadvantages: Possible allergies, stains, strong scent.
Uses: Ointments for acne, cold sores, wounds, eczema.
Note: Propolis is added as a tincture or extract into a fatty base. It is not a carrier base by itself but an important functional ingredient.

Other Natural Bases Worth Mentioning:

Cocoa Butter

• Advantages: Nourishing, firmer than shea, pleasantly fragrant.

• Uses: Lip creams, anti-stretch mark products, sensitive skin.

Coconut Oil

• Advantages: Antibacterial, absorbs quickly, carries active compounds well.

• Disadvantages: Solid in winter, liquid in summer.

• Uses: Ointments, body butters, baby cosmetics.

Lanolin

• Advantages: Derived from sheep wool, highly moisturizing, excellent emulsifier.

• Disadvantages: Not vegan, may cause irritation.

• Uses: Nipple balms, lip care, dry heels, minor wounds.

Almond / Olive / Sunflower Oil

• Advantages: Light oil base suitable for massage, body oils, herb maceration.

• Uses: Essential component for ointments, used to extract active ingredients from herbs.

Summary Table: