Victorian Cold Cream

Found a modernization of a Victorian cold cream recipe, and I've decided to make a couple batches to add to my soaps and baking as presents for people. The original recipe quoted on the page sounded interesting, and mostly simple:

Two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, half an ounce of spermaceti, a drachm of white wax and one ounce of rose water...

Aside from the whale snot, which was omitted from the modernized recipe for obvious ethical and cost reasons, it's a pretty simple recipe as cosmetics go. The result is a pretty heavy, somewhat greasy cream, but it's good for moisturizing feet, knees and elbows in dry winter weather. I made two batches, one following the recipe and adding lavender and lemongrass essential oils. For a doubled recipe I used:

• 6 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil

I've used that combination before, and I like the smell; it's a bit like tea with lemon.

The other batch I made, I substituted orange flower water for the rosewater in the recipe, and used a blend of orange, cassia, clove and ginger essential oils to make an orange spice lotion:

• 6 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 2 drops cassia essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil
• 1 drop ginger essential oil

Unfortunately the cassia took over a bit, so it was more spice than orange, but it's still a pleasant smell.