How to Make Herbal Creams

A Herbal Cream is a semi-solid herbal preparation made by combining water and oil-based ingredients into a smooth emulsion, often using infused oils or herbal liquids. Herbal creams are softer and lighter than salves or balms and are used to moisturize, soothe, and support the skin.

Best For

  • Moisturizing and softening the skin
  • Soothing dry, irritated, or sensitive areas
  • Delivering herbal support in a light, spreadable form
  • Covering larger areas more easily than a salve or balm
  • Everyday skin care and topical herbal use

Shelf Life

Herbal creams usually have a shorter shelf life than salves or balms because they contain water. Most should be refrigerated and used within 1–3 months unless a proper preservative is used.

Basic Herbal Cream Making Method

  1. Prepare your oil phase, which is the oil-based part of the cream. This usually includes infused oil, carrier oil, butter, wax, and any oil-soluble ingredients.
  2. Prepare your water phase, which is the water-based part of the cream. This usually includes distilled water, herbal tea, herbal infusion, aloe vera juice, or other water-based ingredients.
  3. Heat the oil phase and water phase separately until both are warm and close to the same temperature.
  4. Melt any waxes or emulsifying ingredients into the oil phase.
  5. Slowly pour the water phase into the oil phase while stirring or blending.
  6. Keep mixing until the cream thickens and becomes smooth.
  7. Add any heat-sensitive ingredients after the cream begins to cool. Heat sensitive ingredients often include essential oils, vitamin E, some preservatives, fragrance oils, and certain delicate herbal extracts.
  8. Spoon or pour the finished cream into clean containers.
  9. Let it cool completely before sealing and labeling.

What You Need

  • Base Ingredients
  • Oil phase: infused oil + emulsifying wax
  • Water phase: distilled water or a strained herbal infusion
  • Emulsifier
  • Optional butter or wax
  • Optional preservative
  • Optional heat-sensitive ingredients
  • Tools & Equipment
  • Two heat-safe containers
  • Double boiler or saucepan setup
  • Measuring spoons or cups
  • Scale, if using weight-based measurements
  • Spoon, spatula, or whisk
  • Stick blender, hand mixer, or milk frother
  • Thermometer
  • Clean jars or cream containers
  • For Finishing & Storage
  • Clean jars, tins, or cream containers
  • Tight-fitting lids
  • Funnel or small spatula
  • Labels or marker
  • Refrigerator space, if needed
  • Cool, dark storage area if shelf-stable preservative is used

Storage & Labeling


Store herbal cream in a clean, sealed container. Label it with the name, main ingredients, and date made. Keep it refrigerated if it does not contain a preservative, and use it within its expected shelf life. If a preservative is used, store according to the ingredient directions and keep the container away from heat, sunlight, and contamination.