Plantain Sunflower Skin Balm
A plain herbal salve where plantain-infused sunflower oil carries the herb, beeswax sets it into a protective film, and a little cocoa butter stops it feeling greasy.
You will need
- 2 tbsp plantain-infused sunflower oil
- 2 tsp beeswax pellets
- 1/2 tsp cocoa butter
The ritual
- Combine everything in a heatproof jug standing in a pan of simmering water.
- Stir slowly until the wax and cocoa butter melt and the oil turns clear.
- Remove the jug with a cloth and give it one last stir.
- Pour straight into a small jar before it starts to thicken at the edges.
- Leave to set for an hour, then label the jar with the date.
Why these ingredients
- 2 tbsp plantain-infused sunflower oil
- The bulk of the salve. Sunflower oil is light and neutral, so the infused herbal character comes through without a heavy oily feel.
- 2 tsp beeswax pellets
- Turns loose oil into a spreadable salve and leaves a breathable film that keeps the balm where you put it.
- 1/2 tsp cocoa butter
- A small amount of hard butter for body, giving the finish a smoother glide rather than a purely oily slip.
Easy swaps
- 2 tbsp plantain-infused sunflower oil → calendula-infused or plain olive oil, slightly heavier on the skin.
- 2 tsp beeswax pellets → grated beeswax block, or candelilla wax at half the quantity.
- 1/2 tsp cocoa butter → shea butter, which is softer, so expect a slightly looser set.
Keep it clean
Mix with freshly washed hands and clean, dry bowls and spoons. If a recipe is stored, use a jar or bottle washed in hot soapy water and dried completely, and never dip wet fingers into the batch.
Storage & when to let go
Six to nine months in a closed jar in a cool, dark cupboard. Discard it if it ever smells sharp or crayon-like.
What to expect — honestly
Applied to weather-roughened hands, shins or elbows, it leaves a smooth protective layer and the skin looks less dull straight away. It is a barrier and a comfort, not a treatment, and it will not do what a pharmacist or doctor can offer for damaged skin. The film lasts a few hours or until you wash.
Common questions
Which plantain is this?
The broadleaf weed you find on paths and lawns, not the banana. If you are infusing your own, dry the leaves fully first so no water goes into the oil.
Why so little cocoa butter?
Half a teaspoon is enough to take the slick edge off without making the balm hard. More would stiffen it past the point of easy spreading.
This recipe is shared for general cosmetic enjoyment, not medical advice — see how we research and write in our editorial policy and the full safety guide.
