The Hungry Canary

From Mother’s notebook · Original formula

Mother’s Facial Cleanser

Jump to Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 oz shea butter
  • 1 oz jojoba oil
  • 4 drops essential oil (type not specified)

Directions

  1. Melt the shea butter gently over low heat, stirring until melted.
  2. Transfer to a room-temperature bowl immediately.
  3. Add the jojoba oil and stir until blended.
  4. Pour into a clean glass container and allow to cool for about 45 minutes.
  5. Once cool, add 4 drops of the chosen essential oil and mix thoroughly. The original page does not name an essential oil.
  6. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, as noted on the continuation page.
  7. To use, massage a small amount into the face. The following handwritten line appears to mention the neck and eye area and “for 2,” but its meaning is uncertain; keep the mixture away from the eyes, particularly if it contains essential oil.
  8. Wipe away gently with a microfiber cloth.

Family notebook notes

The original recipe is titled “Facial Cleanser” and uses shea butter, jojoba oil and four drops of an unspecified essential oil. It says to cool for approximately 45 minutes before adding the essential oil. The second page supplies the previously missing application directions: refrigerate for 30 minutes, apply a small amount to the face, and wipe away with a microfiber cloth. One phrase appears to mention the neck and eye area and “for 2,” but is not sufficiently legible to publish as a definitive instruction.

Formulation and use notes

This is an oil-based balm rather than a foaming or water-rinsing cleanser; oils may help loosen makeup and oily residue, but the notebook specifically instructs wiping away with a microfiber cloth. Keep water out of the jar, use clean dry utensils, and avoid using on irritated skin. For sensitive facial skin, omit essential oil unless its identity and skin-safe dilution are established. The formula has no documented shelf-life testing; discard if its smell, texture or appearance changes.