Neem Cream (for eczema)

We call this Neem Cream because it has neem oil in it. It's really more of a butter than a cream, but it gets melty when applied to the skin.

Eczema can be caused by environmental irritations or food allergies, so applying any kind of cream won't prevent more eczema patches from popping up. But essential oils can bring down inflammation and moisturizing is super important to keep it from getting worse.

Our son has nummular eczema (pink, dry patches), so we need something to moisturize and heal his skin regularly. Neem Cream has been a tremendous help! We apply it morning and night. It takes the inflammation down and prevents itching.

I used a couple different recipes to form this one. If you've never made your own skin creams, let me tell you -- it is so easy. And so worth it to know I am not putting any toxic or cancer-causing chemicals in my kid.

I use, trust, and highly recommend Young Living Essential Oils in this recipe. Since there are no regulations on the essential oil industry, oil companies can label their bottles "100% pure" while having added synthetic chemicals in them, and most do. In fact, they can have as little as three percent of the actual oil in them! Not only is this dishonest; it could actually make whatever you're treating worse.

So, especially when treating something like sensitive skin and eczema, I want to know our oils won't have chemicals in them that would make the eczema worse! Young Living is the only company out there that owns their own farms and distilleries. They control the whole process from seed to seal, and actually test each batch of oil to make sure it is 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oil. You can even visit their farms to see how they do it!

Lavender essential oil cleanses and soothes skin irritations, and frankincense essential oil is known to support skin health. For carriers I use castor oil and sweet almond oil, as well shea butter and cocoa butter which are extremely moisturizing. I also use neem oil, because of its ability to reduce inflammation, soothe, and heal the skin.

I tried some of this on my legs the other day and WOW smoothness! The skin just sucks this stuff up. So moisturizing and no greasy residue. If your children suffer from eczema and you'd prefer not to further irritate their little bodies, try whipping up some Neem Cream.


10 g neem oil
40 g shea butter
30 g cocoa butter
20 g castor oil
10 g sweet almond oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil

Measure out all ingredients (except essential oils). I use a kitchen scale for this.

Heat slowly in a double-boiler over medium heat until completely liquid.

Stir well and place in the freezer for five minutes. Beat with a whisk, adding in essential oils. Scrape down the bowl if needed, place in the freezer for five minutes, and beat again. Repeat this process one more time or until the oils appear opaque and creamy. Spoon mixture into a glass jar with a lid.