Home › Toilet Preparations › Toilet Preparations: Borax

Toilet Preparations: Borax

Borax. Dissolve 5 drams of borax in 1 pint of pure soft or distilled water, and use as a wash for sore gums or nipples, boils, or any other irritation of the skin or mucous membrane. Or combine borax with glycerin in the proportion of 6 drams of borax and 14 ounces of pure glycerin; add 16 ounces of rose water. This may be used regularly as a face wash.

Or mix ounce of powdered borax with 1 ounce of pure glycerin and 16 ounces of camphor oil. Apply to the face with a soft cloth or sponge two or three times a day; let dry, and rinse with clear water.

Or to 1 ounce of glycerin add 2 ounces of fresh lemon juice, 1 pint of pure distilled water, and 1 pint of rose water. Apply to the face several times a day and let dry before rinsing.

Lotions for Tan or Sunburn.- These are based principally on oil of almonds, with the addition of castile soap and rock candy, and contain various remedial agents, including astringents, as alum and lemon juice, also benzoin, tincture of tolu, tartar oil, ox gall, and the like. They are diluted usually with alcohol or any perfumed toilet water, for which plain distilled or soft water may be substituted. And they may be perfumed with any essential oil or essence preferred. Apply any of these lotions to the face with a small sponge or a soft linen rag. Let it dry on without rubbing, and afterwards wash the face with soft warm water.

The following is a simple remedy for tan or sunburn: apply peroxide of hydrogen, pouring a teaspoonful or more in the palm of the hand, and applying it equally over the hands, arms, and face. Let it dry without rubbing. After it is thoroughly dry, apply any good lotion. This will rapidly bleach the skin without injuring the most delicate complexion. Castile Soap.....

Ox Gall.