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Gels are used medicinally as jellies and in skin preparations – they have good astringent or skin-tightening properties – and also in many cosmetics including hair and aftershave gels and face masks. The gel-like consistency is achieved by adding gelatine, or other clear thickener such as xanthan gum, to the recipe at the appropriate time, then whisking with or without heat until the mixture thickens and a gel is formed. I usually use powdered vegetable gelatine, which dissolves easily and has good thickening properties – you can buy it from the baking section of most supermarkets.

To make a simple face mask gel: in a pan, pour 100ml of a plant-based infusion of your choice. Dissolve a sachet of vegetable gelatine into the infusion (usually one 6g sachet per 100ml liquid, but it depends on the brand you buy – I always make it 3 times stronger than advised on the packet). Stir to dissolve, then heat gently for a couple of minutes, whisking vigorously until you get a smooth gel. If you like, whisk in a few drops of an essential oil of your choice for its medicinal properties or scent.

Storage Gelatine-based remedies don’t keep well. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2 days if taking internally. Cosmetic and hair gels will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.