A composition is provided for reducing incidents of hot flashes experienced by menopausal women, the composition comprising a mixture of water, a thickener, sorbitan monolaurate, cocoa butter or shea butter, polysorbate 20, dimethicone 200, bacteriacide, a pH adjuster and an effective amount of Chinese black cohosh. A method is also provided for preparing the composition and its use by menopausal women in need of treatment of hot flashes.