Recipe: Natural Homemade Lotion

If you are still using store bought lotion on yourself or your family, there are super easy natural alternatives that are fun to make! This recipe has three basic ingredients and literally takes ten minutes to make!

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With this recipe, you can customize your lotion to your skin type and desired scent. The basic recipe is an ultra-moisturizing water-free version that last for years without preservatives. If you want a softer and less moisturizing lotion, scroll down for the aloe based version below.

NOTE:

This is an improved recipe since many people were having trouble getting the temperatures exactly right to get the lotion to emulsify (as per the comments below). This recipe will not have any of those issues!

Homemade Lotion Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Almond oil or Jojoba oil (or any other liquid oil)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup  beeswax
• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)
• 2 tablespoon Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter (optional)
• Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference (optional)

How to Make Lotion

1. Combine almond oil (or any other liquid oil), coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a glass bowl on top. If using shea or cocoa butter, add it as well.
2. As the water heats, the ingredients will start to melt. Stir occasionally as they melt to incorporate.
3. When all ingredients are completely melted, add vitamin E oil (if using) and any essential oils or scents like vanilla.
4. Pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (8 ounce) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
5. Use as you would regular lotion. This lotion is ultra-moisturizing and more oily than water-based lotions so you won’t need to use as much. It also has a longer shelf life than some homemade lotion recipes since all ingredients are already shelf stable and not water is added. Use within 6 months for best moisturizing benefits.

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Note: A little goes a long way! This lotion is incredibly nourishing and is also great for diaper rash on baby, for eczema and for preventing stretch marks!

If you want an even easier solution, make these easy Lotion Bars! Only three ingredients, take less time to make and last longer.

Aloe Based Homemade Lotion

If you’d prefer a lighter lotion recipe, this aloe-based version is much smoother and not as greasy. Unlike the version above, it does not have an indefinite shelf life and should be used within a month since it does not contain any preservatives. This recipe is adapted from the recipe I’ve used for years from Frugally Sustainable.

Aloe Lotion Ingredients

• 1 cup aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoons + 1 Tablespoon   beeswax pastilles
• 1/2 cup Almond oil or Jojoba oil (or any other liquid oil)
• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Shea Butter (optional)
• Essential oils of choice – I like 10 drops of Geranium and 5 drops of lime

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What to Do

1. Melt the beeswax, almond oil (or other liquid oil), and shea butter (if using) in a double boiler or glass bowl over a pan of water.
2. Remove from heat and pour into a blender or mason jar (if using an immersion blender).
3. Let cool to room temperature. You want it to be room temperature and just barely starting to harden around the edges. This will help make sure that the lotion emulsifies correctly.
4. Add the vitamin E (if using) and any essential oils.
5. Start blending on low using a blender or immersion blender. Very slowly, start adding the aloe vera gel until incorporated. Use a spatula to wipe down the sides and re-blend a few times until fully incorporated.
6. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to six weeks.

Source: wellnessmama.com

Picture: freepik.com