What are the benefits of making your lotion at home?
There are many lotions on the market that are generally not as “organic” as they say they are. Make sure to read the labels before purchasing your favorite lotions! A lot of lotions contain chemicals that can do more harm to your skin than good. Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as an antifungal agent, preservative and antimicrobial in creams, lotions, ointments and other cosmetics.
Did you know…
Most store bought lotions will tell you – “does not contain parabens.” You want to check the label thoroughly for any ingredients on this Harmful Ingredient Glossary of Toxic Name Brand Lotions. It will shock you. I was guilty of buying these cheap and convenient lotions from my local drugstore. I was using them on a daily basis. What the labels do not tell you is that some of these chemicals are cancer causing. As mentioned, I used to buy them. Now, I just make all of my lotions at home and save money by keeping these simple ingredients around the house. I’m even making lotions for friends on a regular basis because they smell great!
Here is my very straightforward recipe for making lotion at home. You can make it smell great with any type of extract you like. I usually use vanilla, but I’ve heard orange and lemon work nicely too. I hope you enjoy!
Organic Homemade Hand Lotion:
- 1/2 cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
- Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference
2. How to Make Homemade Body Lotion/Butter
Body Butter (via motherearthnews)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp grated beeswax
Combine all the ingredients in an ovenproof glass container. Place the container with the mixture in a pan with a 1- to 2-inch water bath. Melt the oils and wax gently.
Pour the melted mixture into a clean jar and allow to cool. Stir the cooled mixture.
3. How to Make Face Lotion
You Will Need:
- 3 1/2 Tablespoon organic Shea butter-buy quality shea butter here
- 2 Tablespoons Jojoba oil-buy quality jojoba oil here
- 3 Tablespoons of Aloe Leaf Juice-buy quality aloe juice here
- 4 drops lavender essential oil of choice- buy quality essential oils here
- A pint sized mason jar
- a small glass jar to store your lotion-like this or this
4. How to Make Foot Lotion (via savvyhomemade):
You Will Need:
- 1/2 oz (15g) Beeswax
- 1/2 oz (15g) Cocoa Butter
- 2 oz (50g) Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon (6ml) Lemon essential oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2ml) Ginger essential oil
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) mineral water
5.) How to make tanning lotion (via topbeautybrands)
You Will Need:
- Tea!
- 3/4 cup of water
- Blenders
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of lanolin
- 1/4 cup of tea
Mix until the lotion start to look nice and even.
6. How to Make Baby Lotion (via easylivingmom):
You Will Need:
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup grated beeswax
- 2 Vitamin E capsules
- 2 tbsp shea butter or cocoa butter
- 1 tsp aloe vera
- 1 tsp 100% lanolin
- 1 medium size mason jar with a lid
- glass jars for holding the lotion – (sidenote: you can add essential oils if you’d like, but I like the smell from the shea butter and cocoa butter, so I personally don’t use the essential oils for the baby lotion)
- Combine all items in a mason jar with a lid (only screw the lid on loosely)
- Fill a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water – put on the stove on medium heat.
Put the mason jar with the items in the pan on the stove and let it heat and begin to melt, shaking occasionally.
Once it is completely melted, remove from heat and let cool.
Once the mixture is cool, transfer it to a glass jar. Don’t use a bottle that pumps – it will be too thick.
7. How to Make Calamine Lotion (via nourishingjoy)
You Will Need:
- 1/4 cup zinc oxide
- 4 teaspoons pink Kaolin clay
- 4 teaspoons baking soda or 2 teaspoons calcium hydroxide
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon glycerin (optional)
- 3-4 drops lavender, peppermint, camphor, tea tree, or other antibacterial/antipuretic essential oil (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
