You guys, today is a big day. A day many of you have been waiting for. It’s time for another homemade lotion recipe.
We’ve already made homemade lip balm and body butter, and today we’re making a silky smooth lotion.
Want to Save This Article?
Enter your email & I’ll send it straight to your inbox. And you’ll get new recipes & tips each week.
First, a little background story…
A few years ago, I started thinking about making the switch from a laundry-list-of-toxic-ingredients that I’d used to clean my home and care for the outside of body. My family had already been enjoying “real food” for a few years at that point.
Now, let me pause here, and go down a bit of a “rabbit trail.”
There’s an idea going around, which I first believed when making the cleaning and bodycare switch, that chemicals are bad. Friend, I would suggest just the opposite. When I talk about making the switch from toxic products to “more natural” products, I’m not talking about banning chemicals from our homes, because that’s impossible! Everything from baking soda to water has a chemical composition, and we certainly know those ingredients aren’t toxic.
When I talk about making the switch, I’m talking about choosing or making products that aren’t made with highly questionable/toxic ingredients. If you’re curious about some of the questionable/toxic ingredients used to make many of the beauty and cleaning products in the US, many of which are banned in Europe due to health concerns, I recommend checking out the Environmental Working Group’s Database. On the EWG site, you can check out overall safety ratings for products and brands, as well as individual ingredients.
Just remember, my natural living goal is to source or make safer products, not eliminate chemicals. Because that would mean having to eliminate my beloved baking soda, water, and vinegar, too.
Okay, back to the lotion story ;)…
My switch to more natural products started with bodycare items, particularly foundation powder and moisturizer.
I had read about coconut oil being a miracle product, so I switched out my store-bought moisturizer for coconut oil. Within a few months, it was clear that my skin didn’t think coconut oil was a miracle product. After much research, I determined that coconut oil just wasn’t something that I could use every day as a moisturizer.
Side note, I still use coconut oil for DIYs, so I’m not saying coconut oil is bad news. Rather, I’m just suggesting that everyone is different, and so the products we love and use will vary, too. My skin tolerates coconut oil in deodorant, and as an occasional post-shave moisturizer.
At that point, I decided to create a homemade lotion that would be shelf-table, and could be used in place of the coconut oil. After lots of trial and error, I developed a homemade lotion, which technically is a body butter, that’s thick and luxurious. My skin loved the change from 100% coconut oil to this new product. And here’s where my backstory meets today’s DIY lotion recipe…
I shared that lotion/body butter recipe two years ago on Live Simply. Since that time, I know many of you have tried that recipe, and love it! I also know, based on comments and emails, that many of you would like a creamier/less thick lotion that has more of a store-bought consistency.
Today, I’m excited to share with you a new lotion recipe that’s soft, creamy, and even “pumpable.” Before I share the recipe, let’s chat about a few things to keep in mind…
1. This recipe is “pumpable.” This means the lotion is smooth and liquid enough to be used in a pump bottle. My ultra-moisturizing lotion/body butter is very thick, which means you have to store it in a jar (it won’t pump). While you can store this lotion in a pump bottle, cleaning the “straw” (what is that little thing at the base of the pump called?) is tricky, because well, you’re dealing with lotion.
If you use a pump bottle, know that you may need to replace the pump and straw if you can’t thoroughly clean them out before making a new batch of lotion. Alternatively, this lotion could also be stored in a bottle or jar, and then poured on your hand, or spooned out. I personally go with the jar (other than for photos here), since I store this in the fridge.
2. This lotion does require a number of ingredients, and is a bit of process to make. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of making one more thing, let me encourage you…
You don’t have to make lotion to use “cleaner” bodycare products. It’s perfectly okay to purchase pre-made lotion.
Yep, that probably sounds contradictory for a homemade lotion chat. Here’s the thing, simple living isn’t about “doing it all.” In fact, if you’re “doing it all” you’re probably not living simply. It’s okay to say, “You know what, I’m going to make a homemade dinner for my family, and purchase a ‘cleaner’ lotion from the store.” I personally don’t make lotion the majority of the time because I have to prioritize other tasks and I know my health food store sells some decent lotion options.
If you’re going to purchase lotion, I highly recommend checking out the EWG. I personally like Every Day Shea brand.
With that being said, today’s recipe is for the folks who want to make a silky smooth lotion at home.
5 More DIY Recipes With Shea Butter
- Shea Butter Lip Balm – Use shea butter and oil to make this natural lip balm recipe.
- Honey Lip Balm – Use honey, shea butter, and beeswax to make an ultra-hydrating lip balm.
- Lotion Bars – Moisturizing lotion in a solid bar, made with shea butter and beeswax.
- Body Butter – This luxurious lotion is made with shea butter and oil and moisturizes the whole body.
- Face Moisturizer – Combine shea butter and oil to make an all-natural face moisturizer.
Silky Smooth Homemade Lotion
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sweet almond oil 157 grams
- 3 TB refined mango butter 40 grams
- 2 TB cocoa butter 14 grams
- 1 TB beeswax pellets 8 grams, or finely chopped beeswax
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 43 drops lavender essential oil or orange essential oil, can be reduced to 20 for young children
- 1 cup distilled water or a floral hydrosol – rose lavender or calendula all work well – must be room temperature or lotion is more likely to separate, 220 grams, the hydrosol is my preference
Instructions
- Make sure that your blender or immersion blender (you can use either one–I prefer an immersion blender because it’s easier to clean), bowl and all utensils are very clean when you make this. If they’re not fully sanitized, then your lotion can grow bacteria or mold. Clean everything with hot soapy water, then swab with rubbing alcohol or vinegar, and let air dry.
- In a heat safe glass bowl, combine the sweet almond oil, mango butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax.
- Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water, over medium heat. This creates a type of double boiler. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and combined.
- Allow the oil mixture to cool for a few minutes before pouring it into your blender (if using a table-top blender). Let this mixture cool until it’s room temperature. It should look creamy, thick and opaque, but don’t let it get solid. Optional: You can place the blender in the fridge for about 35 minutes to speed up the process.
- Add the vitamin E oil and essential oil to the cooled oil mixture. If you’re using a table-top blender, blend the mixture with the lid on for a few seconds. If you’re using an immersion blender, place the stick in the bottom of the mixture (in a high-rimmed bowl), and blend for a few seconds, pulsing up and down at the bottom a few times.
- If you’re using a table-top blender, take the lid off of your blender, or just the top part of the lid if you have that option on your blender. With your distilled water or hydrosol in the glass measuring cup, slowly pour it into the oil mixture in a very thin drizzle while the blender is on medium/low. If you’re using an immersion blender, with the blender on and at the bottom of the jar, slowly pour the distilled water or hydrosol into the oil, pulsing the immersion blender up and down at the bottom just a few times.
- If you’re using a table-top blender, slowly increase the blender to medium speed and blend the lotion for 30 seconds more. If you’re using an immersion blender, continue to blend, pulsing the immersion blender up and down, for about 30 seconds more.
- Immediately pour the lotion into a jar and store away from light and heat.
Notes
Natural Body-Care Simplified
Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.
What are your thoughts on using witch hazel in place of the water/hydrosol? Thank you!
Hey Molly, I believe you should be okay with using witch hazel. I can’t think of any issues.
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for all the lovely beauty recipes, I have tried a few with success.
I would like to make this lotion but I do not use animal products. Could I omit the beeswax? Or will this impact the texture too much?
Many thanks!
Hey Marie-Laure, That’s so great to hear. You’ll need a wax to blend everything together. You could use an emulsifying wax (plant-based) instead of the beeswax: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/emulsifying-wax/profile.
I’m also trying to make the switch to more natural at home but had one question. When making homemade lotions and other items like cleaners or candles, do you use all the same kitchen equipment you use when cooking? I don’t want to have to go out and buy a new immersion blender or food processor but didn’t know what was best! Any thoughts?
Hey Katie, Great question! I have two bowls, two spoons, and an old blender that I picked up from thrift stores specifically for making homemade products. I don’t think this is necessary, but beeswax and butters are difficult to clean (and always require lots of soap and scrubbing). This way I don’t have to worry about a bit of beeswax or butter left behind. I use the same immersion blender for food and DIY projects–it’s very easy to clean!
For candle-making, I keep a completely separate bowl, just for making candles around the holidays. The wax is hard to remove without boiling water. You can also make candles in mason jars–just fill the jars with the wick and wax, and then melt. Remove from the heat, and the candles will harden. This is much easier and doesn’t require a separate bowl.
Hi Kristin! I just made this lotion and it is fantastic. I have to confess, though I had to make some emergency substitutions. First, I didn’t have any cocoa butter, so I used avocado butter instead. I don’t even know why I have avocado butter (!) but since I have it I thought I may as well go ahead and try it. Then, as I was pouring out my sweet almond oil I found I only had 1/2 cup so I added 1/4 cup grape seed oil. Finally, to add to my frustration I only had 3 ounces left of my lavender hydrosol so the remainder was made up with distilled water. At any rate, I have to tell you the lotion is glorious. It is smooth, not greasy at all and is absorbed almost immediately into my skin. It was also very easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful lotion recipe!
That’s so great to hear, Denise. Thank you for sharing your substitutions–that’s very helpful for future recipe creators.
Hi Kristen,
So I’m looking into making a body butter using lactic acid, I’ve been searching online to see if I can make a body butter with lactic acid without a preservative. What are you thoughts on this?
Hey Ruby, I probably wouldn’t.
Hi Kristin! This lotion looks amazing! Do you think it will work on my face? I have oily skin so I think maybe replacing cocoa butter with shea butter might make it less likely to clog pores…
Thanks!!
Hey CC, Thank you. This lotion may feel a bit too oily for you, if your skin is on the oily side. I personally love this moisturizer for my face: https://livesimply.me/2016/04/15/2-ingredient-aloe-facial-moisturizer/.
Thank you so much!! I think I’ll get the stuff and try that, but add some coconut oil. Coconut oil seems to be one of the major home remedies because of the all the acids in it. Thanks again!
Hey Leah, Coconut oil may lend a bit of an oily feel to this lotion, but I’m not 100% sure about that. Let me know how it goes.
@Leah, for lactic acid, try a goat milk lotion.
@Kristin, thanks for the tips. I have yet to make lotions that don’t eventually separate the water if I use water in them, but usually use Shea butter. I’ll let you know how that version turns out using your methods, if you email me. Also, certain EOs or colloidal silver help prevent bacterial invasion, extending the shelf life. Used in smaller amounts shouldn’t increase photosensitive issues of the skin.
Hi there, thank you for that! Sounds good, let me know how it works for you.
Hi, Kristen! I have an off the wall question. I have went completely homemade except for my shampoo, conditioner, and styling products (I have super coarse, super long, super curly hair). Well, all of that and one other thing. I have severe keratosis pilaris, and have been using Amlactin with great success for a long time. I’m really wanting to cut back even more on the stuff we buy from the store and can’t seem to find a recipe. Do you know of one? I’ve heard of the aspirin option, but have noticed most people don’t have a lot of success. Yes, that was a pretty long post asking a simple question, lol!
Hey Leah, I just looked up the ingredients in Amlactin and it appears that Lactic Acid is a major component of this product. I don’t have any recipes that would replicate this, but I wonder if a super moisturizing body butter, like this one would help: https://livesimply.me/2014/04/16/homemade-moisturizing-lotion-recipe-no-coconut-oil/.
I know this is old, but after a lot of research I’ve decided I’m going to make this with ACV and coconut oil tomorrow. Both are great for KP. I’ll let you know how it goes!!
Interesting, Leah. How did that go?
This looks like a great recipe! I really like the idea of hydrosols, especially for rose and lavender. I saw your note about storage. How long would you say it does/should last? Thanks!
Hey Lisa, My last batch lasted a couple of months. That’s just my personal experience and comfort level :).
Good to know! Thanks 🙂
but u did not add any preservative and u say it last for a couple of month,
I am new to making lotions do I’m a bit green with troubleshooting. I made this but I’m having trouble with the oils and water separating. Maybe I didn’t put enough of an ingredient…any suggestions?
Hey Melissa, The separation may be occurring for two reasons 1/ The ingredients, or one ingredient, may be too cold or too hot. Bringing all the ingredients to room temperature before blending should help. 2/ Very slowly add the liquid hydrosol or distilled water. In order for the emulsion to occur, it’s important for this to be a slow process, gradually allowing the ingredients to blend together. Hope that helps! I wonder if blending the lotion again will help it right now.
Hi Kristen
I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago and when it was fresh it was great but now 2 weeks later I’ve noticed little hard lumps in the lotion that weren’t there before. Any idea why?
Thanks Jo
Hey Jo, Did you use the same ingredients or substitute anything (like shea butter)? This will help me troubleshoot. Thanks!
Hi Kristin,
New follower here! I absolutely love everything I am finding here so far! You are amazing!
With that said, I love your recipe here, however is it going to be more moisturizing or more hydrating? I made your ultra moisturizing body butter w/o coconut oil, which is awesome. However, I still feel dry. After some looking into, I realized I need to hydrate and then moisturize. Didn’t know there was a difference until after some research =). If its not really hydrating, can you tell me what I can do to make it so.
Thanks a Bunch,
Jesika
Hey Jesika,
Welcome to Live Simply! It’s so great to “meet” you!
Great question! I like to hydrate my body, particularly my face, by using the honey and aloe cleanser on the blog (honey is considered a humectant), and then from the inside by eating lots of hydrating foods (fresh veggies and fruits) and consuming lots of water. I’ve found if I do this, then I can just stick with using a moisturizer. This lotion is a moisturizer.
In the pump lotion, if you wanted a less scented butter to use rather than cocoa butter, could I replace this cocoa butter with another kind? If so, what do you suggest?
Hey MaryAnn, The small amount of cocoa butter doesn’t leave behind a strong scent, particularly if you’re using a hydrosol. So it may work for you :). You could try shea butter, but I haven’t tested it in this recipe.
Also can I use a hand mixer for this pls
Hey Fidel, I don’t believe a stand or hand mixer will work.
Hi Kristin, can I substitute mango butter for almond butter as that is what I have at the moment.
Hey Fidel, Almond butter won’t work in this recipe. You’ll need mango butter, or possibly shea butter–I haven’t tried shea butter in this particular recipe.
how can i make shea butter creem white in colour
Can something be substituted for mango butter?
Hey Karen, You might be able to use shea butter, but I haven’t tested this combo to make sure it will work.
I made it and LOVE it! Thanks for the recipe.
Hey Amy, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the lotion!
Hi Kristin,
have you ever tried to make your own mango butter? I am so tempted… Need to research further!
Thanks for another great recipe!!
Have a great day,
Mihela
Hey Mihela, I haven’t, but I would love to know how to make mango butter! If you try it, I would love to hear your experience.
Hi Kristin,
I’ve done a lot of lotion creating, and I’m not sure it’s safe to use a water – oil emulsion without a preservative. Do you use a preservative?
Hey Rebecca, I much prefer the hydrosol options, but I haven’t had issues with using distilled water during the testing phases, when it’s used for the short-term. You could definitely add a preservative if you’re using the distilled water. The Leucidal Root preservative should do the job. Have you found a good preservative for your water-oil lotions/creations?
Hi
Is it possible to replace the mango and cocoa butter with something else or even skip it altogether?
Hi Maira,
You can use shea if you like that better. But you do need one of those to make the lotion.
Let us know if there’s any other questions.
LS Team.
Hi Kristin, Can’t wait to make this. I have Rosewater that I think would work nicely.
I love your approach to things. You aren’t fanatical!!
Thanks,
Sue
Hey Sue, Thank you. I’m so glad this recipe post was helpful!! Rose water will be lovely.
Would it be okay to use something like lemon oil in this recipe? Or is there any other scent you would recommend?
Hey Julie, I believe you possibly could use lemon essential oil. This is a 1 % dilution, so you could also reduce this to try out the lemon.
Lemon oil is not a good idea if you plan on using your lotion in an area that gets exposure, as it can cause your skin to become more reactive to the rays of the sun.
Hey Ora, Yes, thanks for commenting on this. If the lotion is being used during the day when you’re exposed to the sun, then it’s best not to use lemon EO.
Hi, Kristin! Is it possible to replace Hydrosol with Rose Water? Thanks in advance 🙂
Hey Barbie, Yes, you can use rose water :).
Do I have to keep in the fridge if I used rose water?
Hey Victoria, You don’t have to, but for an extended time it’s best.
Just an FYI: when naturalists refer to “chemicals” it automatically means artificially created chemicals. It is not referring to naturally occurring chemical structures that make up naturally occurring substances, like vinegar and baking soda 🙂
Nice thought except white vinegar is often diluted acetic acid made made in a laboratory and baking soda is mostly made by passing carbon dioxide and ammonia through a concentrated solution of sodium chloride. Rarely is either naturally occurring any more. They are both artificially created chemicals if they are colorless or white respectively.
Kristin, So forward to making this with my daughter.
Speaking of chemicals. I always find it interesting when so many want to be natural but put chemicals in their brain for a extended period. Dying their hair with tons of chemicals. Also make up chemicals. Nail polish with formaldehyde. I guess when it comes to being NATURAL vanity gets in the way somewhere. It needs to be taught we are beautiful the way God made us and we certinaly can’t do better than Him. We just mess ourselves up with unessary chemicals.
Hey Ex Hairdresser, The wonderful thing is there are non-toxic options available today for things like nail polish (no formaldehyde or other toxic ingredients). Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.
How did you get away without an emulsifier? Doesn’t it separate?
Hey Erica, Two keys: the beeswax and the mixing technique.
Hi Kristin,
The problem with not using an emulsifier is temperature. Freeze it and then bring it to room temperature and it will separate. Forgetting it in your car in the summer will melt it and separate it. Bring the ingredients up above 125 degrees at any point and you begin to kill the nutrients. The lowest temperature in emulsifier melts at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. All ingredients must be within 5 degrees of each other for a good emulsification, if not everything will eventually separate. So how do you get around all of this? It’s not easy. But most lotions on the market are actually garbage. I can fry chicken in coconut oil and then make a lotion from that oil at it’s will be just as pure & organic as what you buy in the store. But the nutrients are dead. Use a double boiler to melt the ingredients and you cannot control the temperature. Using a preservative does not preserve, it kills. What does it kill? The facts so bacteria cannot grow but what else is in the facts? Your nutrients! A tricky maneuver to be able to get all of these things right is the goal. Vitamin E is not just vitamin E. It is usually made up of four different oils and vitamin E is one of them. Most vitamin E that you buy in the store or online contains almond oil. If you know anyone which severe nut allergies oh, you might want to reconsider the vitamin E that you’re buying. These are just a few tips I wanted to share with you and your readers.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Ray!
Hi Kristin
I made this lotion the oil and water separated. There is know emulsifier to pull the oil and water together.
Hey Charmine, The emulsifier used is the beeswax. I know we’ve been talking and troubleshooting via email, did you make it again and have the issue? Followed-up to your email, too, about water temperature just now :). Hope that helps!