If you told me 10 years ago that I was going to be the kind of girl that makes her own body lotion I would have told you, in no uncertain terms, that you were high and that was never going to happen.
Oh younger Abra, you were so silly.
I am, in fact, 100% the girl who makes her own lotion (and sunscreen, gasp!).
It all began a few years ago when I was so frustrated with my skin and it's unwillingness to cooperate and just be naturally beautiful.
I developed a strange allergy to the sun. Yes, the sun. The incredible result of this allergy was that my face would break out in bumps, little tiny bumps all over my face. Then it spread to my back and upper arms. Not a good look.
The dermatologist wasn't fully certain it was the sun, but it was his best guess. I was convinced that it had something to do with the various (all organic and “natural”) sunscreens I was using. Even after I was cleared from all chemical sensitivity (according to the allergy scratch tests) I thought at least part of the problem was product related.
Necessity is the mother of invention, so is desperation.
So, I experimented. I stopped using all commercial sunscreen and made my own. I became really conscious of cooling my skin off after being in the sun (cool washcloths are my new best friend), and I dramatically changed all products that I put on my skin.
Within a few weeks, all of the bumps were gone. Poof!
Hmmm… isn't that interesting, I thought. And then I was hooked. How many more skincare products could I make myself? and how much money could I save making my own skin care??? (please see my last post to understand why this is SOOO important to me!)
So my kitchen turned into a mad science lab for skin care.
Sunscreen I have down to a perfect science and lotion has become a little bit of my specialty 😉
I shared my first few lotion creations with family about a year and a half ago. Little by little the reviews came trickling in:
“Abra, what is in this lotion? My skin has never looked better!”
“Abra, I put this on a random rash and it disappeared in ONE DAY”
“I used all the lotion, I need more! When are you making the next batch?”
And my favorite… from the biggest skeptic ever – my man – Mr. Jordan. Whom, by the way, wouldn't try my lotion creations until 2 months ago. He resisted for a year then boldly declared:
“I put your lotion on my 42-year-old arm and within 10 minutes it became the arm of a 20-year-old. You've got to sell this shit.”
The thing is, it's not rocket science. It's just that commercial lotions are full of synthetic chemicals, strange ingredients that I don't understand, and a ton of fragrance. Some of these chemicals are totally harmless, most are not. Some people can tolerate chemicals, most cannot.
On average women use 168 unique ingredients on their body every day. I use about 5 ingredients. My skin is so much happier than it has ever been. Ever!
After much experimenting below is the recipe that is my favorite blend. There are quite a few DIY lotion recipes on the web and they all follow a pretty simple formula. If you want perfect texture lotion, you will have to be more precise, but if you are like me and are happy with anything that smells good and works you can play around with quantity and ingredients.
Basic Recipe for Homemade Lotion:
1. One part thick butter/oil –
Like shea butter, coconut oil, or cocoa butter (I usually use a combo of all three) – Shea butter is anti-inflammatory, healing and moisturizing. Coconut oil – well if you know anything about me you know I LOVE my coconut oil. It is anti-viral and anti-microbial, is naturally sun protective and an essential ingredient in my homemade lotion. Cocoa butter smells like chocolate and makes me feel like Willy Wonka, so I use it. It's also high in anti-oxidants and moisturizing.
2. One part neutral oil base –
I've used almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and my new favorite is apricot kernel oil.
3. Distilled water – a bit, usually around 1/4-1 cup
The use of water is highly debatable, but I've found it makes a better texture and I read that without water the lotion will have a harder time penetrating your skin. So I use water. You can use rose water or orange blossom water as an alternative.
4. Beeswax – 4-8 ounces
This helps to lock moisture into your skin and provides a protective barrier.
5. Essential oils – A few drops
If you want your lotion to smell good, I use a variety of scents – peppermint, lavender, orange, grapefruit. I have found that citrus and lavender is my favorite combo. Although cocoa butter and peppermint makes a pretty outstanding smelling lotion too.
You can play with the ingredients until you find a formula that you like. I found that I like my lotion to be a little thinner, not super duper thick and not terribly oily. It will naturally have a thicker spread than most commercial lotions.
Which Jars do You Use?
I use 4-ounce mason jars. This recipe will make approximately 24-25 four ounce jars. Since there are not any preservatives in this recipe I like to use smaller jars. I also gift nearly all of them to friends and family so I am typically only left with a 3-6 month supply, smaller jars just work better 🙂
I hope this inspires you to rethink your beauty routine and the chemicals that you may be slathering on each day. Your skin will thank you 🙂
The recipe below is for a large batch and makes about 25 – 4-ounce jars. You can reduce the amount to make a smaller batch.
(Large Batch) DIY Whipped Lavender Lotion with Coconut Oil
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of apricot kernel oil
- 1 pound of coconut oil
- 1 pound of shea butter
- 4 ounces of cocoa butter
- 8 ounces of beeswax
- 1 cup of distilled water
- .4 milliliter of lavender essential oil
- .4 milliliter of grapefruit essential oil
Instructions
- Combine apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and beeswax in a large bowl set over a double boiler.
- Heat on low until beeswax melts, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool and firm up. The lotion should change from the color of bronze (oil) to a firmer pale beige. You can place in the fridge to speed up this part of the process.
- Once completely cool, using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the lotion until it resembles thick whipped cream, slowly incorporating the water as you whip.
- When you've reached the desired consistency add essential oils and stir to incorporate.
- Spoon into jars (I use mason jars) and use within 8 months.
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Last January I was on a kick that I was going to go all natural.. well it wasn’t such a good idea for everything. But a few things I discovered are worth the extra effort and this lotion is certainly one of them. I’m making my 3rd scaled down to a 1/4 batch today which fills 3-8oz jars which lasts me roughly 6 months. My skin has become more on the drier side as I’ve gotten older and in the winter it’s worse. The first two batches I made seemed a little stinky after a couple weeks but I think it’s just me. I find the shea butter is a wonderful moisturizer but not my favorite scent. This batch I will add some essential oil and see if that helps (first two batches I didn’t use any). On a side note, since this stuff is much greasier than normal store bought lotion it’s best to put on an old pair of sweat pants and t-shirt to let it soak in some before you put anything good on… it can be a bit tough to get out of your clothes. Anyway, just wanted to drop a line and say how much I love this recipe, my skin approves!
Yay!! Thanks so much for sharing Lori! I think adding in the essential oils will make a world of difference.
Could I make this recipe using emulsifying wax instead of beeswax? I want to make it for a vegan friend, and I have some emulsifying wax left over from another project!
I’ve never tried, but I can’t imagine it wouldn’t work. Let me know how it turns out!
Thanks for your recipe. I have made soaps, lotions, creams, lotion bars etc.
I am wondering why you use beeswax instead of E-wax because E-wax and water mix but beeswax and water do not.
It was an expensive 16 oz mistake for me when I substituted B for E. Melted it down and added the E wax. and it came together, but did not feel right selling it.
I have both, but more E wax. Would your recipe work with it.? Why or why not? I am thinking adding the wax might hold it together and stay fluffy??? better over time.
Thanks for your advice.
I’m not trying to burst anyone’s bubble or anything, but if a preservative isn’t added to this recipe, bacteria and mold will start to grow by the first week. When you add water to a lotion recipe, you have to add a preservative, otherwise that will happen. Even if stored in a refrigerator, the recipe would only last maybe 2-4 weeks, and whipped body butter must be room-temp. Instead, maybe add a preservative like Optiphen that is formaldehyde and paraben free. Or, perhaps use the exact same recipe, but don’t add water! Whatever that person said about adding water to oils is not true, as they simply won’t mix into each other without a co-emulsifyer. Otherwise, this is a wonderful recipe that will last around 1 year if stored correctly.
Thanks for the info Taylor. I will update the recipe!
Thanks for providing such a great information.
Hi abra!
About how many drops of EO would you say you use total per large batch?
I didn’t use a dropper bottle I measured via pour so it’s hard to say.
Hi Abra!
I just made this recipe and in SEEMED like everything went perfectly. I went to use some last night a couple hours after making it to find it had completely solidified in the jar. I used:
8oz Shea butter
4oz apricot kernel oil
2.5oz beeswax
1/2 cup tap water (not distilled…)
Essential oils.
Are my ratios off? I thought I followed exactly another recipe you posted in a comment here to make a small batch quantity. Any idea why it’s solid now?
Thank you! Also planning to add some arrowroot as it is a bit too greasy for my liking. Have you tried adding arrowroot yet? Thanks in advance for the feedback!
What do you mean by completely solidified? Were you able to scoop it out? It is a very thick lotion.
Hi I made this and it came out like a thick ointment consistency is there anyway I can rewhip the batch it’s been in the fridge a few days. Also what can I substitute coconut oil with?
You can use any other thick oil for coconut, I mention that in the post. It is a very thick lotion recipe.
Hi, I tried making this recipe and it seems to be very watery when I apply it. What have I done wrong? I have since tried adding arrowroot but it doesn’t seem to make any difference at all?
Is it thick in the container? I have never had it come out watery if anything sometimes it is too thick and creamy? Does it need to be whipped more?
I don’t think so, I think it whipped OK. It is when I first apply it it is as it a bit of water has got into it and smears my skin between the cream if that makes sense?
Hi Abra, I came across your home made lotion recipe and wanted to thank you for sharing. I have been experimenting with homemade lotion for about a year now. I am going to try your recipe soon, still have some of mine left.
Awesome! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
Citrus oils make your skin sensitive to the sun. Grapefruit is a citrus oil, so does applying the lotion that contains grapefruit make your skin sensitive to the sun or does the other ingredients prevent this from happening? I know I can use other oils if I am concerned, but I, like you, enjoy Lavender with grapefruit or wild orange.
Hi Abby,
Yes, citrus oils do make your skin more sensitive to the sun but I don’t know by how much. To be safe in the warmer months I would just not use citrus oils.
Can I make a smaller batch just by decreasing the amounts but by using the same ratios? Thanks!
Yup, sure can. I do it all the time.
PS….I also added 1 Tbsp of distilled water, before I realized it was all liquid already.
Hi Abra. I just stumbled across your blog today for the first time, and want to say, I really like it. I was looking for a recipe for lotion, and yours looked great. I used Shea Butter/Cocoa Butter/Coconut Oil to equal 8 oz. I used 4 oz Sweet Almond Oil, 4 oz Grapeseed Oil and 1 Tbsp beeswax. I followed your instructions and it seemed to be coming along nicely, and I put the bowl in the fridge to chill quickly. When I took it out, it was a solid. So I let it warm up slowly until it returned to liquid, then whipped it, and whipped it,and whipped it, and…..you get the idea. It is still liquid, the consistency of water. I added 2 tsp of zanthum gum and whipped again, and I still have a bowl of liquid. Any thoughts of what I did wrong or how I could salvage this bowl full of goodness? Any help you can give is greatly appreciated.
Hi!
Sorry just seeing this message. It’s so hard to help you troubleshoot from afar but I will say this… I have made this recipe dozens of times and it has worked each one. If the oil is too hot it needs to cool down before it will whip. If it’s too cold it needs a minute to come closer to room temperature to whip. I would say to just be patient and let it cool down again and give it another try. Let me know how it turns out!
OMG! I just made this and it turned out amazing!! ! I substituted shea butter with mango butter, because that’s what I had on hand. I was a little worried how it would turn out because this is the first time I’ve ever made my own body butter. I used lavender and lemon EO and it’s so luxuriously creamy and smells soooo good! Thank you Abra!
Yay!!! I’m so thrilled! Mango butter was a great call!
Hi there
I want to make this next weekend
It sounds amazing!
Are your measurements in fluid ounces or regular ounces ?
Thanks
I used a kitchen scale so regular ounces, but honestly, it isn’t that temperamental of a recipe it would work just as well using fluid ounces 🙂
Hi! Planning to try this soon! Do you think that shea nut oil would be a good neutral base? Thinking of trying a coconut oil and shea nut oil combo. Thanks!
I’ve never used shea nut oil so I honestly can’t say. If it doesn’t have a strong smell then I can’t see why it wouldn’t work. Let me know how it turns out!
Hello Abra, all the way from Asia!
I am making this now but I am having trouble incorporating the water. It mixes while the mixer is on, but separates once I stop. How can I make it work?
The rest of the elements are OK (consistency, etc), but the water is not mixing.
Thanks for your help!
Hi to you in Asia!!
Thanks for stopping by to comment. It’s hard to help troubleshoot when I’m not there, but I will say that sometimes it just takes longer for the water to settle and incorporate well. Were the rest of the ingredients too warm or too cold?
Hi Abra,
I want to make this lotion for a Christmas present but not sure how to measure out the ingredients as I am not familiar using “pound”. Please can you tell me the ingredients grams. How much 4 milliliter of lavender in tea spoon. I don’t have a grapefruit essential oil. Can I use peppermint essential oil instead? Can I make this lotion with out the water.
Many thanks.
Hi Sadia,
1 lb. is equivalent to 454 grams. If you scroll to the body of the post I also list every ingredient out in relation to each other i.e. 1 part neutral oil base to 1 part thick oil base, etc. So you can adjust the recipe to the quantity you want to make. 4 milliliter is equivalent to 1/4 tbsp. I would be careful with peppermint essential oil as it can burn the skin if you use too much. If you know you tolerate it well then you can certainly use it I would just add it sparingly.
Yes, you can make it without water, I mention that in the body of the post as well, water helps your skin absorb the lotion but it also can accelerate the molding process of the lotion so I sometimes do without it.
Planning on making a batch of this to go along with my homemade sugar scrub as Christmas gifts this year. I love that it’s made with products that are easy to find!
And just fyi…people asking if you can use it on your face. Yes, but I recommend using rose water instead of distilled for a face cream. Rose water is a natural skin toner and is a great facial product. It also smells amazing. Adding a touch of tea tree oil would be good for the face also.
Hi Elysia! You have some very lucky friends and family this year! The rose water tip is GENIUS! I am seriously obsessed with rose water but never thought to add it to the lotion. Thanks so much for stopping over to comment 🙂
Couple questions: Can you add vit e to help preserve? Can I use grape seed oil instead of apricot oil? My 7 year old is making this recipe for a school project she is Sooo excited about it!! Also, I don’t see they hyperlinks for the products you use, is there a way to get them? Thanks fir sharing this recipe!! I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Opp…just found the hyper links!! ?
Hi Erin,
Yes, you can add vitamin E and you can use grape seed instead of apricot oil. I LOVE that your daughter is making the lotion for a school project! Please pop back over and let me know how it goes 🙂 I saw your other comment, they hyperlinks are in the recipe, but I will add them to the body of the post to make it easier. Good luck!!!
I had the same problem–it came out more like creamy cream cheese. Is that what you mean by thick whip cream? Would it help to do a bit less beeswax? I used apricot kernel oil and followed your recipe. Is there an ingredient I could increase or add to increase the absorption time? –I have to say tho, I love this lotion. I did a side by side comparison for two weeks–one one leg did an expensive lotion and on this lotion on the other. This one is equal to or better than the expensive lotion in terms of results, and bonus, I love the smell, like yummy baked goods. I am going to try your sunscreen recipe next. thank you!
I don’t think it’s the beeswax that makes it so thick, I just think it’s the nature of the lotion. It sounds like you had the right consistency. I love your experiment! I haven’t tried anything to increase absorption time but if you try something please let me know! I’m making a new batch next month and may play around with a few other formulas.
How well does this hold up without any type of preservative? I’ve read that the water makes lotions bacterial breeding grounds. Do you add any type of preservative, such as Leucidal? Eight months seems like a long time for a lotion containing water. I would like to try this (sounds wonderful) but I am concerned about the water/bacteria aspect.
Thanks!
I don’t add any preservatives, but I do tend to keep it in the fridge. You can try it without the water (I’ve done that as well) or reduce the batch size so it doesn’t have to keep as long.
Hi there! Can I use this lotion for both face and body?
Hi Marion, I only used it for body, you can try a small amount on your face and see how you tolerate it. All of the ingredients are perfectly safe for use on the face as well as the body.
Hi, I had to comment because I’ve been making a version of this recipe (without water) for a few years now – and finally made my husband use it on a major life long wound site…… anyways. We call it “I told you so” cream. Cuz it sealed up his wound after tons of medically prescribed treatments. His grandpa just put in an order for more too! I also put a similar recipe into chapstick tubes (more beeswax) and they are great for purses our bags on the go.
Meredith, this is the best comment ever! Thank you so much for taking the time to share. I think I may need to change the name of the recipe to “I told you so” cream, hahah! I love it!
Hi Abra! I just want to let you know, I tried your recipe for my first homemade lotion. My family, friends, and co-workers are raving about it! My sister said it is healing her cracked heels and is suggesting I get some to our parents ASAP, who suffer from it, too.
Personally, I cannot believe how much my skin has improved and it stays hydrated longer than 12 hours! It goes perfectly well with the natural soap I just started using.
I had to subsitute sweet almond oil, since I don’t have apricot kernel oil. I also added rosehip seed oil. The majority of the batch, I used solely peppermint essential oil. This smells like Andes Creme de Menthe’s, I’m in heaven.
Thank you so so much. I can’t wait to try other recipes from you. ^_^
Amazing!! I am so glad you and your family have found success with the lotion. Rosehip oil is a genius addition. I have been on a rose everything kick, I am definitely going to add some to my next batch!
I made 2 large batches for bridal shower favors and it feels a little greasy. Any suggestions?
Thanks so much!
Hi Sandra, I originally made this as baby shower favors, great minds think alike 🙂 I’ve found that homemade lotion with oil base will always feel more greasy than store bought lotion. There really isn’t much to do to change that unless you add a ton of chemicals. You can use very little of it and it absorbs pretty quickly into the skin. The quality of the lotion makes the little bit of extra oil texture totally worth it. It was a HUGE hit when I presented them as favors, I made super cute labels too.
great, thanks so much! i will let you know how it goes, shower is 8/5:)
Abra,
Love your site and I make lotions as well.
I noticed a recent comment regarding the greasiness of the product.
I have found that if you add just a touch of Arrow Root to the product once removed from the heat that it feels more silky when applied. Hope this helps
That’s an excellent idea, Kristi! I can’t wait to try it, thank you so much for sharing and for your kind words about my site, it really means the world to know there are people out there enjoying the content. I really appreciate you! 🙂
Oh, I have never done a whipped version. This looks amazingly creamy. Thanks for sharing!
It is my favorite! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Hi! Love this recipe!
I wanted to make a vegan version of this lotion without the beeswax. What would you suggest I increase my shea butter to? Or just leave it as is?
Thank you!
You can purchase a vegan beeswax alternative but honestly, I’ve made it without the beeswax (when I’ve run out) and it works perfectly well for me. I’m so glad you love the recipe! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Aloha,
Used your recipe although I only used olive oil + coconut oil and beeswax as the rest of those ingredients are extremely expensive in Hawaii. Love how it smells even without the essential oils and it whipped up fine after being cooled to almost solid in the fridge. But it separated overnight and is pretty liquidy now. Do you think this is because of the humidity in Hawaii or the ingredients I used, or both? Any help would be appreciated! Mahalo!
Aloha!
Thanks for trying my recipe. The shift of ingredients will definitely affect the texture. The addition of a shea butter helps the lotion to stay firm. Olive oil and coconut oil, even with beeswax, will most like turn back to liquid in warm temperatures. But I’m sure it still works well!
Lived in Hawaii many years (Hilo-very humid), and it definitely took me a while to get my mixtures right for the weather! I would not use olive oil in something like this where you want it to set up a certain way & not use an emollient (which keeps ingredients from separating). Try mac nut or kukui for the liquid oils to go w/ your coconut oil, skip the water for sure, and use a local butter-avocado and mango butters are sold all over (and cocoa butter on Big Island) but you need a butter it acts as a kindof emollient and they’re what get you that silky texture in the end. If you can’t find raw butters from someone local, I used to get good deals w/ free shipping (even to Hawaii) from AFrica on shea and other butters. There’s a few sellers that will do a variety pack of 2-3 different butters-which are fun. When you heat/melt everything, be sure to use a double boiler (can just use 1 pot inside a larger pot w/ water in the larger/bottom one that is in direct contact w/ the heat) and heat on med to low/med, start w/ the wax, then the butters, then coconut oil (if solidified), promptly remove from heat and add liquid oils, give a good stir before putting into fridge. if separates, put in fridge again and try whipping again-i’ve had to do this part 3-4 times when i first moved there, but it eventually whips up and doesn’t separate (at least for a few months). Hope these tips help- either way the end results will be worth and each time will get easier! Much aloha and happy diying!
Hi! Does the apricot oil have a more fruity scent? I’m assuming yes, but just thought I’d double check before I made the purchase. I have avocado oil but if the apricot makes it smell better than I’d go with that!
It actually doesn’t have much of a scent at all.Slightly fruity, but more neutral than anything 🙂
Hi, I would love to try and make this.
Is it ok if I only use Coconut oil, Sweet almond and beewax and leave out the olive oil??
Yes, that’s perfectly fine. I don’t use olive oil in this recipe though I use shea butter in addition to the ingredients listed.
Where do you get your supplies?
Hi Judy, I hyperlinked all of my ingredients to the source. I purchase most of my supplies from Amazon 🙂
Can you tell me how this does in the heat? I want to ship some to family in Florida…
I’ve used it all year round without a problem. It tends to be a bit thinner in the warmth but it never turns to liquid.
Your lotion recipe calls for ‘lbs’ of oil. Can you provide the liquid equivalent? How many liquid ounces are needed?
Hi Pam, 1 lb. = 16 ounces, and 2 lbs = 32 ounces
Please how do I get the lotion I want to buy from you. And how much is it.
Thanks,
Gladys
Hi Gladys,
I haven’t made a new batch to sell yet this year. If you add your name and email to the wait list at the bottom of this post I’ll notify you when I have another batch ready.
Hi, is there a way to still purchase this from you? I don’t see a wait list like you said.
Hi Christina,
Not right now, I just took the list off but will add it back on next month. I’ll let you know when I do 🙂
Just made this tonight and it is wonderful! I used 8oz Shea butter, 4oz sweet almond oil, 4oz olive oil, 2.5oz beeswax, 1/2 c. water, and some lavender and rosemary EOs. I’d call it more of a whipped body butter. It felt a little greasy when I first applied it but it absorbs pretty quickly and leaves your skin feeling satiny soft. This is a great recipe!
Oh great Katie!! I’m so glad it worked out.
About how long does the whipping stage take before desired consistency?
I wish I had a clear answer for you, Ashley, but with lotion making there are so many variables. When I made this recipe exactly as listed I reached consistency in around 3-4 minutes. I usually let it sit and chill for awhile before I whip it though, if it’s warm from melting the beeswax it’s harder to get it whipped.
How long does this recipe last without a preservatives since it uses water?
Hi Kate,
My batch lasted for about 3 months without any problems. You can also store it in the refrigerator for longer.
I use Vitamin E as I read somewhere that it helps preserve the lotions. I also use arrowroot powder to help with greasiness
Hi Raxanne,
How muxh arrowroot powder did you use to help with the greasiness?
thank you!
Can anyone tell me how much lotion this recipe makes? I see it says “large batch” but I’d like to know how many 6oz/200ml jars I need to get for the lotion.
Hi,
The recipe below is for a large batch and makes about 25 – 4-ounce jars. You can reduce the amount to make a smaller batch.
Thank you so much! I’m using avocado seed oil instead of the apricot, but I’ll be sure to leave a rating after I make it.
I am very confused. Am I using she’s butter and coconut oil or just one or the other?
As the recipe is written, scroll down to the recipe card and you will see the exact recipe that I used. Both shea butter and coconut oil. Within the post, I outline my general formula for creating DIY lotions.
Let me know how it turns out!
Best!
Abra
I am having trouble getting it to whip… do I need a strong mixer?
I use a pretty inexpensive hand mixer which seemed to do the trick quite well. The variation of ingredients will affect how well it will whip. Depending on which firm butter and which liquid oil you use, how much water, brands of various ingredients, etc. Even if it doesn’t whip perfectly well the end result should still be lovely.
Hi, thanks for the great recipe! Mine didn’t whip well but I’m sure it’s because I couldn’t use cocoa butter. I’m making lotion for my son’s preschool teachers for teacher appreciation week and 2 teachers are allergic to chocolate. Anyway, I was wondering what other solid butters you’d recommend? I like the smell of this without any scent added but I’d like a lighter scent for the summer. I find the coconut oil and Shea butter gives it a very warm fall/winter scent. My main oil is olive oil. Again, thanks!
Did you use shea butter? You can use all shea butter and eliminate the cocoa butter without a problem. Mango butter is another great option and has a lovely light natural scent.
Hey, I’m a guy trying to make some of this lotion with lavender in it for my girlfriend, but between the fact that I’m on a college student budget, and I’m horrible at making stuff with the ratios and knowing how much to put in. Is there a set of instructions for a smaller amount of rhis lotion? I was just gonna make a big batch, but I don’t have the money.
Hi Isaac, that’s such a sweet gift idea!! You can absolutely make a small batch. Just use the ratios listed: 1 part thick oil (like shea or coconut oil) to 1 part liquid oil base (like apricot, avocado, or olive oil), a little bit of water, about 1 tbsp of beeswax (this helps to lock the moisture into the skin), and then enough essential oils to make it smell good. So for a single batch, I would do 1 cup of coconut oil, 1 cup of avocado oil, a few tbsp of water, 1 tbsp beeswax, and a few dashes of essential oils.
Happy Holidays!
if i leave the Cocoa Butter out will the recipe not work?
It will still work. Just follow the ratio suggestions above. I sometimes use only shea butter and not cocoa.
Wow my mom came across your blog and sent me the link. Awesome product AND we have the same name. Which is Sooo rare.
That is so rare! Hi Abra!! I’m so glad you came across my blog and I love meeting more Abras! So far (in my 42 years) you will be the third.
Where can I get some? ?
If I make a big batch again I’ll let you know 🙂
Hey I tried your recipe and it’s wonderful. But it smells so bad from the shea butter even after all the essential oils I added. Does it always smell so bad?
Some people have a strong aversion to the smell of shea butter, I don’t mind it at all. With that said, my lotion actually always smells amazing! There are some variables here: which shea butter did you use? what quality essential oil did you use? These two factors can make a big difference 🙂
Hello Abra! Thanks for sharing your recipe I’ve heard that water used in the body butter reduces the shelf life of it or that it makes it more prone to bacterial growth. Is this true? And how long does your body butter last?
I have heard the same and I do think it’s true. In all honesty, I’ve made this recipe without water – it lasted 6+ months. I left one of my containers out from the water batch (forgot about it) and found it 4+ months later and it had mold growing on the top of it. Here is a great article about adding in preservatives: https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/natural-preservatives-for-homemade-lotion-and-cream/ You can also keep the lotion in your refrigerator. One of my goals during quarantine is to play around with this idea a bit and see what I can come up with, just waiting for some of my supplies to arrive 🙂
Hi ms. Abra,
Thank you for the recipes
Due to brain injury having a hard time how to create or research how to make good
Products for my skin.
Just wondering if you can help or give me ideas How to make lotion made of coconut oil
Because of my bad allergy the last 2 yrs been using coconut oil as my lotion loves it keep my skin moisturize & I notice my allergies are gone that’s why I’d love to learn how to make it ? The problem is I got zero ideas how to make lotion made of coconut cream & if possible with preservatives then I don’t need to keep in the cooler all the time
Look forward for your help thank you 🙏 stay safe ..
Hi Rina,
You can follow the recipe within this post for a super easy formula. I would recommend adding a preservative if you want it to last longer. Here is a great post that recommends perservatives: https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/natural-preservatives-for-homemade-lotion-and-cream/
Or don’t add water and then the lotion will last longer.
Best of luck!
Hi Abra!! Just wanted to tell you that I’ve made your lotion twice now. The first time I made it I used Shea, coconut, almond oil and beeswax(+EOs). I couldn’t use it because I found I have a slight sensitivity to Shea and was getting a little itchy. I decided to give it away, and since then people have still not stopped asking if I have more! I carry another store bought natural lotion and people are always disappointed when I have that one instead of the homemade.
I just finished making a second replacing the Shea with cocoa butter, and adding more solid oil and wax for a thicker consistency. I LOVE it! (This one I won’t be sharing- it’s alllll for me haha)
Anyway, thanks so much!! It’s so soothing on my skin and smells like chocolate:)
Yay!! I am so glad to hear that Kiana, thanks so much for popping over and sharing. Bravo on your perseverance too! Cocoa butter is the perfect swap out for shea butter. p.s. I hear you on the sharing bit 😉 I made that mistake too and now promise my family new lotion every few months!!
Buy yourself some REFINED (this withdrawals alot of nutrients from the butter) Shea..or better yet, to keep its nutrients, buy Mango butter instead. Its naturally odorless, not as greasy, and very comparable to Shea as far as nutrients and benefits. you won’t be disappointed!