(Large Batch) DIY Whipped Lavender Lotion with Coconut Oil
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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
Equipment
- small jars
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.
Meet Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN
Abra Pappa, MS, CNS, LDN holds a master’s degree in functional medicine and clinical nutrition from the University of Western States. Abra practices functional nutrition in New York City with a clinical focus on eating disorders, digestive imbalances and women’s health. Abra is the publisher of the popular food blog, Abra’s Kitchen, a celebration of wholesome food, and has appeared in dozens of publications as a recipe developer, and wellness authority. Abra speaks and teaches on the topics of functional nutrition and mindful eating throughout the country.
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!