Luxurious DIY Lotion Recipe

If you’re still using store-bought lotion there are super easy natural alternatives that are fun to make! This DIY lotion is made with three simple ingredients, and takes only ten minutes.

This is a recipe for a super-moisturizing, water-free version. It lasts years without preservatives. Although lotion is technically made up of both water and oil based ingredients for skincare, this version is oil based. It’s more like body butter, and it is perfect for dry skin.

Make Your Own Lotion

I discovered years ago that I could use natural ingredients to make my own skincare products and I haven’t looked back since! My favorite homemade products are whipped body butter and homemade lip balm. Lotion bars were one of the first things I made and I’ve branched out to other kinds of lotion too. This version uses shea, almond, and unrefined cocoa butter.

In most lotions, emulsifying oil is used to mix distilled water with carrier oils. This can be difficult to do yourself. It also requires preservatives in order to prevent it from going bad. This DIY lotion eliminates this problem by removing water. Use vitamin E to extend the shelf life of your oils. This antioxidant will help them not go rancid.

Carrier Oil: How to Choose

I use sweet almond oil for the carrier oil since it’s a middle of the road oil. It’s not as heavy as coconut oil, but it’s more moisturizing than something like grapeseed oil. Replace it with whatever carrier oil liquid you prefer. Other options include avocado oil, olive oil or Jojoba.

This lotion is ultra-moisturizing and more oily than water-based lotions so you won’t need to use as much. The shelf life is also longer than other homemade lotions. The ingredients are shelf-stable and there is no need to add water.

Custom Lotion Manufacturing

Once you master the base recipe, have fun customizing your lotion to your skin type, skin conditions, and desired scent!

Some of my favorite variations include:

• Baby Lotion – Infuse the oil with dried calendula and chamomile before making the lotion.
• Cooling Muscle Rub – Add peppermint, wintergreen, and ginger for sore muscles.
• Face Lotion Anti-Aging – Use argan oil and add lavender and patchouli essential oils.
• Lavender and Vanilla Body Lotion – Add a few drops of lavender and a little natural vanilla extract.

Essential Oil Safety

How many drops of essential oil should you add to a DIY lotion? The essential oil you choose and your personal preference will determine how many drops of essential oils to add. Add the optional shea oil and 45 drops essential oil will equal a 1% dilute. For skincare products, such as lotions, a 2% dilute is generally safe.

If you prefer a very strong scent, you can double it (to 2%). If you like a more delicate scent or have sensitive skin, reduce the amount by half (or less). I don’t use essential oils around children, and especially babies.

Certain oils such as wintergreen and cinnamon need to be used less. Some oils, such as grapefruit and lemon, are phototoxic. I love using the following essential oils on my skin:

Don’t Want to Make It?

If you want healthy lotion but don’t want to make it or don’t have the ingredients there are some good store-bought options. These lotions are made with clean ingredients that hydrate your skin.

There are many variations of homemade lotion recipes.

You can make lotion in many ways at home. Here are more tutorials for making lotion.

Ever made DIY lotion before? What did you think? Tell me below!