How to Make Lotion With the Stuff You Have at Home

Create your own lotion with ingredients from home.

Store-bought hand and body lotions are convenient, but they often contain chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. This can make conditions such as eczema worse. Fortunately, lotion can be made at home using all-natural ingredients. Homemade lotion is safe to use for individuals suffering from dry and sensitive skin because there are no harsh chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• 6 oz. coconut oil
• 1 oz. grapeseed oil
• 1 oz. beeswax
• Small pot
• 4 oz. distilled water
• 1/2 tsp. borax
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Pin
• 1 vitamin E capsule
• 3 oz. aloe vera gel
• 40 drops essential oils

Instructions

1. Pour 6 oz. of coconut oil, 1 oz. of grapeseed oil and 1 oz. of beeswax in a small pot. Heat and stir continuously until the beeswax has melted and combined with the two oils. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

2. Place 4 oz. of distilled water and 1/2 tsp. of borax in a microwave safe bowl. Cook for 60 seconds and stir to dissolve the borax. Borax can be found in the laundry detergent aisle of your grocery store if you don't already have some at home.

3. Stick a sterilized pin inside a vitamin E capsule and squeeze into the water and borax mixture.

4. Add 3 oz. of aloe vera gel and 40 drops of your favorite essential oils into the water and borax mixture. Stir until completely combined. Essential oils that go well in homemade lotions include lavender, rose geranium, cedarwood, peppermint, vanilla and cinnamon essential oil.

5. Combine the melted oils with the water and borax mixture. After stirring, pour into an old lotion bottle for storage until you are ready to use it.

Tips & Warnings

• Castor or olive oil can be substituted for coconut oil if needed.

• Add 2 tsp. of either stearic acid or lecithin powder if you prefer your lotion to be thick.

• One oz. of honey can be melted in with the oils if desired.

• Homemade lotion only lasts one month before it starts to go bad. Don't make more lotion than you can use in 30 days.

References

• Washington State University Spokane: CityLab: The Beauty of Science
• Herbal Remedies at Home: Homemade Lotion Recipes

Resources

• Easy Aromatherapy Recipes: Homemade Body Lotion Recipe