How to Make a Natural Body Lotion

Skin care products often include harsh chemicals among their ingredients. While a bottle of organic body lotion may carry an outrageous price tag, you can whip up your own natural lotions at home for a fraction of the price.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Distilled water (or herbal infusion)
• Carrier oil
• Liquid lecithin
• Blender
• Natural oils
• Bottle with tight fitting lid
• Essential oils (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

1. Decide whether you would like to add an herbal infusion to your natural body lotion. You may add 2 tsp. of fresh chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus or other herbs to 1 cup of boiling water and allow to simmer on low heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Use your herbal infusion in place of distilled water when making your lotion base.
2. Make your basic body lotion base. Combine 1/2 cup of distilled water or herbal tea, 1/2 cup of a carrier oil and 1 tbsp. of liquid lecithin in a blender. Choose an extra virgin or cold-pressed oil as your carrier oil. Appropriate oils for body lotions include grapeseed, coconut, olive and sweet almond.
3. Add up to 20 drops of other healing oils to your natural body lotion if desired. Some popular healing oils include geranium, vitamin E, myrrh and tea tree oil. At this point you can also add 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil or a combination of oils.
4. Blend the natural ingredients in a blender on "whip" or "cream." Carefully pour your finished body lotion into a bottle with a tight fitting lid. If you live in a hot climate, store your lotion in the refrigerator to extend shelf life or keep your lotion in a cool, dark place.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to add essential oils to your body lotion, consult an aromatherapist before using the lotion on pregnant women or young children.