How to Make Milk and Honey Lotion

It is rumored that Cleopatra used to soak in a tub of a milk and honey and though this may be a bit of an extravagance for most of us, you can still get the benefits of a milk and honey beauty treatment using a more subtle approach. Milk and honey lotion is one the most moisturizing homemade lotions you can make and because of the antioxidant properties in honey, this recipe is great for the gentle exfoliation of skin. Here’s how to make a homemade lotion recipe fit for a queen. Milk and honey lotion has a short shelf life, so make it in small quantities to avoid wasting the product.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1/2 c. Whole milk
• 1/2 c. Water
• 3/4 c. Jojoba oil
• 1/4 c. Honey
• 2 tbsp. Citric acid
• 1 oz. Emulsifying wax
• 1 oz. Shea butter
• 2 pots
• Blender, electric mixer or food processor
• Assorted mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Spatula
• Funnel
• Airtight lotion containers (plastic or glass)
• Refrigerator
• Stove

1. In a large pot, heat the water and milk until just before it boils. Cover, remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a separate pan, combine the oil, emulsifying wax, shea butter and honey on low heat just until the mixture is fully melted and combined. Stir constantly during the melting process and do not heat to a boil.
3. Combine the oil and water mixtures. Take the oil mixture from Step 2 and slowly pour it into the water mixture from Step 1. Stir gently with a wooden spoon while you combine the two liquids. Once the liquids are combined, add the citric acid and stir thoroughly.
4. Blend the combined mixture. In a blender, food processor or with an electric mixer, pulse the lotion mixture for 2 minutes. The lotion should be getting thicker and creamier as you blend.
5. Store your lotion. Using a funnel and spatula, pour the lotion into the bottles or jars you have set aside. Screw the lids on tightly and place the mixture into the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. The mixture will thicken 3 times its current consistency when cooled overnight, so consider this when you are blending.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the lotion will thicken three times its current consistency when it rests overnight, so take this into consideration when blending.
• The citric acid will help to increase the lotions shelf life, but milk and honey lotion will not preserve like store bought lotions. You may use it for up to a month.
• You must keep the lotion refrigerated between uses.