How to Make Scented Shea Butter Lotion

Shea butter is the oil extracted from the nut of the mangifolia tree that grows in Africa, and it is used in many beauty products for its restorative properties for the skin. The vegetable fat restores skin cells, locks in moisture and can ease trauma from burns or rashes. You can incorporate shea butter with a few homemade lotion ingredients to create an effective and fragrant beauty product for pennies.

Things You'll Need

• 0.4 grams citric acid 1 gram glycerin 1.4 grams stearic acid 16 grams shea butter 4.5 grams emulsifying wax 103 grams distilled water 0.8 grams germaben II 0.7 grams lemon fragrance oil 0.5 grams orange fragrance oil

Instructions

1. Melt all your ingredients except fragrance oil and germaben II in the microwave for about one minute. Stir gently and put the mixture back in for 30 minute increments until all ingredients are blended and smooth.

2. Put the lotion mixture in the refrigerator for five to eight minutes so it will set.

3. Remove and add fragrance oil and germaben II. Blend well until it feels smooth and has a light scent.

4. Spoon the shea butter lotion into a capped bottle. This recipe makes about 4 fluid ounces.

5. Store in a cool, dark location so the lotion will not break down. This lotion should last for approximately six weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• The ingredients for scented shea butter lotion can be purchased at a natural beauty store or organic food store. For a different fragrance, substitute the lemon and orange oil for differently scented essential oils. Some popular combinations are honeysuckle and vanilla; peppermint and vanilla and lavender and rose.

Resources

• Other homemade skin care recipes