How to Make Hand Lotion at Home

Handmade lotion is an organic alternative to chemically processed commercial lotions.

For those with very sensitive skin, even the the lightest commercial hand lotions can cause itching or hives from the many chemicals, dyes and artificial scents they are made of. The best way to avoid these chemicals and control exactly what goes into your hand lotion is to make it yourself. Even if you don't have sensitive skin, you can save a lot of money making your own lotion at home. Starting with a base recipe, you can add scented essential oils and other natural ingredients to make a variety of different hand lotions.

Things You'll Need

• Double boiler
• 1 tbsp. grated beeswax
• 2 oz. pomace olive oil
• 1 tsp. coconut oil
• 1-2 drops essential oils (any scent)
• Immersion blender
• 2 tbsp. water
• Colored glass jars

Instructions

1. Place 1 tbsp. of grated beeswax in the top pot of a double boiler. Melt the beeswax over the boiling water contained in the bottom pot.

2. Add 2 oz. of pomace olive oil, 1 tsp. of coconut oil and one to two drops of essential oil to the beeswax. Stir the mixture over the heat until the beeswax is melted and fully blended with the oils.

3. Remove the mixture from the heat. Using an immersion blender or a large craft stick, blend the mixture to a whipped form.

4. Drizzle 2 tbsp. of water into the mixture as you continue to stir.

5. Allow the mixture to cool, mixing it about every 15 minutes with the blender throughout the cooling process. Pour the lotion into colored glass jars and use as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use more beeswax if you prefer a thicker lotion.

References

• Bath and Body; Basic Lotion Recipe; Jennifer Adlers M.S, C.N; July 2011
• Savvy Homemade: Homemade Body Lotion Recipes
• Home Remedies: Homemade Lotion Step Instructions

Resources

• Stretcher: Homemade Hand Lotion
• Patchwork Times; Homemade Hand Cream; March 2010