How to Make Aloe Vera Lotion

Aloe vera lotion has many different uses, including hydrating dry skin, treating burns, and soothing and healing irritated or damaged skin. Most store-bought lotions contain harmful additives and preservatives that extend shelf life but can cause more damage than good to skin. This recipe can teach you to make aloe vera lotion easily and inexpensively at home in about 45 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Sweet almond oil Beeswax Small glass pans Strong calendula tea Aloe vera gel Borax Wire whisk Vitamin A Sandalwood essential oil Glass jar Labels

Instructions

1. Melt 4 tbsp. sweet almond oil with 1 tbsp. of beeswax in a small glass pan. Heat 1 tsp. of strong calendula tea and 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel in a separate small glass pan.

2. Stir 1/4 tsp. of borax into the tea and aloe vera mixture until it dissolves completely. Remove both pans from heat, and pour the aloe vera mixture into the pan containing the almond oil and beeswax.

3. Beat with a wire whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Add 50,000 IU of vitamin A by piercing the capsules and pouring the contents into the aloe vera lotion. Mix in 5 to 10 drops sandalwood essential oil, and blend again with the wire whisk.

4. Transfer the aloe vera lotion to a glass jar. Label with the contents and date. Refrigeration is not required if used within 30 days. If not used within this time period, store in the refrigerator for an additional 30 days before discarding.

5. Apply 2 tsp. of the aloe vera lotion per application. This recipe yields about 12 applications and should be used once daily to cleanse and hydrate normal to dry skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Chamomile tea can be used in place of calendula tea. Avocado, castor, or grapeseed oil can replace sweet almond oil, if necessary. Carrot seed, marjoram, or geranium essential oil can be used in place of sandalwood essential oil, if necessary or desired. Add more beeswax to thicken the lotion. To soften it, add more oil or tea and a pinch of borax. All of the ingredients used to make this aloe vera lotion can be purchased at local drug stores or natural health stores.