How to Make Lotion at Home

You can find scented lotions just about anywhere these days, but the lotions at drugstores and grocery stores are boring and the ones at high-end retailers are too expensive. Thankfully, you can create a large batch of scented lotion in your own home for a fraction of the price. By mixing and matching oils and scented waters, you can create a wide array of scents. Not only is making lotion a fun DIY project, but it also makes the perfect gift.

Things You'll Need

• Orange-scented essential oil
• 32 oz. purified water
• 1 tsp. Borax powder
• 2 cups of orange-scented water
• Whisk
• 2 Tbs. hazelnut oil
• Medium mixing bowl
• Two small bowls
• Cheese cloth
• Mesh strainer

Instructions

1. Combine 1/2 teaspoon of orange-scented essential oil with 32 oz. of purified water; shake well to combine the two liquids.

2. Whisk together the Borax and 1 cup of the orange-scented water in a medium-size bowl.

3. Pour the hazelnut oil into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat the oil in the microwave--it should be warm to the touch, or about 110 degrees. Microwave it in 30-second intervals until you reach the correct temperature.

4. Add the heated hazelnut oil to the borax mixture slowly. Gradually combining the two while whisking should form an emulsion, meaning the mixture becomes creamy in appearance and texture.

5. Whisk in 1 cup of orange-scented oil until the mixture is homogeneous.

6. Line a mesh strainer with cheese cloth and pour the newly formed lotion into the strainer. Place the strainer into a small bowl to collect any liquid that may seep out. Let the lotion drain for one hour before putting it in an airtight container for later use.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use leftover orange-scented water to create a personal spa day at home: Simply add orange water to your bathtub for a relaxing soak. You also can use the water to freshen up your kitchen: Just pour a little on a new sponge and wipe down your cutting board or kitchen counters to eliminate the smell of garlic or other strong cooking odors. You can create different scented waters by steeping your favorite scents in 2 cups of boiling water for 15 minutes. Then strain the mixture and you've got scented water. This can be done with vanilla beans, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, thyme or other scented materials.

• Clearly mark any scented water you make. Ingesting the liquid is not fatal, but it can make someone ill.

References

• How to Make Scented Waters
• Homemade Lotions