How to Make a Natural Hand Lotion
Beautiful natural hand lotion is easy to make in your own kitchen using equipment you probably already have. A similar commercially prepared hand lotion can be expensive, but if you make it yourself, it becomes quite economical. Homemade natural hand lotion is suitable for the entire family, and it can be presented in an attractive bottle or jar to make a unique handmade gift for a friend or family member. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hypoallergenic, unscented lotion from a pharmacy or department store
- Food coloring
- Essential oils of your choice
- Glass bowl
- Wooden or plastic spoon
- Wire whisk
- Funnel
- Small bottles or jars
Instructions
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Decide what kind of natural hand lotion to make. You must decide whether you want to create a lotion with a particular medicinal use or one primarily for its aromatic properties. You then purchase the essential oils that will produce your desired outcome. When selecting the essential oils, find one or two that combine well together. They are made from highly concentrated botanical extracts and often have a potent effect on the body. It can be helpful to ask for advice at the shop where you purchase the essential oils.
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Assemble all of the equipment and supplies you will be using and make sure your work area is clean. Cleanliness is important when making cosmetics because the products can develop bacteria and become degraded, especially when you are making a natural product and preservatives are not used. Check to be certain that all of your equipment is also clean and that the jars or bottles you are using have been thoroughly washed in warm, soapy water.
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Pour the base lotion into a bowl and add the essential oil, drop by drop, until you have the fragrance you want. Do this slowly, in order to make sure that you do not add too much oil, which would result in an overpowering scent. As you do this, keep stirring with the whisk. If you wish to color your hand lotion, you can add several drops of food coloring. For example, if you are making an aloe vera lotion, you might consider making it light green, or if it is rose scented, pink would be a natural choice.
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Pour the lotion into the containers, If you are using bottles, the best way to do this is with a funnel. Your natural hand lotion will not be ready immediately; it takes 24 hours for the ingredients to thoroughly blend together. Once the 24 hours have passed, however, you will be able to pamper yourself with your handmade natural hand lotion.
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References
- Photo Credit Hand of the hand image by Roman Rvachov from Fotolia.com
