Hand lotions are a wonderful product - they smell heavenly and leave the skin silky. However, if you have sensitive skin, the ones you buy can make the situation worse. Organic lotions, on the other hand, can be difficult to find, and even if you do manage to find them, they tend to be very expensive. Fortunately, it's easy to make a homemade lotion. The biggest advantage is that you can customize it with your favorite essential oils to create your own fragrance!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make a Water-Based Hand Lotion
Step 1. Mix 60ml of olive oil and 30g of emulsifying wax
Pour the oil into a glass measuring jug, then add the wax. Mix the two ingredients until just blended.
Step 2. Heat the mixture until the wax has melted
You can do this by placing the jug in a pot full of water and adjusting the flame to a moderate temperature. Alternatively, heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute.
Step 3. Add 24 to 36 drops of essential oil to the blend if desired
You can use any fragrance you like. Rose and lavender are aromas widely used in the preparation of hand lotions. You can also combine different fragrances, such as rosemary and lavender or eucalyptus and mint.
If you want to make a fragrance-free lotion, you can skip this step
Step 4. Heat 300 to 350ml of water in the microwave for 1 minute
To modify the recipe, you can use rose water instead. The lotion will thus have a pleasant and delicate fragrance.
Step 5. Pour the water into the mixture
The mixture will take on the consistency of a milky liquid. Either way, don't worry - it will thicken once it starts to cool. You shouldn't mix it, but you can mix it quickly in case the ingredients don't mix and thicken.
Step 6. Pour the mixture into a glass jar, close it tightly with a lid and let the mixture sit overnight
To make it easier to use the lotion, try pouring it into smaller jars instead. The ideal would be to use containers with a capacity of 120 ml. You can also pour it into a glass soap dispenser, so you can dispense it by squeezing it.
Step 7. Use the lotion within 3-4 weeks
Since it contains water, your homemade lotion is perishable. Keep it in the fridge and inspect it regularly for any signs of mold, lumps, or bubbles. It should last at least 4 weeks, but it could go bad sooner.
Method 2 of 3: Make an Oil-Based Hand Lotion
Step 1. Prepare everything you need for cooking in a double boiler
Fill a saucepan with 2 inches of water and place a heat-resistant bowl at the top of the saucepan. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not come into contact with the water. If this happens, remove the excess water.
Step 2. Fill the bowl with 120ml of olive oil and 120ml of coconut oil
These ingredients will create the base for the lotion. If you don't like olive oil, don't have it at home or just want to try using a different oil than usual, choose sweet almond, grapeseed or jojoba oil.
Step 3. Add 40g of beeswax tablets
This ingredient will cause the lotion to acquire a thick consistency. It is also a natural humectant, so it can help keep skin hydrated.
Step 4. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and a couple of tablespoons (15-30g) of shea butter
Vitamin E oil helps nourish the skin and also has preservative properties. Shea butter helps retain moisture and nourish the skin.
Step 5. Melt the ingredients over medium heat
Stir them with a spoon from time to time. This will help you melt them more evenly. This process can take up to 20 minutes.
Step 6. Remove the bowl from the saucepan, let the lotion cool for a few minutes and, if you like, add an essential oil
Start with 10 drops, then add more if you want. Try to use between 10 and 20 drops of essential oil. You can choose a single fragrance, such as lavender, or combine 2 or 3, such as lemon, mint and eucalyptus.
If you want to make a naturally scented lotion (with coconut oil and shea butter only), you can skip this step
Step 7. Pour the lotion into small jars
The ideal would be to use containers with a capacity of 120 ml. This way, the lotion will be easier to withdraw. Alternatively, you can pour it into a glass soap dispenser instead.
Step 8. Let the lotion sit overnight, then use it
Since it does not contain water, it should last around 6 months. It is not essential to keep it in the fridge, but you should keep it this way if the temperatures in your home are quite high.
Method 3 of 3: Make a Hand Lotion in Mousse
Step 1. Prepare everything you need for cooking in a double boiler
Fill a saucepan with 2 inches of water and place a heat-resistant bowl at the top of the saucepan. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not come into contact with the surface of the water. In this case, remove the excess water.
Step 2. Pour 120ml of coconut oil and 115g of shea butter into the bowl
These ingredients will create the base of the lotion. Coconut oil and shea butter are both great for the skin, as they are extremely moisturizing and nourishing.
Step 3. Add 3 tablespoons (70g) of honey
Do not add essential oils for now: they should only be incorporated at the end. Honey is a natural humectant, so it helps attract and retain water on the surface layer of the skin. Plus, it's non-perishable, so you don't have to worry about the lotion going bad.
Step 4. Melt the ingredients over medium heat
Stir them occasionally to help dissolve. It can take 10 to 20 minutes for them to completely dissolve.
Step 5. Remove the bowl from the pot and let it cool for 1-2 hours in the fridge
The mixture will solidify as it cools. However, don't worry if it feels too thick, as you'll need to beat it to get a soft, light texture.
Step 6. Collect the mixture from the sides of the bowl using a rubber spatula
Leave it in the bowl. You will only need to perform this procedure to be able to mix it more easily at a later time.
Step 7. Add 20 to 30 drops of essential oil as desired
Start with just 20 drops and then add more if you feel it is necessary. You can use any type of essential oil you want. You can opt for a single fragrance, such as chamomile or lavender, or a combination of different essences, such as lavender and rose.
Step 8. Beat the mixture using an electric mixer
If you don't have them, you can use a hand blender or food processor. Continue whisking the mixture until fluffy and light.
Step 9. Pour the mixture into a glass jar
If you want, you can distribute it between jars with a capacity of 120 ml. This will help you use it more easily. Having a soft and light consistency, this lotion is not recommended for measuring bottles.
Step 10. Use the lotion
Since it does not contain water, it is not perishable. However, try to use it within 6 months. If it gets too soft or starts to melt, keep it in the fridge.
Advice
- These lotions can be given as gifts.
- Print cute labels and use them to decorate jars or dispensers.
- Wrap a ribbon or piece of hemp string around the neck of the jar or bottle to decorate the jar.
- If the lotion starts to soften, keep it in the fridge.
- Coconut oil has an intense fragrance, so try to use essential oils that go well with this fragrance rather than those that would create an unpleasant contrast to the smell.
- Essential oils are available online and in herbal medicine. Do not use fragrances designed for making soaps, as they are different products.
- The dispenser bottles are very efficient. Not only are they more comfortable to use, they also reduce the chances of contaminating the lotion because you won't have to touch it with your hands.
Warnings
- Keep an eye on the lotion. Water-based ones are perishable, while oil-based ones don't usually have this weak point. Regardless of the composition of the lotion, throw it away if it starts to look or smell unpleasant.
- Make sure all jars, bowls, and utensils are clean. This will prevent the lotions from becoming contaminated.
