I was watching the documentary Hungry for Change (recommended by Stephy) and there was one little blurb in there about how many chemicals are in lotions. Knowing this already, and on Day 2 of my juice fast I decided to check out the ingredients in my Aveeno Active Naturals, fragrance free lotion that I have used for years. I didn’t see anything in there resembling “naturals” so I googled how to make my own. It was surprisingly easy and I had made my own by dinner time. Here goes…
Ingredients:
3/4 C Sweet Almond Oil (or oil of your choice)
2 T Plain Beeswax (not w/ byproducts)
1 C Water
Optional: 15 – 30 drops of an essential oil of your choice (I used 20 drops of sweet orange)
Glass jar for keeping the goods in
Directions:
NOTE: You may want to keep a separate blender and spatula just for making lotion, it was noted that the beeswax can leave a film. I have a glass blender and did not have that problem.
Place a Pyrex measuring cup filled with the Almond Oil and Beeswax into a pot of water (water should reach about half way up the cup) and heat until the beeswax just melts. Remove from pot and let sit for 1 – 2 minutes.
Pour the water into the blender and begin blending it on high. Slowly pour the beeswax-oil mixture into the water. Add the drops of essential oils. DO NOT be afraid to over mix! Continue blending until all the liquid is emulsified (1-2 minutes). Pour and scrape the lotion into a glass jar for storage. Let completely cool before tightening lid.
The lotion lasts up to 6 months. You can keep it in the fridge to help it keep. That’s it!!
Kristin
Hi, I'm Stephanie. I'm the best selling author of Can It & Ferment It, WECK Small-Batch Preserving and WECK Home Preserving. My fourth book, Small-Scale Homesteading, is now available for pre-order! I'm a certified master food preserver, food preservation instructor, organic gardener, chicken keeper and nature lover. I specialize in creating easy to follow recipes and directions to help other homesteaders meet their goals.
I love this alternative to chemical lotion. This lets you know EXACTLY what you are putting on and inside your body. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I’d be afraid of trying to bite myself all day for smelling so good 😛 LOL!
Yes, the best part is that you can make it smell however you want, depending on which essential oils you ad to it.
I love this idea — I would love to give it a try and it looks easy enough! Thanks for the great idea!
It really is SUPER easy and so much better for you than what you can buy at the store.
It’s scary to know how many chemicals are in lotions—and I use lotion daily. Thanks for this tip!
Even some of the “healthier” options still are laden with chemicals. It really is scary. Just check the labels!
Would love to give this a try, I love lotions.
I hope you do! It also makes a great gift!
I love that idea! Looks simple enough and I am sure much better for your skin! Thanks for the post!
Oooh, that’s awesome! I love homemade things like this. I have such sensitive skin it’s always a crapshoot what will make me break out. I know I’m safe with almond oil!
This looks amazing…I love how you can add whatever fragrance you want some lotions out there are way to powerful for my taste.
I feel the same way about scent. Some are so overpowering they make me sick!
Just finished making my first batch of homemade lotion! I used coconut oil and instead of essential oil I added pina colada food grade oil drops (normally used for lip balm). It turned out a little thin, but next time I’ll just use less water, because this stuff is awesome and there will be a next time. Thank you for sharing!
That is SO cool! I’m glad you liked the recipe. Wasn’t easy? Oh pina colada food grade oil sounds like a great flavor for the summertime!