DIY Lotion: Easy Natural Recipes to Save Money

Making DIY lotion is a fun and frugal project you can easily do at home which will save you money. Homemade lotion uses all-natural ingredients. By making homemade lotion, you control what you’re putting on your skin. Homemade lotion helps you avoid synthetic ingredients, harmful preservatives, and artificial fragrances found in commercial lotion brands.

When you make natural lotions, you can tailor each recipe to your specific needs, using simple ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin. I’ve included easy recipes to help you create homemade lotion.

Benefits of DIY Lotion

Homemade lotions offer complete control over the ingredients included, ensuring your lotion is natural and free of harmful chemicals. You can customize your lotion to suit your skin type and needs.

You’ll save money by making this product at home.

Natural Ingredients

Homemade lotion protects your skin from toxins, since your skin will only be exposed to wholesome, nourishing components derived from nature. This reduces your risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and toxin exposure.

Customizable Recipes

You can easily customize the lotion recipes by adding or omitting the different ingredients for your specific skin needs. For instance, you can add nourishing oils like argan or avocado for dry skin or choose lighter oils such as jojoba for oily skin.

Cost-Effective

DIY lotion can significantly reduce your cost for skin care compared to purchasing store-bought options.

By using all-natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils, you can make high-quality lotion for much less than store brands. In addition, making lotion allows you to produce what you need, minimizing waste and saving money.

Eco-Friendly

Since you use reusable containers for homemade lotion, you’re reducing your impact on the environment. Glass jars, tins, or other durable containers can be cleaned and refilled repeatedly which eliminates the need for single-use packaging.

Essential Ingredients for DIY Lotion

Water (or distilled water) is an ingredient in many lotions. There are also natural carrier oils and butters, such as cocoa butter that infuse lotions and creams with essential nutrients and protective antioxidants.

Emulsifiers are included in lotion to combine oil and water. Preservatives are essential in water-based lotions to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

• Moisturizing Oils: Coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil
• Butters: Shea butter and cocoa butter for rich texture and hydration
• Beeswax: Beeswax helps to bind the ingredients and provides a protective barrier for the skin.
• Essential Oils: For scent and other skin benefits: lavender, tea tree, or peppermint oil.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera soothes dry or irritated skin, especially for sensitive skin types.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a natural preservative and beneficial for skin health.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making DIY Lotion

1. Heat the Ingredients: Melt the ingredients in a double-boiler or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water; combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir until everything is completely melted and well mixed.
2. Remove from Heat: Once totally melted, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Add Vitamin E and Essential Oils: Stir in essential oils and the vitamin E oil.
4. Allow to Set: Pour the lotion mixture into a clean glass jar or container. Let it cool and solidify at room temperature.
5. Use and Enjoy: Apply the lotion for soft, hydrated skin.

Choosing a Carrier Oil

Coconut oil is my favorite oil to use for homemade lotion. Coconut oil is good inexpensive choice for DIY lotion due to its amazing moisturizing properties.

Almond, jojoba, and olive oil are also great options for homemade lotion.

Butters

Butters are a key ingredient in DIY lotions, which moisturize and nourish the skin. They help create a creamy texture.

Shea butter is a commonly used butter that has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Cocoa butter is another option that improves skin elasticity. Mango butter is another popular option that offers a lightweight feel and also has high levels of vitamins A and E.

Each butter has different benefits. Customize your lotion by choosing the butter that suits your skin care needs.

Emulsifiers and Waxes for Homemade Lotion

Emulsifiers and waxes are essential for combining water and oils in homemade lotion. They help improve the lotion’s texture and consistency so it spreads evenly.

Beeswax

Beeswax is an ingredient that acts as a binder to keep water and oil mixed together. It has natural thickening properties and forms a protective barrier that retains moisture while still allowing your skin to breathe.

Other Wax Emulsifiers  

Emulsifying wax and candelilla wax are two alternative options to beeswax.

Emulsifying wax is derived from vegetable sources, but it undergoes significant processing to achieve the final product. You’ll use about have as much or less of emulsifying wax as beeswax.

Candelilla wax, a plant-based wax, is a great vegan substitute that acts as an emulsifier to create a silky texture to lotions. It isn’t as processed as emulsifying wax. You only need as much candelilla wax as beeswax.

Natural Preservatives for Homemade Lotion

A natural preservative, such as vitamin E, will help extend the shelf life of DIY lotions by preventing the growth of bacteria. These natural ingredients help preserve the lotion’s freshness without using harsh chemicals.

Vitamin E

When making DIY lotions, use a broad-spectrum preservative to ensure the product remains safe over time.

Natural options such as vitamin E and grapefruit seed extract can slightly enhance shelf life, but due to their limited effectiveness, they should be supplemented with stronger preservatives like Optiphen or Germaben II.

Follow the recommended usage rates for these preservatives to maintain the quality and safety of your handcrafted lotion.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract, which comes from the seeds of grapefruit, is known for its potential antimicrobial properties. It’s effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, making it a great choice for natural preservation for your lotion.

While grapefruit seed extract helps preserve lotions, it works best when combined with other preservatives.

Lactic Acid and Citric Acid

Lactic acid and citric acid are also used used in skincare formulations to help preserve and stabilize lotions by adjusting their pH levels.

While neither is a broad-spectrum preservative on its own, they help boost the effectiveness of other preservatives by creating an acidic environment that makes it hard for bacteria and mold to grow.

Lactic acid comes from fermented sugars and helps balance the pH of your lotion and also moisturizes your skin and exfoliates dead skin cells.

Citric acid, extracted from citrus fruits, is a natural antioxidant that maintains the integrity of the lotion’s ingredients.

These acids are usually combined with other preservation methods.

Lotion Recipes

• Dry skin: use coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil
• Oily skin: use jojoba oil or sweet almond oil
• Sensitive skin: use aloe juice and calendula-infused olive oil

Basic Homemade Lotion Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup shea butter (or use cocoa butter)
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (or candelilla wax)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E
• 10-15 drops of essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler over simmering water. Stir until completely melted and well blended.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the vitamin E and essential oils (if using). Mix well.
4. For a fluffier, cream-like texture, pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Whip with a hand mixer until creamy (Optional).
5. Spoon your lotion into a clean, airtight jar or container.

Easy 3-Ingredient Homemade Lotion

Here is a great lotion recipe for beginners:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup shea butter (or use cocoa butter)
• 10–15 drops essential oil (such as lavender or peppermint)

Instructions:

1. Add coconut oil and shea butter to a heat-safe bowl or a double boiler over simmering water.
2. Heat gently until thoroughly melted, then remove from heat.
3. Let cool slightly, then add the essential oil and stir well.
4. For a whipped texture, chill the mixture in the fridge until it starts to solidify, then whip it with a hand mixer until fluffy.
5. Scoop into a clean jar or container that has a lid.

Homemade Lotion with Water

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled water (very important: use distilled to prevent bacteria growth)
• 1/4 cup liquid oil (like sweet almond or jojoba)
• 2 tbsp emulsifying wax
• Optional: 10–15 drops of essential oil (like camomile or lavender)
• Optional but recommended: Preservative (like Optiphen or Leucidal) if you plan to store it for more than a week.

Instructions:

1. Melt the oil and emulsifying wax in a double boiler until fully melted.
2. Heat the distilled water separately until warm (to about the same temperature as the oil mixture).
3. Slowly pour the water into the oil mixture while blending with an immersion blender or hand mixer.
4. Continue blending for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and emulsifies.
5. Let it cool, then add your essential oil and preservative (if using). Stir well.
6. Pour lotion into a sterilized container with a lid.

Storing and Preserving Your DIY Lotion

You’ll want to properly store your DIY lotion to protect its quality and longevity. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. You can also choose to add a natural preservative like vitamin E to extend shelf life.

Using Vodka for Sanitizing

You can use vodka to sanitize your lotion containers. Spray or wipe the inside of your containers with vodka to kill bacteria and prevent contamination.

Glass Jars or BPA-free Containers

Glass jars and BPA-free plastic containers are ideal for storing your homemade lotion. These containers reduce the risk of chemicals leaching into your lotion, ensuring your lotion’s safety. I use small mason jars for my homemade lotion.

Shelf Life of DIY Natural Lotion

Without preservatives, homemade lotion typically has a shelf life of about 1-2 months or longer. Label your containers with the date you made it and use them within a few months.

If you notice any strange changes in smell or texture, it is best to discard your lotion and make a fresh batch. Create small batches so you always have fresh homemade lotion.

Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Lotion

• Experiment with Textures: Adjust the amount of beeswax for a thicker cream or use more oils for a lighter lotion.
• Additives to Avoid: Avoid artificial fragrances and alcohol-based products that can dry your skin out.
• Patch Testing: Do a small patch test on your skin to ensure you have no allergic reactions before full use.

Essential Oil

Essential oils give your homemade lotion a scent and therapeutic properties.

These natural, plant-derived oils add fragrance and offer various skin benefits, such as soothing irritation, reducing redness, or providing hydration.

When incorporating essential oils, always use high-quality, pure oils, and keep in mind that a little goes a long way. I use only 10-15 drops.

Here are some essential oils to consider for your lotion:

• Lavender Essential Oil: My favorite oil. It has calming and soothing properties.
• Tea Tree Oil: It’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.  
• Rosehip Oil: Gives a luxurious floral scent and helps hydrate dry skin.  
• Peppermint Essential Oil: Provides a cool, refreshing sensation.
• Geranium Essential Oil: Balances the skin’s natural oils.

Troubleshooting

Here are some issues and how to troubleshoot them:

The Emulsification Process Didn’t Work

If your lotion didn’t mix well, reheat the mixture to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Whisk mixture continuously as you heat to help the ingredients combine.

If the issue persists, consider using an emulsifying wax or a natural thickening agent.

You’ll also want to double-check your measurements to ensure the oil-to-water ratio is accurate because even slight imbalances can affect your outcome.

PH Level of Lotion

The pH level of DIY lotion is essential for maintaining skin health and ensuring the ingredients are working well together. The pH should be between 4.5 and 5.5, which aligns with your skin’s natural pH range.

If the pH is too high or too low, it could irritate or disrupt the skin’s protective barrier. Use pH testing strips to measure the lotion’s pH and, if adjustments are needed, incorporate a little citric acid to lower the pH or a mild base like baking soda to raise it.

Completely Melt the Wax

You need to completely melt the wax to ensure proper emulsification and the stability of the final product. Stir the wax gently over low heat until it is fully liquefied, with no visible solid particles, before you combine it with the oil.

Common Questions

1) How do I make my own natural lotion?

To make DIY natural lotion, combine a water (like distilled water or herbal tea) with an oil (such a carrier oil and emulsifying wax).

Heat both separately until they arecompletely melted, then blend them while warm.

Add a preservative and optional essential oils, and adjust the pH to align with the skin’s natural range.

Once cooled, transfer the lotion to a clean container for storage.

2) What is the best oil for lotion making?

The best oil for making lotion depends on what your skin type is.

A popular choice is jojoba oil, which is similar to the skin’s natural sebum. Sweet almond oil, which is lightweight is another good choice. Coconut oil, provides deep hydration is also a good option.

3) What ingredients make a good body lotion?

A good body lotion has nourishing and moisturizing ingredients.

Key ingredients include oil, emollients such as cocoa butter to soften the skin, and occlusives like beeswax or oils to lock in hydration.

Vitamins like E and C can provide antioxidants. In addition, natural extracts and essential oils add soothing properties as well as scent.

Other DIY Beauty Products to Make

Here are some other DIY beauty projects you might like to make for fun and to save money:

Conclusion

Making your own lotion at home is a fun way to save money and take care of your skin. Homemade lotion gives you the ability to avoid unnecssary chemicals and additives.

Recap of the Benefits

Making your homemade lotion has several benefits. It allows you to use natural ingredients free from synthetic chemicals and additives. Homemade lotion is easy to customizable so you can adjust the formula. Plus, making it yourself can be a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought products.

Try Making DIY Homemade Lotion

Making DIY lotion recipe can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Start with an easy recipe and use various natural ingredients, including essential oils, to develop a formula ideally suited to your skin type and specific skin concerns.

Short Bio

Catherine Kay

Catherine Kay (me) is a stay-at-home of nine children. I’m also a blogger who is passionate about making parenting a little easier, besides giving tips about living a frugal life. I love DIY projects and have over 30 years of making DIY products and projects to save money and decorate my home . I love sharing practical tips that help parents to save money, like DIY homemade cleaners. Find out more about me on my About Page. Need more frugal living hacks? Check out my Money Management page for even more posts on saving money, DIY projects, and living frugally!