Lesson #1 from my first job, Bath & Body Works . . .
Do not climb the stockroom shelves like catwoman. Ever.
Lesson #2 Those luscious looking photos are meant to distract you from cancer causing dioxane and formaldehyde in shower gels and lotions with unpronounceable ingredients.
But is the solution homemade lotion??? That’s waaaay too complicated, right? Believe me, every other recipe I’ve seen is complicated, so when I found this simple recipe it seemed too good to be true. Folks, it WORKS! And it absorbs much more quickly than straight coconut oil, which is great if you’re dressing in a hurry. Louisa’s post is really worth the read if you want to give this a go, but since I like to SEE how things like this work Katie and I made this video tutorial for you. 
UPDATE: Though I say in the video that this lotion can be stored at room temp for 3 months (based on the tutorial I linked to), that is not the case. Based on research I’ve done since then you can store at room temp for at the very most two weeks or keep in the fridge for up to 3 months. For info on how to keep at room temp for a longer period of time check out my new ebook, DIY Organic Beauty Recipes.
You will need:
- 3/4 cup oil (olive, avocado or coconut are great choices*)
- 3 tablespoons beeswax
- 3/4 cup water, rose water, or herbal tea – room temp or slightly warmer
- essential oil for fragrance (optional)
* If you use coconut keep it at room temp because it will become solid in the fridge. You can find quality olive and coconut oils here.
Method:
about the author: Heather
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[...] here for the video [...]
WHAT WAS THE LAST INGREDIENT YOU ADDED TO THE FOOD PROCESSORER.
Sea Buckthorn Oil. It doesn’t add fragrance but it’s very nourishing for the skin
I just love your blog. I was moved to tears with your post about Katie & her teeth! She’s such a little doll!
Thank you, Amanda! I cried a lot the day I wrote that post. I had more pent-up feelings of guilt than I realized. The joy of knowing her body had healed is more than I can describe. <3
I saw my littlest monkey looking at Katie’s cute expressions. I just read that today is NO Judgement day for MOMs, so I wanted to pass that along & tell you that I know how we judge ourselves far too harshly and the guilt that comes with it is at times unbearable! But you are a wonderful mom and I’m trying each day to do a little better! Keep up the amazing work!!!!
Much love to you and your family!
My daughter LOVES these videos! And Katie is the cutest!
Thanks, I can’t wait to try this!
Awww, thanks! A few days ago I was videotaping her and she started explaining what she was doing tutorial-stye. That was when I knew it was time for another video post, LOL!
That was a well done video presentation.
Ciao, Pavil
Thanks, Pavil!
Very charming video with this posting.
Yup, this is my plan!
Could you take a beeswax candle and melt it down to get the beeswax?
I’m not sure, Kasi. If it’s 100% beeswax I don’t see why not . . .
we use nothing but Sequoia Beauty and QuakingCanopy SoapCo and Bariani Olive Oil, LLC lotions/soaps etc.
we use nothing but Sequoia Beauty and QuakingCanopy SoapCo and Bariani Olive Oil, LLC lotions/soaps etc.
How did you clean out the food processor? That’s my question I need answered before i try this at home!
I just washed it with soap. It’s the consistency of thin mayo and came out fine . . . didn’t notice that it left a filmy layer behind or anything.
Can Katie come help me make some? She’s a good helper!
Sounds like a pretty good soap to make Heather. I know that Vitamin A is good for the skin. If I am not mistaken the ingredients that you use should be good sources of Vitamin A.
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Do you add any essential oils? And if so, what would be a good manly scent? Don’t want the hubby smelling all flowery!
Hi Megan! I didn’t add any, but you could! Unfortunately, I don’t have any specific recs for a manly fragrance. Cedar comes to mind but I’m not sure if it’s good for skin ;/
Hi Heather,
I really don’t believe there is a ‘manly’ EO scent but you could leave out the EO from the basic lotion recipe or just use Lavendar EO as it is a light scent and his cologne/scented deoderant would definately trump the EO scent.
My husband likes the smell of my lavendar lotion and It works great for massaging him…but I don’t see him using it as his ‘scent’…lol
My lotion is almost the same (I will post below). Do you have any seperation problems with yours? I do, it seems to seperate each time I use it…lol. Towards the end of usage of my lotion and after I have poured out the seperated water, the lotion is very thick and is best applied right after shower before toweling off. I can’t help to love this lotion and simplicity of it and would love to know how to keep it from separating…?
I make a small batch and divide it up for me and my daughters to use within the month. I don’t put a perservative in it b/c it is a small batch and we use it quicly and I haven’t had any problems so far (been using this recipe since this past summer, 2012.
Basic Lotion Recipe;
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup distilled water
2 Tbsp bees wax, shaved
30 drops Lavendar EO
1) Sterilize tools
2) Add distilled water in Blender, set aside.
3) Add oil in a glass measuring cup.
4) Add bees wax to oil
5) Heat glass measuring cup in a pot with water to create a dbl broiler.
6) When the bees wax is melted remove the glass measuring cup from dbl broiler and let sit for 2 mins.
7) Turn on the blender (with the water already in it) and slowly pour the oil in creating an emulsion. Once oil and water is combined add in the Lavendar EO and blend.
So what am I doing wrong?
Thanks, Lynn
Your lotion is separating because it lacks a stabilizer. I had a similar problem when I had finally created a great lotion only to discover that it separated after I had it emulsified perfectly when I first made it. I added Xanthan gum which is an edible food stabilizer. The name comes from the bacteria it is derived from. (Xanthan gum is used in dairy products and salad dressings as a thickening agent and stabilizer; it prevents ice crystals from forming in ice creams, and also provides a “fat feel” in low or no-fat dairy products.) This solved my stabilization problem. In terms of aromatherapy essential oils (EO’s) are like human voices, soprano, alto and baritone/bass and to me certain EO’s have a much more “bass” note type scent which is obviously more masculine. (Citrus oils would be soprano “top notes” for example.) I have found a few “bass note” scented EO’s. Rosewood (aniba rosaedora), amyris balsamifera (I don’t know a common name for this but I’ve discovered it’s nature’s knock-off for [VERY expensive] Sandalwood in terms of scent.) vanilla can be masculine but be sure it’s an oil and not merely food extract because the alcohol will mess with the recipe. Also, tea tree (melaleuca alternfolia) and clary sage (salvia sclarea) to me seem like alto notes and perhaps may seem somewhat gender nuetral. Tea tree is also VERY good for the skin in terms of therapeutic value. Be aware that certain essential oils are NOT ok for people with certain health conditions and I recommend consulting a reliable source for info on that. Don’t count on wikipedia to give you reliable info on that topic. Certain EO’s are sold that should not be used by anyone. Cinnamon bark oil is a skin irritant and should NOT be used on the skin for example. Also make VERY certain that you are purchasing therapeutic grade essential oil and NOT fragrance oil. Fragrance oil is NOT meant to be used on the skin or internally.
Bergamot is a very manly scent, as is patchulli.
Also, could you add a thieves oil combination to keep germs at bay?
Definitely! Great idea!
I made this and LOVE it!!!
Me too!
Yay! Another Katie video! Bekah will be so excited!
Yay! Another Katie video! Bekah will be so excited!
Yay! I honestly think this is WAY better than commercial lotions . . . my skin feels drenched in moisture but there is no greasy feel. So perfect to prevent drying through the winter months!
Yay! I honestly think this is WAY better than commercial lotions . . . my skin feels drenched in moisture but there is no greasy feel. So perfect to prevent drying through the winter months!
how’s it for sensitive skin????
It should be lovely, since there is not much in there to irritate the skin. You might try sesame or avocado oil instead of olive – they are a little gentler. You could also add some vitamin e oil both for moisturizing and to extend the shelf life.
how’s it for sensitive skin????
I totally agree! I have tried all kinds of “natural” lotions looking for something without too many chemicals and I just don’t like them!
I totally agree! I have tried all kinds of “natural” lotions looking for something without too many chemicals and I just don’t like them!
OMG. O-M-G!!! This is awesome.
OMG. O-M-G!!! This is awesome.
Know of an essential oil or anything I could add for my daughter’s eczema?
HI Bianca! Here is a quick list of some you might try: http://www.aromatherapy-at-home.com/essentialoilsforeczema.html. Sea Buckthorn oil is also considered very therapeutic for eczema. You can find it at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com
FANTASTIC! We live in Chicago and our skin gets murdered from the cold dry air in winter…so I cannot wait to try this…also, my husband has a touch of psoriasis on his hands…so it will be interesting to see how his skin reacts to it. I have a feeling there will be positive results for him too!
Thanks for sharing!
FANTASTIC! We live in Chicago and our skin gets murdered from the cold dry air in winter…so I cannot wait to try this…also, my husband has a touch of psoriasis on his hands…so it will be interesting to see how his skin reacts to it. I have a feeling there will be positive results for him too!
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been using straight coconut oil on my skin for about a year, but this combination is even better. And I have sensitive skin – yet it responds beautifully. I think anything you can EAT is good for your skin!
I’ve been using straight coconut oil on my skin for about a year, but this combination is even better. And I have sensitive skin – yet it responds beautifully. I think anything you can EAT is good for your skin!
Just bookmarked this for my girls! They are going to have such fun making this for their aunties and grammas.
Now I’m off to the thrift stores in the hopes to find a food processor. My fingers are crossed and so are my toes. Thanks, mommypotamus!
I made mine in the blender – no problem!
Good to know. Thanks, Sarah!
Just bookmarked this for my girls! They are going to have such fun making this for their aunties and grammas.
Now I’m off to the thrift stores in the hopes to find a food processor. My fingers are crossed and so are my toes. Thanks, mommypotamus!
Made it this weekend and LOVED it! I’m giving it out as gifts this year. Even my hubby liked it and started using it.
On the second batch, I added extra beeswax and it came out more like body butter. So luxurious!
Made it this weekend and LOVED it! I’m giving it out as gifts this year. Even my hubby liked it and started using it.
On the second batch, I added extra beeswax and it came out more like body butter. So luxurious!
Just made this in the blender with coconut/jojoba oil, beeswax, clover “tea” and a couple drops of orange essential oil–it’s a little greasy, but nice. Thanks so much for the recipe and fun video!
Just made this in the blender with coconut/jojoba oil, beeswax, clover “tea” and a couple drops of orange essential oil–it’s a little greasy, but nice. Thanks so much for the recipe and fun video!
Once again Heather, thank you so much for the post! I’m addicted to lotions and would love to have an all natural alternative! I love that I got to see Katie too! see is getting so big and is absolutely precious!
Gina Avilla – All of the ingredients used are recommended for people with skin conditions such as eczema, so I’d say it’s very good
Mellanie Gray Sheppard – Katie broke into an impromptu tutorial explanation of our pinecone/birdseed project the other day while I was videotaping, lol! If I can get it edited I’ll post it for Bekah
Elizabeth Neblett Schneiderman – Oh! I’d love feedback on how it works with psoriasis. I know all the ingredients are recommended for eczema so I’m guessing it would be very therapeutic.
Let’s hope so! Keep you posted
Jennifer Clare – I totally agree!
Melyssa Williams – I hope you find one. It is the piece of kitchen equipment I consider most essential
Just watched video with Sora, she wants to watch it repeatedly!!! lol
Amazing! I can’t wait to try it! Maybe Amanda Woodruff Coleman would be interested in this for her son since you say everything is good for eczema
i’m gonna try it this week – what do you recommend for soap???
Haven’t attempted soap yet, but I will!
Elizabeth – I have psoriasis & eczema. I noticed skin improvement w/in 24 hours.
I can’t wait to try! this!
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aw, katie is such a cutie pie and what a good helper! can’t wait to try this out, normally i just use coconut oil
Can this work with any oil, like jojoba, sweet almond oil, etc?
Dianthe White Hall – Haven’t attempted soap yet. Someday!
Mégan Miles Alba – Ah, good! I was going to ask you what you thought!
Lorrie Christman – Someone tried it with coconut and it worked well, so I think it would be fine to use jojoba or sweet almond
Melissa Holloway – That’s what we used to use too. It’s still great but this is less greasy
Hmmm, just made this and did something terribly wrong. I watched the video and repeated the steps as described. However, I got a waxy mess that did not emulsify with the water. I think it is impossible for me to pour the mixture any slower.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I was a little overgenerous with the beeswax, so it’s more like body butter, but it’s still very nice. Can anyone tell me a weight equivalent for the beeswax? I buy pastilles from Mountain Rose, and I usually measure ingredients by weight when I can. It’s so much easier and I have less to wash up!
A couple notes on my experience…
1. The first time I used coldish water, and it made an unbelievable, disgusting mess in my blender. The oils hardened and clumped around the blades.
2. The second time, I warmed the water, and it still made a nasty mess. As I was adding the oil, it did the same thing as the first time. I’ve made mayonaise, which is also an emulsion before, and I know once your emulsion breaks, you are out of luck. I figured it was hopeless, so I quickly added the rest of the oil, really frustrated by this point. Lo and behold, right at the end the emulsion formed and it came out beautifully!
All this to say, if yours looks disgusting at first, or doesn’t seem to be emulsifying, you might just have to hang in there. It may resolve itself in the end. Next time, I’m going to try calendula tea for it’s soothing properties and vitamin e oil for moisturizing and to extend the shelf life.
Thanks for this, Sarah! I’m updating the instructions so that people know not to use cold water
YEY!!! So fun to watch this video!
I can’t wait to try it….I need lotion like crazy here in freezing Iowa. And, I’m totally looking forward to your soap making video! 
(P.S. love that Katie started doing her OWN tutorial per your comments! Ha! You know you’re a blogger when…..) THANKS!
Let me know how you like it, Emily!
What kind of oil did you put in? You said it was orange-ish in color and good for your skin but I didn’t quite catch the name. Thanks! Love the tutorial!
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It was Sea Buckthorn oil from Mountain Rose Herbs
Lorrie Christman – Someone responded to you in the comments on the actual post. Here’s their take: “A couple notes on my experience…
1. The first time I used coldish water, and it made an unbelievable, disgusting mess in my blender. The oils hardened and clumped around the blades.
2. The second time, I warmed the water, and it still made a nasty mess. As I was adding the oil, it did the same thing as the first time. I’ve made mayonaise, which is also an emulsion before, and I know once your emulsion breaks, you are out of luck. I figured it was hopeless, so I quickly added the rest of the oil, really frustrated by this point. Lo and behold, right at the end the emulsion formed and it came out beautifully!
All this to say, if yours looks disgusting at first, or doesn’t seem to be emulsifying, you might just have to hang in there. It may resolve itself in the end. Next time, I’m going to try calendula tea for it’s soothing properties and vitamin e oil for moisturizing and to extend the shelf life.” Hope that helps!
I am sure it was my error. I used 3 oz. apricot seed oil and 3 oz. sweet almond oil, then I used 4 oz. orange water and 4 oz. gardenia water. I am new to homemade gifts so I used what I had on hand. The water I used was probably too cold, as it was room temp. and it seems the bees wax was making my bowl waxy while I was still pouring it into the food processor. Could it be if the water and oil is not 100% pure? I stuck with it, scraped the bowl, and no luck,
Chet asked me if I had seen this post (I hadn’t had a chance to read it yet). He said, “looks great”. Which means he would like me to try it. So, this will be on my “to make” list. I love that my hubby reads your blog!
Have a great, blessed Christmas!
Ha, that’s so funny! Make me want to start a post with “Hi Chet!”
Love your blog and this post, but I am desperate!!! It seems like nothing moisturizes my face, I even made this lotion with High quality coconut oil and it still feels dry. I have used straight coconut oil and the skin on my face is still flaky and itchy. What is your opinion of soy derived glycerin? I want to stay away from soy but don’t know about this. I was thinking of making a lotion out of glycerin b/c I read it pulls moisture from the air. What do you think?
I can’t see the video on this device so I wung it. Winged it? Whatever, I gave it a go and have to say, I love it!! Looks like mayo, smells like peppermint heaven, feels silky and smooth and soft. Thank you, thank you!
Yay, love to hear that Susan! So sorry about the video, though
Just made this with my 3 yr old son! We shredded the beeswax with the food processor and used grapeseed oil because I had a lot of that. We used nettles tea because it’s a good anti-inflammatory (son has eczema). Then we added a couple drops of lavender. It’s a great light lotion. And since he helped me make it, my son will be more likely to let me put it on him!
Thanks for the post!
Yay! So glad you like it, Tracy! And I totally agree – my daughter is much more willing to try things she helped make
Hi, i have a project and we have to make something that people can use. so i choose homemade lotion. can u plz tell me where 2 get the buckthorn oil? OHH UR DAUGHTER IS SOOO CUTE!
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Thank you! I bought my sea buckthorn at http://www.mountainroseherb.com but it is not necessary for the lotion recipe. Hope that helps!
Thank you! Can’t wait to start making it
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I want to try this!!! LOL…I’m getting crunchier by the day!
I want to try this!!! LOL…I’m getting crunchier by the day!
I have shared this lotion so many times I’ve lost count! Gave it for Christmas and my friends raved. Plus, I’ve shared it with anyone and everyone who suffers from eczema. It really helps! My favorite is to mix it with either lavender oil or a theives oil blend. My skin clears up in about a week.
I have shared this lotion so many times I’ve lost count! Gave it for Christmas and my friends raved. Plus, I’ve shared it with anyone and everyone who suffers from eczema. It really helps! My favorite is to mix it with either lavender oil or a theives oil blend. My skin clears up in about a week.
This lotion is FABULOUS. I wasn’t sure if we would use it all up, but it’s gone and we’re ready for another batch.
This lotion is FABULOUS. I wasn’t sure if we would use it all up, but it’s gone and we’re ready for another batch.
Love it! I made it for my mom for Christmas and she is already requesting a second batch.
I just made your lotions on Sunday and it is phenomenal!! Any tips for getting residue out of the food processor? The beeswax is so sticky!
Alison Westermann – I have to scrub it a few times with hot soapy water to get it squeaky clean again
you mean i can’t just keep running it through the dishwasher?!
I used boiling water to get rid of the leftover beeswax. Take it outside and pour the boiling water on everything. You probably don’t want it going down your drain.
[...] you. Well, not all of you because Katie refused to lick that many stamps. But I do have two jars of homemade lotion all-packed up and ready to [...]
Bwahahahaha! I just saw this, Alison Westermann! Let me know how many cycles it takes!
I broke down after three or four and took a scrubbie to it. Wasn’t too bad! Might be my new plan of action for other things!
My friend and I made this today – we had fun and it was so easy! (well, grating the bees wax wasn’t so easy). I love the lotion!
Yay, I’m so glad you liked it Teresa!
You added olive oil twice, so how much did you add when melting the was and how much did you add when you emulsified it? TIA
The oil that I added to the food processor was the same that I’d just melted with beeswax over the stove. So, 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons beeswax
sorry for the extra words in there
I made this today and it was awesome… discovered that my food processor can only do one recipe at a time (making a bunch so I wanted to double up) – but that’s ok, it turned out GREAT!! my hands still feel soft after washing them several times today – and I’m thrilled…
[...] Homemade Lotion recipe using 3 simple Ingredients from Mommypotamus [...]
I was wondering if you use coconut oil will it only last 2 weeks at room temp or was that just for the olive oil? And does it go bad or just start separating or something? Oh one more thing lol…We use Tate’s all over, and I love it for my kids hair….would this be too greasy to use in your hair?
Hi Alison! I have had a batch go bad after two weeks (which is why I put that in there) but usually it stays good on my counter for a couple months at least (we always use it up by then!). I’m not sure if it would work for hair. Seems like it would be too greasy to me, but if you try it and like it please let me know!
[...] 1 batch homemade lotion, or 3/4 cup premade lotion with good, antioxidant rich ingredients like virgin coconut, avocado or olive oil [...]
Instead of Olive oil, Coconut oil or avocado, could you use Glycerin?
I want to try this, but the tutorial is gone
Hi Gloria! I’m not sure why you’re not seeing it, but it’s still there. If you have ad blocking software that might be it
I just made my first batch and it is wonderful! I gave one jar to my sister and she cannot wait for more. Next I will attempt the shampoo bars. Thanks! so happy I found your site
Hi! I just made a batch of lotion today similar to this recipe except I added CoQ10 and vitamin E. However, it did not have the beeswax and it was creamy but also a bit runny. Could I add the beeswax now or will that not work since it is already whipped up? Sorry, I’m new to making homemade things…….but love all of the ideas!
Hi Marjorie! I have never tried adding beeswax after the emulsion process before, but I’m thinking it probably wouldn’t work. However, what you could do is make a second batch with double the beeswax in the second recipe and then blend them together!
What a great post. I will be making this with my daughter this weekend – even at 20 this will be fun.
Alicia
Hi Heather!
Could I freeze this lotion? I made way to much and I’m afraid the left overs will go bad at room temp. Also, I used jojoba oil instead of coconut!
I’m not sure, Sara. Maybe you could try freezing/thawing a small sample to see if it changes the texture? I know it does really well in the fridge if you have room in there!
[...] skin dry and follow with moisturizer if desired (like this one, this one, or THIS [...]
I made this and it is lovely! Thank you! But, I am wondering. I was reading that without some type of preservative, the lotion is good for really only a few days at room temperature. How do I know if my lotion has gone bad? And how long should have you found this lotion to last? I imagine it might depend on what oil you use, but just wondering what your experience has been. Thank you!
Heather, I made this recipe about 5-6 days ago, and all the tea has separated from the coconut oil! The water was almost suspended in the oil, so when I went to scoop some lotion out, the water would separate from the oil, and the oil would be in little clumps. I tried stirring the oil and water back together, but now ALL the tea separated from the water! I just dumped the liquid in the sink…Did it go rancid already? Is that a normal occurrence?
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I’m so sorry that happened, Taylor! From what I understand the reason for the separation is probably one of two things. First, it could be that the original batch did not reach emulsion stage when blended. From what you say about the water being “almost” suspended I’m guessing this was probably the issue. It could be that the oil was too cool when emulsified. Or, it could be that the batch got overly hot at some point after emulsified and separated. So sorry again – I hope this helps you figure out what happened!
Hi Heather!
I made this lotion with coconut oil almost a week ago, and the other day I noticed the oil and the tea (I used green tea) were separating. I’d try to scoop some out of the jar I put it in, and it would make a squelchy sound and the oil would come out in clumps and the water would stay in the jar. I tried stirring it all back together, but it just separated it even more. Did I not mix it well enough, or does that just happen? Or maybe it’s all ready gone rancid?
Oops… posted again, I didn’t think it posted the other day. Sorry!
No worries
The first comment goes through an approval process to prevent spam but after that they go through immediately. Hope my response helps!
Sorry to bombard you wtih questions today! I’m trying to live a greener, healthier life for my kids and keep chemicals out of their body! I made your lotion today with the kids and I must have needed your little Katie because mine didn’t turn out like yours!! I used chamomile tea for the water part of the recipe, I only had 1/4 cup of olive oil so I used that and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. I melted the beeswax and oil together and then let it cool for 2-3 minutes. I then poured the tea into my ninja blender and VERY slowly (exactly like you did in the video) poured in the oil/beeswax mixture. I don’t know what happened but it didn’t exolsify (sp) the way yours did in the video. Towards the end the oil/beeswax mixture started to harden again and solidify in the cup I was pouring it out of and the mixture in the ninja blender after I eventually poured all of the oil/beeswax mixture in it was VERY liquidy. I poured the finished mixture and into a mason jar and it separated. Creamy party that actually worked went to the top and the liquid part that never got creamy stayed at the bottom. The creamy part at the top was AMAZING!!!!! But there isn’t very much of the creamy part that worked and I’m not sure what to do with all the rest of the pure liquid part of the lotion that didn’t work! Do you think it was because I used coconut oil instead of just olive oil like you did or maybe I poured in the mixture too slowly (is that possible with this recipe) was it the tea I used or the tap water? What do you think I should do differently? I really want to figure this out because I am in HEAVEN with the little bit of the lotion that DID work! I immediately slathered it all over myself, my husband, and my babies!! It smells so good and feels so soft on my skin! Any advice would be greatly appreciated for my next trial batch! P.S. Your blog has drastically changed my life! I switched my family to “real” food and non-toxic everything!! I threw out all of the household items that had any sort of chemical in it last night! My husband and my parents think I went completely crazy but if it prevents us from getting cancer and helps us to feel better with out all the chemicals in our bodies then hopefully time living this way will show them that it works!!
Just made this – it came out great! I used olive oil and green tea. I added some Rosemary Essential Oil to my husband’s, and some Rosemary, Peppermint and Tea Tree to mine. Looking forward to seeing if it helps my husband’s eczema. Thanks for sharing!
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Yay! So glad to hear that, Mali!
Hi,can I use the lotion on my toddler skin?
I’ve used it on my toddler with no problem
Made this over the weekend…used coconut oil. After it cooled, it firmed up a bit, so not as creamy as regular lotion, but melts easily into skin. It’s better than any lotion I’ve purchased!
So glad you like it, Robin!
[...] can make at home what I would normally purchase: all natural shampoo, milk of magnesia deodorant, homemade lotion and non toxic cleaner are definitely worth [...]
This is totally off the topic of the lotion but I just watched the video Daniel made for Katie’s 4th birthday and I’m literally bawling right now (and started bawling about 15 seconds into the video– I’m such a mush!) I have a 20 month old and it just reminded me how quick they grow up and how important it is to cherish every single day with them.
Beautiful video!
This looks great! I’m hoping to make home made lotion for my co-workers for Christmas this year. How much does your recipe make?
I have been looking forward to making this for days. I have all my ingredients. I am wondering, do I grate a 3T block of beeswax, or try to end up w/ 3T of shavings? I am delighted to discover that beeswax smells so much like honey.
Thanks!!!
Hi I just make the lotion.I fallow you recipe but I have white liquid left.Is it normal because in your video lotion looks very smooth.
[...] How To Make Lotion With 3 Simple Ingredients [...]
To those who are having seperation issues:
This lotion will always separate without the use of emulsifying wax. It’s only a temporary emulsification. Also any recipe using water needs to have a bath and body safe preservative, other wise it will start to mold.
[...] The next option is this homemade Olive oil Lotion which may be one of my most favorite lotions ever. My husband is really grossed out by lotion and after trying this he was asking for his own jar to take to work. I have tried it as my face cream a few times now and really love it. It is light and smooth and when comparing the price of making this to the price of my typical organic face cream I am sold! Add in the benefits of Frankincense and Myrrh for natural skin health and wrinkle fighting capabilities and I am one happy camper! I found the original recipe on an amazing blog called Mommypotamus where you can find all sorts of natural beauty recipes. They have a great video tutorial on making this lotion which you can find here. [...]
Love this video! I had found a similar recipe elsewhere online and tried it (loved it!) with a stick blender, which also works great, as does a regular blender. For those who are wanting a little more precise measurement on the beeswax, the other recipe I used called for 2 tablespoons or 1/2 oz. of beeswax. Using a small digital kitchen scale, I find it makes more uniform results to weigh the beeswax. For this recipe I would use 3/4 oz. of beeswax. Also, I have purchased beeswax pastilles from Bulk Apothecary.com, which means I don’t have to grate the wax, and it is easy to measure and it melts uniformly. I noticed that in the comments here where people have used coconut oil, the mixture did not emulsify. I think that might be due to the fact that the coconut oil becomes solid at around 75 degrees, so maybe it solidifies too quickly. This recipe seems best suited for use with oils that are liquid at room temperature.
This sounds fantastic! Hubby and I decided to go a new direction with our food consumption at the new year and it has made me an absolute diehard for natural products made at home. I’m a three time cancer survivor and I’m so sick of detoxing…gave up so much food and garbage to start eating right and the difference has been UNBELIEVABLE in how I feel…not to mention how many pounds are coming off.
Now that I’m delving into making my own products at home as I’m running out of the old…looking for some great base recipes that I can tweak.
ARE YOU USING STRAIGHT OLIVE OIL? OR CAN EXTRA VIRGIN BE USED?
I think I’m going to also try this recipe with avocado oil.
Thanks for the video and your little one is precious! So wonderful to see her so anxious to help!
Hi Denise. You can use olive oil, extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
The texture of the lotion was great at first but as it solidified at room temperature, the rose water seemed to separate. Troubleshooting suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Brittany, I’m so sorry that happened! It’s been a long time since I posted this recipe and I honestly forgot it was here. In adapting this recipe for my book I adjusted my liquid amount down to 3/4 cup rather than a cup. I’m updating this post to reflect that now. If it were me, I’d pour as much liquid off as I could and then re-whip. Good luck!
Great video!! But what is the oil you’re adding slowly to emulsify? Is that olive oil again, in addition to the 3/4 cup of oil you already added with the beeswax in the double boiler? I’m sorry, I just want to make sure before I try. Thanks!
It is the olive oil/beeswax blend I melted in the double boiler
can you put shea butter in it
Shea butter is better suited for a whipped body butter, though depending on the quality it can yield a “grainy” product. Here’s a tutorial if you want to check it out: http://www.mommypotamus.com/mint-chocolate-whipped-body-butter/
Is it possible to substitute something for the beeswax? I am allergic.
Can you put shea butter in the lotion
Hello Heather!
There’s is a community in the United States that is being unreached (I believe)…. Hispanics non-english speakers living in the United States. And because I know that culture, I have been trying to inform them about the risks in the food that we eat and how they should make changes. I share recipes to them from people that I follow like you. Now, I will like to start a vlog in youtube and I love this recipe, I do two batches from me and my husband every two months =) My husband loves it!!! I was sharing it with some family from Mexico, and they would love a tutorial.
Would you allow me to record this recipe tutorial in Spanish? I will link to your site, and all credit to you in case some people would like to follow you =)? Thanks!!
[...] This image is meant to be a source of inspiration.No copyright infringement intended.I do not own images posted on this page. For more details please visit this mommypotamus.com [...]
Reading through the comments, I don’t see anyone asking this question, unless I missed it. Your recipe called for 3/4 cup of oil and water. Yet, in your video you can ONE CUP. Which is the correct measurement? Can’t wait to try this! Will be my first attempt at making my own lotion.
3/4 cup. After using this recipe several times I found that 1 cup was too much to emulsify and there was often a little water left over.
Oops! “Yet, in your video you say* ONE CUP.”
I made this lotion yesterday with coconut oil. It turned out great but after a while sitting at room temperature it solidified and all the water separated out. Any suggestions?
I can’t view the video
Just got the ingredients to make this and now I can’t see how to do it
Hi Courtney! It’s working for me – maybe you need to update your browser or video player?
My mistake! I was on an ipad… Worked from my computer! Love the lotion and sunscreen! Made such a difference in my twins dry skin!
Hi, I was wondering if there is a substitute for the beeswax? Thanks!
I have not worked with any that I can recommend, sorry!
Hello, just found this recipe and want to try it. Am wondering what the difference is between a body butter and a lotion? I would prefer something that is easier to apply and doesn’t leave an oily residue that ends upon my clothes and sheets. Many years ago, before you could buy premade natural lotions I made my own with oils and could never get the smell of rancid oil out of my sheets.
Am also wondering if when you blend the ingredients if it is creating a hydrogenated solution, which I have heard is bad for you. You use the word emulsify and I guess I’m wondering what the difference is between emulsify and hydrogenate. Sorry, this may not be the place to ask this technical question.
Wanted to tell you that my phone won’t let me watch the video. It says that the “plug in is not supported by Chromes for Android”. Thought you might like to know since I see other people have said they couldn’t view it.
A body butter does not contain water, whereas lotion does. For that reason body butters tend to stay fresh without the use of preservatives longer.
Emulsification is the process of blending oil and water so that they do not separate – water droplets surround the oil and suspend them. It is totally unlike the hydrogenation process.
Thanks for letting me know about the video!
Hi there. I currently use Palmer’s cocoa butter lotion and i love it but it does have chemicals that i would love to steer clear of.
Do you think I could substitute cocoa butter with bees wax? to get the chocolatey sent and nourishing properties?
I’ve had some bad luck making my own lotions in the past. I tried making a cocoa butter body butter which was too oily for me but would love to have the sent of that but emulsify it to make it less oily. Can it be that easy? and another time I used bees wax and found it left a filmy residue on my sick that I didn’t like (but maybe i just didn’t emulsify correctly).
Anyways, I’d love to try again but fear that I will miss my cocoa butter lotion sent too much. Any ideas/tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi Kylie, I’ve never come across a recipe that uses cocoa butter as an emulsifier, so I’m thinking the answer is probably not. I do have a recipe for whipped body butter that uses cocoa butter though: http://www.mommypotamus.com/mint-chocolate-whipped-body-butter/
Is this ok for the face? under the eyes?
Was there ever any suggestion for the separating problem?
I have used it on my face with no problem. As for the separating, I decreased the amount of water after some experimentation. The current recipe reflects that change.
thanks!! loving your blog!
Great post. Looking forward to trying it. To the person who suggestion Xanthan gum, can you give us an idea how much to put in and where we could purchase this? Has anyone else tried the Xanthan gum?