12 New Things - Homemade Lotion

The new project for December was homemade lotion. But actually I was inspired to start this project back in the fall. I picked up a book at the thrift store that finally propelled me to make some  of my own bath products. I've made this recipe several times since then, adjusting it slightly and never want to go back to a bottled lotion again.

The ingredients couldn't be simpler. Water (I used rain water), baking soda, olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. All are easy to find. The beeswax may give you a little difficulty. I bought some from a friend who has bees.

The original recipe called for Borax. Borax is often in cleaning products, even in my laundry detergent. Though it called for only a tiny bit, I was nervous about using it. Borax is a great ant poison and I just didn't like the idea of rubbing it into my skin. I read that baking soda would work as well, and that is what I've used.

Want to try it with me? It really is simple.

Homemade Lotion


1/4 cup distilled water (I used rain water.)
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 T grated beeswax




Dissolve the baking soda in water in a glass container.



Mix the two oils and beeswax in another glass container. Place glass in a pan of water.



Heat the oil and beeswax over medium heat until oils and beeswax is melted. Stir occasionally.



When wax is melted, bring the water/baking soda mixture to almost boiling. You may do this in the microwave or in your pan of water. Slowly add the water to your oil mixture, stirring briskly.



The mixture will thicken as it cools.



I like to pour into small jelly jars while still warm and pour-able.

The best part of the lotion? It works. I always have dry skin in the winter and even with slathering myself with lotion, I sometimes have a dry skin patch that will hang around for weeks. But this winter, I've been using this lotion faithfully and have had the best skin ever.

This lotion doesn't have the strong scent that you may be accustomed too. It only has a faint scent of beeswax. My skin is more on the sensitive side and I've had terrible rashes with strongly scented lotions - so no scent doesn't bother me. If you wished for a scent, you could probably add some scented oils.

So far, I've had no problem with the lotion separating or going bad. I had one jar around for a couple months and it was still good. I did go to the precaution of making sure my jars were very clean. (The hot water was right there in the pan for a quick sterilization.) I make sure my hands are clean before dipping into the jar but I won't say that everyone in my household is as vigilant. My little boys are very much little boys with no concept of germs!

I love having a lotion with a short pronounceable ingredient list. I just walked through my house, digging for old lotion tubes in the back of drawers and cupboards to read the labels. I read labels on my food, I wonder why I never read the labels on my lotion. Not only are the ingredients long enough to make your head spin but the warnings give caution. "Don't apply near eyes or mouth." "For external use only." Keep out of the reach of children." The last warning, found on a baby lotion bottle, made me pause. What is baby lotion for except for children?  Am I the only one who has applied lotion to a small child's hands only to have them lick it off?

At this point, I plan to take a few simple kitchen ingredients to mix up a lotion to enjoy using with my family. No more time spent hunting for coupons for CVS deals. I love when frugal, healthy and simple all line up!

Do you make your own lotion - or any other body products?