This effective homemade hand cream keeps hands hydrated and is perfect for combating dryness. Give this DIY Hand Cream a try if you have dry hands.
Homemade Hand Cream Recipe
I’m constantly washing my hands all the time. In the winter, the cold and wind only make the dryness worse. Most of the store-bought hand creams are so expensive and I find they don’t work that well on my extremely dry hands.
This led to making homemade hand lotion. The results of this skincare product were fantastic.
Once you learn how to make hand lotion recipe, you will be hooked! It’s really simple, inexpensive and much better than anything you can buy!
It is thick like body butter but the perfect texture to smooth on dry hands.
Why you will love this DIY:
- It works great on dry skin. This hand cream is thick and works perfectly on dry cracked skin.
- The recipe is simple. If you are new to making products at home, this is very easy. The supply list is simple and you won’t find a ton of complicated ingredients.
- Great for beginners. Anyone can make this without much effort.
Check out this video to see how to make Homemade Lotion Recipe.
Ingredients for DIY Hand Cream:
- 2 teaspoons beeswax
- 2 teaspoons cocoa butter
- 2 teaspoons shea butter
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
- 15 drops essential oil
How to make Homemade Hand Cream:
- Step 1. In a glass bowl, add the waxes, cocoa butter, shea butter and almond oil. Make sure the bowl is microwave safe.
- Step 2. Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. Stir every 30 seconds. The beeswax pellets will melt last. Continue to stir until melted.
Do not microwave all at once as the mixture could burn. Make sure to melt in increments and stir after each one.
- Step 3. Stir in essential oils of your choice. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Stir well to whip with a spoon.
- Step 4. Spoon into a small glass jar or container once it has reached room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight to extend shelf life.
Directions to use DIY Hand Lotion:
A little goes a long way with this hand cream as a skin moisturizer. Just a small amount will moisturize dry skin very well.
This is the perfect size to put in your purse or for travel. Make sure hands are clean before using the lotion so debris and other germs do not get in the cream.
Tips for Sucess:
- If you prefer not to use a microwave, a double boiler can be used instead for this recipe.
- Melt the beeswax in increments. It is important to stir after every 30 seconds to prevent it from burning.
- Store in the fridge if it gets runny. You can leave this lotion at room temperature. However, if your house gets warm, you can place it in the fridge.
- This makes a small amount so you may want to double the recipe. If you make a larger quantity for a family, store it inside a mason jar or other glass container.
- Purchase Coconut Oil in Bulk. If you make a lot of lotion or DIY products, buy the variety that isn’t food grade. It is much cheaper and you can buy it in bulk for these projects.
- Use the Beeswax pellets. It is easier to measure and work with. The larger pieces are harder to use and difficult to cut.
- If you add fragrance oil or essential oils, make sure the product you are using is skin safe.
Variations to try:
- Coconut Oil. Use this instead of the Shea Butter if desired.
- Sweet Almond Oil Substitute. This works great as a moisturizer. However, you can also use olive oil or jojoba oil instead.
- Adjust the beeswax. This ingredient is necessary for making the hand cream stay firm. If you like a softer hand cream, reduce the amount of beeswax. If you like it firmer, increase the amount of beeswax.
- Essential Oils. This is up to you and you can choose your favorite. We suggest using myrrh, cedarwood, frankincense, sandalwood, lavender essential oil or geranium. Vitamin e oil is a good carrier oil.
As you can see, there are numerous different variations to try with this hand lotion. It is easy to make using what you already have on hand or what you prefer.
You might even want to make several different batches using different essential oils and such. I love having a couple of different choices to use. It is so easy to make that it is simple to try new things.
Watch this video on how to make hand cream.
You only need a small amount of ingredients to make this homemade hand cream. It works so well and doesn’t take long to make.
This hand cream relieves dry cracked skin and leaves them feeling soft and moisturized. It is perfect for the winter months but we love it year round.
The entire family uses it and we save a lot of money from purchasing store bought. Plus, I feel good knowing exactly what is in the lotion that I am giving my children. The benefits of this lotion are numerous and I think you will enjoy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the beeswax is necessary in this recipe. It helps the hand cream to form the correct texture. It will not be firm enough or hold its shape without it.
Since there isn’t any water in this recipe, you do not have to worry about it growing mold.
After it cools, beat the mixture with a stand mixer or hand mixer until desired consistency. It will work the same way as using it as balm.
Feel free to choose the texture you like most in this DIY hand cream recipe.
Homemade Hand Cream – Quick and Easy DIY Hand Cream
Materials
- 2 teaspoons beeswax
- 2 teaspoons cocoa butter
- 2 teaspoons shea butter
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
- 15 drops essential oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter and almond oil.
- Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring well every 30 seconds. The beeswax pellets will melt last. Continue to stir until melted.
- Stir in essential oils of your choice. Refrigerate for 10 minutes and stir well to whip with a spoon. Spoon into a small container once room temperature.
now this is EXACTLY what I wanted. It only took me 4 hours to find. (I feel sooooo stupid) Thank you kindly, J
Just made a batch of hand lotion. Nice. Thanks for the recipe. I had all the ingredients and saved little jars for years just cuz they are cute. I put them to use.
I made this, but once it cooled to room temp, and has been sitting for a couple days, it’s way too hard for me to get anything out of the jar. What can I add to make it softer?
Holly – I like mine a little thicker but if it’s too thick, I would heat it up and add more almond oil or add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to soften it up some. Thank you!
Question, is the beeswax suppose to melt all the way. Having issues with melting the beeswax.
Yes, it does melt to become more of a liquid – It takes some time but I would keep heating and stirring it until it melts completely. Thank you!
Hmmm ok. I spent over an hour trying to melt the beeswax with no luck. Suggestions?
Wondering if I could use mango butter in place of coca butter?
What are the best oils to use and can this be bought at Wal-Mart ECT thanks
I’ve been looking for a simple DIY hand lotion recipe to try and yours sure seems to fit the bill. One thing that got my attention after researching DIY lotions is shelf life. I know the easy answer is simply not make too much, but one of my underlying concerns on that topic is the likelihood of unknowingly creating a petri dish of unmentionable little nasties. DIY lotions containing water seems to be especially susceptible to eventual germ growth which is why yours stands out as potentially much better.
Your (or other’s) thoughts on keeping DIY lotions safe for fam and friends?
Thanks much,
Deb
Can you substitute the beeswax for emulsifying wax? Thanks.
Yes, that would work great in this recipe!
Is the Shea butter refined or unrefined?
I used unrefined raw shea butter.
Hi, how long does this last? Please let me know, thanks 🙂
Hi Ella – This will last to the soonest expiration date of the products you used to make the hand cream as long as it’s stored in a cool dry place. Thank you!