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How to make Lotion – DIY Body Lotion

September 30, 2020

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If you have ever wondered how to make lotion, this post is for you! This simple DIY lotion is very easy to make and works great to restore moisture to dry skin. No worries about what all you are putting on your skin with this all natural homemade lotion.

How to make lotion. This homemade body lotion is easy to make. Learn how to make homemade lotion that is all natural. Homemade lotion recipe is frugal too. You will love how well this homemade lotion works on dry skin!

How to make Lotion

We really struggle with dry skin. My daughter especially gets terrible dry skin all year round. Whether it is in the Summer or in the middle of Winter, we get tons of crazy dry patches. Regular body lotion just didn’t cut it and I didn’t like the idea of rubbing crazy medicated creams on her. Plus, has anyone noticed how expensive lotion is these days? Goodness some of those tiny tubes of lotion come with a hefty price tag!!!

I knew there had to be another solution so I started experimenting with homemade lotion. We have made DIY Body Scrub and Honey Body Wash and loved it so I thought we could give this easy homemade lotion a try.

We are trying to implement more and more all natural products into our home. It can be overwhelming so I just focus on one item a at time. I have learned in life that if I try to do it all at once, I will get frustrated.  However, if I tackle my goals into bite size pieces that are more readily obtainable it’s so much easier! Plus, it’s so satisfying to mark it off my list and move on to something else the next week. Please tell me I’m not the only that gets overwhelmed with my to do list? You can also make DIY Face Moisturizer with ONLY 2 ingredients! Your skin will feel wonderful!

This week my goal is to learn how do you make a lotion from scratch?

By just focusing on one product, I don’t get overwhelmed. Plus, this homemade lotion recipe is so simple to make and requires so few ingredients you won’t ever buy store bought again! One week we focused on All Natural Cocoa Body Lotion and the next was The Best Natural Dandruff Shampoo. Slowly but surely we are working out way to all natural and actually knowing what is in our products! I feel so much better using all of these things on my kids. It’s a great feeling knowing and being able to pronounce all of the ingredients!

Homemade Lotion

I finally made this DIY lotion and it works perfectly. We use it every single day right after shower or bath time and the dry patches stopped popping up. I know some people make a thicker homemade body lotion for summer and a lighter homemade body lotion for winter but this homemade lotion recipe seems to work for all seasons!

This is a natural body lotion that is super easy to make. You really just need three ingredients for this homemade body lotion.  You can’t get any easier than that, right? 

You might also want to try DIY Shaving Cream for Women. It’s so moisturizing!

How to make lotion. This homemade body lotion is easy to make. Learn how to make homemade lotion that is all natural. Homemade lotion recipe is frugal too. You will love how well this homemade lotion works on dry skin!

Homemade Lotion Recipe ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup coconut oil (I buy mine on Amazon or at Sam’s in bulk to save)
  • 1/3 cup pure Shea butter
  • 10 drops therapeutic grade lavender essential oil 
  • 8 oz mason jar (to store the DIY body lotion)
  • 5 drops therapeutic grade chamomile essential oil (optional but I love it)


How to Make Homemade lotion:

1. Place your Shea butter in the microwave to soften for about 30 seconds

How to make lotion. This homemade body lotion is easy to make. Learn how to make homemade lotion that is all natural. Homemade lotion recipe is frugal too. You will love how well this homemade lotion works on dry skin!


2. Mix in your room temperature coconut oil (should be in a solid or soft state, not melted) with a hand or stand mixer for about 15 minutes until light and fluffy. Any mixer will do but I have a KitchenAid stand mixer that comes in so handy.

 

How to make lotion. This homemade body lotion is easy to make. Learn how to make homemade lotion that is all natural. Homemade lotion recipe is frugal too. You will love how well this homemade lotion works on dry skin!

 

3. Now mix in your essential oils. We love lavender essential oil in ours.  It will smell amazing.
4. Transfer to an 8oz mason jar.

How to make lotion. This homemade body lotion is easy to make. Learn how to make homemade lotion that is all natural. Homemade lotion recipe is frugal too. You will love how well this homemade lotion works on dry skin!

Now I only made an 8 oz mason jar worth when I first made it. However, now that I love it I mix up huge batches of it. I will triple or quadruple it and pour it into 3 or 4 8 oz mason jars. That way I have several made up with just one mess. It takes no more effort to make several.

Everyone always asks how do you make homemade lotion?

So we started giving jars of this homemade body lotion as gifts. They really make amazing and practical gifts for people. We have given them at Christmas time and we have given them as fun teacher gifts. You can also give them out for birthday gifts and more!  Everyone loves how great it smells. We love using lavender essential oil. It’s so calming and it smells amazing. I bet you could experiment with other oils but we just love lavender. Essential Oils are just amazing and we use them for all sorts of things around here. I love these 6 Amazing Essential Oil Blends for Allergies!

How to make lotion. This homemade body lotion is easy to make. Learn how to make homemade lotion that is all natural. Homemade lotion recipe is frugal too. You will love how well this homemade lotion works on dry skin!

I love to keep a small jar in my purse for dry hands. I use these smaller jars here that are so easy to just pop into my purse. This smaller size is also great for traveling! That way I can keep my large jar at home and just use this small one for on the go! So handy! It’s perfect to grab for dry elbows or hands and just dab a little and go!

Now that you know how to make your own body lotion, are you going to try it?

I promise if we can do it, you can too! I think you will love this homemade body lotion once you start making it. I bet you will never buy store bought lotion again. Whether you have sensitive skin, or just want a good natural body lotion make sure you make this easy recipe. The shea butter makes it so soft and just leaves your skin feeling so nourished and moisturized. Sometimes, I also add a little vitamin e oil. We just love homemade body lotion with coconut oil and these other moisturizing ingredients.

If you prefer almond oil, there is a Luxurious Homemade Lotion recipe that uses almond oil. I can’t wait to finally get rid of my dry skin!

Let us know how you like this homemade lotion!

It has truly changed things around here. I know that sounds sort of crazy but it really has. When my kid’s have severely dry skin, it makes them sort of cranky. They have trouble sleeping because they are tossing and turning from their skin feeling “itchy” as they call it. They wake up sleep deprived and the cycle just starts all over. Now, everyone sleeps so good and the lavender in the lotion has such a calming effect.

Do you know how to make makeup remover? It’s also very simple and works amazing!

How to make lotion. This homemade body lotion is easy to make. Learn how to make homemade lotion that is all natural. Homemade lotion recipe is frugal too. You will love how well this homemade lotion works on dry skin!

We also love Homemade Hair Detangler .  It’s so simple to make DIY Hair Detangler and you will save a ton of money!

I don’t know about you but my hands stay so dry all year. This easy DIY hand cream does the trick and keeps hands well moisturized.

Learn how to make homemade bath salts that are luxurious and will leave your skin so soft and smooth.

Learn how to make makeup remover. It is very simple and truly the best makeup remover!

Looking for a way to moisturize your lips? This Homemade Lip Balm recipe is so easy to make and will have your lips moisturized in a matter of seconds.

DIY BODY BUTTER is so simple to make and for a fraction of the price of department stores.

If your feet are dry and need to be exfoliated, try this super easy homemade foot scrub.

Try these other natural ideas:

  • Honey Body Wash
  • The Best Natural Dandruff Shampoo
  • 6 Amazing Essential Oil Blends for Allergies
  • 25 of the Best Natural Moisturizers 
  • All Natural Cocoa Lip Balm

Filed Under: DIY carrie 87 Comments

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Comments

  1. Allumiderm Renewal says

    July 17, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Very nice pattern and great subject matter, hardly anything else we
    require :D.

    Reply
  2. Paula says

    August 22, 2017 at 12:05 pm

    Great ideas!

    Reply
  3. La Vie Age Defying Serum says

    August 25, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    I do not even understand how I stopped up here, but I assumed this submit was good.

    I don’t realize who you are however definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉
    Cheers!

    Reply
  4. Barbara C says

    September 1, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    I tried this recipe and I love it. I can’t believe what a difference it’s made in my skin-all over. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 2, 2019 at 5:40 am

      Hello,
      Is there a shelf life with the finished product?

      Reply
      • carrie says

        March 19, 2019 at 1:30 pm

        Sarah – 3-6 month. Thank you!

        Reply
        • Becky Epstein says

          September 21, 2019 at 11:58 pm

          Does the moisturizer need to be refrigerated? Thank you.

          Reply
          • carrie says

            October 25, 2019 at 5:24 pm

            If doesn’t have to be but it can. If it’s hot outside, something I keep it in the refrigerator as it melts a little. Thanks!

  5. Kat says

    November 6, 2017 at 9:42 am

    Your easy description of making this hand lotion sounds so easy and makes a great gift idea. I will order things in bulk wanting to make a large quantity. I love the use of lavender oil. This will bring joy into my life.

    Reply
  6. Marlene James says

    November 19, 2017 at 2:19 pm

    I loved this recipe of making this beautiful lotion. I have a homeless foundation for veterans. This is would be great for the homeless. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! Please keep more recipes coming.

    Reply
    • Dumisa says

      July 29, 2021 at 9:27 pm

      I like it really

      Reply
  7. Virginia Clay says

    November 26, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    This sounds easy enough to make so I will try it

    Reply
  8. Pamela Parker says

    December 23, 2017 at 8:50 am

    Love this and it sounds so easy!

    Reply
  9. Shella says

    December 23, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    Where do you get the shea butter?

    Reply
    • jody says

      February 26, 2018 at 7:28 am

      michaels, or joanns Fabric, or any craft store near u.

      Reply
    • Josie says

      May 1, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      Go to Amazon I get mines there all the time

      Reply
  10. Karen says

    December 24, 2017 at 9:12 pm

    I am looking forward to trying this, recipe, ty, you make it so easy to follow. I am excited!

    Reply
  11. Laura H.Sischo says

    December 26, 2017 at 11:16 am

    Where do you buy Shea butter.?
    Cosmetic store or drug store ?

    Reply
    • Bee says

      April 24, 2018 at 7:20 am

      You can get it on Amazon.

      Reply
  12. Debbie Musick says

    December 27, 2017 at 1:06 am

    How much essential oil do i put in it?

    Reply
  13. Bonni says

    December 27, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    I make mine with a little less coconut oil.
    I melt the shea butter and coconut oil then put in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Then I whip it with the mixer and add the essential oil. I make this for my grandson that gets really bad dry spots on his back. I also make another batch for my son inlaw for his hands because he is a mechanic and has sensitive skin. I add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for him because he doesnt like it greasy.. We live in Arizona and only put this on at night or we would burn super super bad in the sun. I have had more people tell me my hand and cuticle look and feel awesome and I am 52.

    Reply
    • Davina says

      April 7, 2018 at 5:54 am

      This is awesome. I will try your way.

      Reply
  14. Charlene says

    December 29, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    How do you store the extra jars of lotion?Do you refrigerate them and how long do they last?

    Reply
  15. Michelle says

    December 30, 2017 at 11:38 am

    Hi where do you find plain Shea butter.

    Reply
    • Monica says

      February 5, 2018 at 10:09 pm

      Health food store sells it or order online.

      Reply
    • Amber says

      April 18, 2018 at 10:08 pm

      Amazon, health food stores, etc… the best I’ve found is on Amazon. It’s an raw shea butter and it comes in a 16 oz. Container. African raw shea butter is the best. I love it.

      Reply
  16. Irene Anum says

    January 6, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    Hi, many thanks for you post. I got some ideas on what to mix with my shea butter from it.

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    January 11, 2018 at 8:31 pm

    Do you have to use the lavender?
    It makes me sneeze.

    Reply
    • Susan Bainter says

      May 10, 2018 at 6:29 pm

      No you can use any of the essential oils as long as they are the theraputic grade. For summertime lime is a nice blend.

      Reply
    • Phoenix says

      May 15, 2018 at 9:20 am

      You could use any essential oil you choose, based on needs and preferences.

      Reply
  18. Carolyn says

    January 12, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Can you substitute another oil for the coconut oil?

    Reply
    • annie says

      April 8, 2019 at 4:19 pm

      I have a similar recipe that uses avocado oil

      Reply
  19. Ovaline keen says

    January 14, 2018 at 11:38 am

    I love this and am going to make it

    Reply
  20. Ovaline keen says

    January 14, 2018 at 11:41 am

    Looking forward to making it

    Reply
  21. Emily says

    January 25, 2018 at 5:57 am

    I appreciate this post, I’m definitely going to try this. Both my kids have eczema and the stuff that works is so expensive. Its like the industry knows how much people who suffer with eczema need it and take advantage. So when this works, I will be eternally grateful.

    Reply
  22. Samantha says

    February 26, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    Made it, it’s great! I used vanilla with the lavender and I love the way it smells! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Gail Anglin says

      February 25, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      That combination smells like Baby Powder!
      My Grand kids Love it.

      Reply
      • carrie says

        March 27, 2020 at 9:57 pm

        I’m glad you loved it!

        Reply
  23. LuAnn Morris says

    March 2, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Sounds easy enough, can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  24. Kristina says

    March 30, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    I’ve made this and it’s amazing thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Kristina

    Reply
  25. Themysterykey says

    April 9, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Thanks for the recipe!!!
    I will definitely make this, the weather is making my skin so dry and I need this moisture.

    Reply
  26. Deborah says

    May 11, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    I want to make this as a pain reliever. I know a lady who puts cbd oil in her lotion. I have tried it and it really works. My question is how much cbd oil should I use

    Reply
  27. Shannon says

    May 22, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    Is this too thick to use in a squeeze bottle?

    Reply
  28. Barbara Landrum says

    June 11, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    Loved this recipe!

    Reply
  29. Lori says

    June 14, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    I have been making this cream for over a year now…..I also love the lavender oil but I also add frankincense and myrrh as they are anti cancer essential oils……

    Reply
  30. Kay says

    July 12, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    What’s the best way to store the lotion? Will a closet shelf be alright. Am going to try another essential oil, lavender makes me sneeze.. Thanks for the lotion Receipe.

    Reply
  31. Carla says

    December 19, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    What is the best way to store it? Is there something I can add to it to make it not so greasy?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      February 23, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      Carla – I store it in a air tight glass container. If yours is greasy, maybe try using less coconut oil or trying a different oil (olive oil or almond oil). Coconut oil has a low absorption rate so it can feel greasy at times.

      Reply
  32. emilie says

    January 3, 2019 at 4:44 pm

    Hello, how long can this product be kept for ?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      February 23, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Emilie – I keep mine for up to 6 months

      Reply
  33. Paige Beck says

    January 21, 2019 at 2:39 pm

    I just tried this and it eventually turned out great. 15 minutes isn’t really long enough. I needed to let it rest and cool before it became light and fluffy. I added 5 drops of tea tree oil, 5 drops of Frankincense, and a smidge of vitamin E oil. Love it!

    Reply
  34. Linda says

    February 12, 2019 at 12:08 pm

    Linda.
    I love it, going to try make it. Any suggestions, I like aloe and my skin loves it. There is any chance that I can get something with aloe Vera ?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      February 23, 2019 at 2:12 pm

      Linda – I have not tried it with aloe vera yet. Maybe try to use aloe vera gel instead of the shea butter and coconut oil? Let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear about it 🙂

      Reply
  35. Al says

    February 25, 2019 at 10:32 pm

    Awesome ideas !

    Reply
  36. Erica says

    February 27, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    I’m unfortunately allergic to shea butter, and it is in EVERYTHING nowadays. Do you have any alternatives for this ingredient?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      March 19, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      I think you could use coconut butter. I haven’t tried it before but I bet it would work great! Let me know how it turns out!

      Reply
  37. Loretta says

    March 8, 2019 at 2:17 am

    Songs very easy and great to do I will try it thanks for sharing those recipes

    Reply
  38. Haley Cox says

    March 8, 2019 at 7:20 pm

    Can you use a pump style container?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      March 19, 2019 at 3:58 pm

      Haley – I’m not sure. I have never put in a pump container. It’s pretty thick so I’m not sure that it was work so well.

      Reply
  39. Nancy says

    May 6, 2019 at 4:30 pm

    I have tried this twice and love the effect it has on my hands- but I can’t get rid of the Shea butter smell- no matter how much or what kind of essential oil I put in- it still has a strong aroma of Shea butter – which is annoying after a while. Does anyone have and suggestions?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      May 10, 2019 at 11:43 am

      Nancy – I usually mix this with a fruity essential oil. I think that these scents balance out the shea butter the best. I like to use lemon or grapefruit. Thanks.

      Reply
  40. Amber says

    May 8, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    I need 12 small containers. Will this be anough or should I plan on doubling the recipe?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      May 9, 2019 at 1:12 pm

      Amber – I would double it just to be sure you had enough.

      Reply
  41. Muniyrah says

    May 12, 2019 at 7:37 am

    Thank you very much for sharing this easy recipe! I made it with my granddaughters to show how easy it is to make a natural lotion without all the hard to pronounce chemicals listed on the ingredient list on most lotion containers.

    Reply
    • carrie says

      May 14, 2019 at 8:42 am

      Awesome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  42. Wendy says

    October 21, 2019 at 8:10 pm

    Made this for the first time tonight. I’m used to using a eucalyptus scented lotion, so used a combination of eucalyptus and peppermint oils. I used 12 drops but think the next batch is like a stronger scent. My lotion is slightly yellow as opposed to the pure white in your photos. Is this the magic of photo editing or is it my shea butter?
    For the most part I am happy with the results for the first time. I too was thinking it was more greasy than store bought, and saw the suggestions to replace the coconut oil and also to add cornstarch. Does anyone have experience with either of these to cut down on the grease?
    Thanks so much for the super simple recipe!

    Reply
  43. Dezendra says

    December 24, 2019 at 3:59 pm

    Thank you for sharing this recipe. It is really simple and easy. I am a member of the Doterra Essential Oil world and have a ton of oils here at home. This recipe is a great base to add different oils. I am making as Christmas gifts, LAVENDER WITH PEPPERMINT.

    Reply
    • carrie says

      March 27, 2020 at 9:37 pm

      I’m glad you loved it!

      Reply
  44. Diane Wolf says

    May 20, 2020 at 10:45 am

    Recipe sounds lovely and I can’t wait to gather the ingredients and give it a try. My hubby and I have typical “old people’s” skin-very dry and rough elbows, etc (age 80&85 years young. Thanks. I am so glad I happened upon the recipe. Diane

    Reply
    • carrie says

      May 21, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks Diane. I hope your husband and you both love it. Thank you.

      Reply
  45. Bonnie says

    June 15, 2020 at 7:09 am

    New to DIY lotions!! Can’t wait to try!!!

    Reply
    • carrie says

      June 24, 2020 at 7:36 am

      I hope you love it!

      Reply
  46. Marla Bearrows says

    July 25, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    Where can you buy chamomile?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      July 26, 2020 at 7:12 am

      I buy mine on Amazon. Thanks.

      Reply
  47. Teresa says

    August 18, 2020 at 4:55 am

    What is a good preservative for this DIY lotion?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      August 18, 2020 at 8:21 am

      Generally, I don’t add a preservative to it. I haven’t had any issues with it going bad before I use it all. Thanks.

      Reply
  48. Amanda says

    August 19, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Is there something you recommend to make this a little less greasy?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      August 20, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      The coconut oil is what makes it greasy as it has a slow evaporation rate but I love it because it’s the most moisturizing. Generally I use this overnight to allow it to evaporate but I still get the moisturizing benefit. You can make this with a different oil alternative like almond oil or jojoba oil that evaporate quicker but those will not whip into a cream so it will likely still be an oil form. Thank you!

      Reply
  49. Bonnie says

    September 5, 2020 at 10:40 am

    I am fairly new to EO’s and to making my own creams and lotions! I just found this and I am so very excited to try this! As I have gotten older (60) my skin has changed and begun to react to all kind of store bought, even “natural” lotions and cream. I finally decided that it was time to start researching and making my own!

    Reply
  50. Rose says

    September 18, 2020 at 11:07 pm

    😍 Will try this…

    Reply
    • carrie says

      September 20, 2020 at 8:48 am

      I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  51. Tania says

    December 11, 2020 at 9:31 pm

    Gonna make it but with essential oils i have on hand. I have ylang ylang which i love but the hubby hates. I’ll use orange lemon and lime. Do you think this would work or do you have any advice against these? Waiting for your response.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • carrie says

      December 13, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      I love ylang ylang too! If you go the citrus route, I would just add one, the orange, lemon or the lime as I think the combination might be overwhelming in the lotion. Thanks!

      Reply
  52. Maria says

    April 22, 2021 at 2:23 am

    I don’t like the smell of lavender. What can I replace it with?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      April 22, 2021 at 11:19 am

      You can use any essential oil that you like the cent of. I think lemon would be great in this recipe as well!

      Reply
  53. Desiree says

    May 26, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    Hi, I am wanting to try this out. Does the coconut oil make this go back to a hardened state once settled or refrigerated? Or does it stay whipped like lotion?

    Reply
    • carrie says

      May 27, 2021 at 7:13 am

      It stays whipped like a lotion. If you live in a more humid area, you might want to store in the refrigerator to prevent it from melting.

      Reply

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