Super Easy Homemade Lotion Recipe

If I fathom a guess, I would say I have spent thousands of dollars on lotions in my lifetime.

I remember going to Bath

and Body Works with my best friend every weekend in high school and she would get the Pearberry and I would get the Cucumber Melon.
Now that I am I bit more aware of the chemical concoction that is used in body and bath products – it seems that I am spending even more money on more natural choices.

I had been looking for ingredients that are healthy and that I can identify.

Then it dawned on me – hey, if I am making my own shampoo and lip gloss… I can do this too. (and you too!)

There are many lotion recipes out there. Most of them involve using a mixer. I’m not sure about you, but the idea of cleaning a mixer after using oil and wax makes leery.

I was excited to find this recipe which only uses 4 ingredients – that’s right  only 4! Plus it doesn’t involve a mixer and takes less then 5 minutes to make!


It is important to note that this recipe is a mixture of oil and water without preservatives, so it does have a short shelf life. I would use it up within 30 days to be safe.  

If, for some reason, you want the lotion to last longer - you can add 1 tablespoon of Germall Plus (this is a paraben free perservative) - this is at Wholesales Supplies Plus.

The Ingredients

1 1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup emulsifying wax
1/4 cup almond oil (or olive oil - or even a mixture of both)
24-36 drops essential oil


I have bought my emulsifying wax from Mountain Rose Herbs and Wholesales Supplies Plus.  (Wholesales offers free shipping if you spend over $30 bucks plus they have EXCELLENT customer service)

You can also get several essential oils or fragrances from both these sites.


The Mixture

You will need two glass containers - In the first glass container (or you can use a large coffee cup), combine emulsifying wax and oil. Place in microwave for 60 seconds. Remove and set aside.

In the second glass container, heat up water in the microwave for about 60 seconds. (I heat mine up for 66 because its easier just to hit the ‘6’ button two times in a row – I know, complete laziness – I told you it was easy though)

While the water is heating up in the microwave, put any essential oils you are using in the wax/oil mixture. I used some vitamin E oil, calendula oil, vanilla and lavender essential oils here in this one.

When the water is done heating up, it will be pretty warm – be careful.

Now the fun begins, pour the hot water into the wax/oil cup and you will see it turn a milky white color.

Pour the hot lotion mixture into wide mouth jars (uncovered) and let cool overnight on the counter (not in the fridge). I stirred the lotion once every 30 minutes or whenever I had time or was in the kitchen.

The next morning the lotion will have set and cooled completely.