Benefits of using Lotion Bars & Easy Recipe Guide

The benefits of using lotion bars are going to make want to use them all the time.  Not only do they only require a few ingredients, they are so simple and easy to make yourself.  If you can melt, stir and pour then you can make these homemade lotion bars!

Lotion Bar Benefits

There are so many reasons why lotion bars are becoming popular and why more people want to make them at home.

• They only contain only simple ingredients.  This recipe has 4 natural ingredients and completely avoids using harsh chemicals and fragrances like most store-bought liquid lotions.
• Lotion bars avoid entirely using water, which means no preservatives are even needed.
• They are better for the environment, as they avoid using the traditional plastic bottles that lotions come in.
• Lotions bars are very travel-friendly as they are small, contain no water, and can be easily packed in a suitcase, purse, or backpack.
• Of course, they are very easy to apply to the skin and less messy.  A little really does go a long way when using lotion bars.
• Great way to moisturize dry, cracked, irritated, or itchy skin throughout the day.  Perfect to use on hands, knees, or elbows.
• This lotion bar can also double as a lip balm or hand cream when you need it.  
• Lastly, they are easy to store in an air-tight container, metal tin, or glass jar.

Natural Ingredients in Lotion Bar Recipe

Raw Shea Butter is a natural moisturizer with a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamin A and vitamin E. These vitamins are what make it an antioxidant, which helps with premature aging and fine lines. What makes it really great is that all skin types can use it and it’s especially moisturizing.  Shea butter restores dry skin quickly once applied while not being greasy or oily.  With this in mind, you are quickly going to become obsessed with this ingredient and add it to your skincare routine.

Sweet almond oil is naturally rich in vitamins A, and E plus has antioxidant properties, while also soothing and nourishing the skin. Not to mention, this lightweight oil perfectly balances out the heavier shea butter for the perfect combination and texture in this recipe.

An alternative is using jojoba oil since it’s perfect for moisturizing the skin. Not to mention, jojoba oil is full of essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins E and B that the skin needs. I like using sweet almond and jojoba oil in many of my natural skincare recipes.  If you don’t have either of these on hand, then you can also use sunflower oil, fractionated coconut oil, or avocado oil.

Beeswax is the ingredient that hydrates, soothes, and calms your skin. It may also help with itchy skin or skin irritations as well as help repair damaged skin.  Beeswax can also help serve as a protective barrier on the skin and help in thickening skincare recipes.

A vegan option is to use candelilla wax but instead, use half the amount of beeswax in the recipe.

Essential oils really add to most diy skincare recipes. Not only do they add a wonderful scent, but they can also help with various skin conditions and skin types.  I listed my favorite essential oil scent combinations below. My favorite scent for this lotion bar recipe includes grapefruit, cypress, and bergamot essential oils.

Looking for certain essential oils for your skin type? Make sure to check out my Simple Face Moisturizer DIY Recipe with Aloe Vera recipe that includes recommended essential oils by skin type (dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and mature skin).

Supplies Needed for DIY Lotion Bars

Here are the supplies needed to make your own lotion bars :

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 40-50 drops of essential oils (see below for essential oil combinations)
• glass measuring cup or large glass bowl
• double boiler or large saucepan
• whisk
• silicone soap mold, glass jar, or metal tin

Lotion Bar Recipe

Let’s dive into actually making your own lotion bars. As with most of my homemade skincare products, this is an easy recipe with simple ingredients. However, they do require some planning ahead since they can take a while to harden and cool before the lotion bars are ready to use. This recipe makes 3 solid lotion bars, 2 ounces each because I like making them in small batches.  You can easily double the recipe, especially since they make great gifts!

STEP ONE: Measure out 1/4 cup shea butter and break it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and stir.  Then add the shea butter, 1/4 cup of sweet almond oil, and 1/4 cup of beeswax into a double boiler on your stovetop. 

For mine, I used a large saucepan with water halfway and a 1-cup glass measuring cup to make pouring easier. Heat water to a gentle boil, whisking until they start to melt together.

STEP TWO: Continue whisking the mixture until smooth and no pieces are left. Once that happens, remove the measuring cup from the stovetop and dry off the bottom. The measuring cup will be hot, so make sure to have towels and pot holders nearby. Turn off the stove.

STEP THREE: Add 40-50 drops of essential oils into the mixture and stir well.  Then pour into silicone molds about halfway up (or glass jar or metal tin if using) and let cool.  If you want to make an unscented lotion bar, then omit using any essential oils.

STEP FOUR: Let the mixture harden completely before removing the bars from the soap molds, usually waiting at least 2 hours up to overnight.  This will allow the lotion bars to be removed easily.  Peel the molds back slowly and gently, so the top of the hard lotion bars comes out clean and beautiful.

STEP FIVE: Store your lotion bars in an air-tight container, in a cool, dry place that avoids direct sunlight (so they don’t melt).  They have a shelf life of around 1 year.

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Scent Combinations for Homemade Lotion Bars

How to Use a DIY Lotion Bar

Using a DIY lotion bar is a little different than using regular lotion.  Depending on the room temperature and time of year, you may need to use body heat to warm up the bar before using it.  You can rub the lotion in your hands to warm it up, allowing the lotion to melt slightly and allow for smooth application. For best results, use lotion bars right after taking a shower or bath as your body is warm and the lotion can seal in the hydrating water.

While you can use the DIY lotion bar on your entire body, they are also excellent for touching up dry patches of skin and itchy skin.  They are perfect for adding a little bit of extra moisture to common dry areas such as hands, elbows, knees, and bottoms of feet.  One benefit of using a lotion bar is that you can easily use them on the go, especially in the dry winter months.

Natural Skincare Routine & Recipes

Hi, I’m Kristin.

I am so glad you are here ready to make some really incredible diy recipes with simple ingredients. Join me in learning how to use essential oils in all of your homemade personal care products and creating a natural home.

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Lastly, if you make this diy recipe please share your comments below. I love to hear from everyone who makes these homemade recipes and do my best to respond to all of them!