How to use a Lotion Bar & Simple DIY Lotion Recipe

Let’s jump into how to use a lotion bar.  Not only are they extremely easy to use, but they are also very convenient to use for touching up dry spots throughout the day as well as to bring along when traveling. Plus, this DIY lotion recipe contains simple, natural ingredients free of harsh chemicals.

Using a Lotion Bar

Using a DIY lotion bar is somewhat different than using traditional 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 a shower or bath as you have warm skin 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 itchy or dry skin as well as rough patches of 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 lotion bars is that you can easily use them on the go, especially in the dry winter months when they are needed more often.  They are also excellent to bring with you when traveling since they don’t contain any water and are small in size.  Not to mention, they are a great way to help the environment since they don’t come in plastic containers like regular lotion.

As a bonus, you can also use a lotion bar as a lip balm since the ingredients are the same. Often times I toss one in my purse so I know I am covered for all the things!

Natural Ingredients

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.

A great alternative to using shea butter would be either cocoa butter (great for skin hydration and improved elasticity) or mango butter (high in antioxidants, healthy-looking skin, and nutrient-dense).

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.

Of course, you can also use avocado oil or jojoba oil instead of sweet almond oil to make your DIY lotion bars.  Each one contains many benefits for the skin, so it’s just about your personal preference of which one you have on hand.

Beeswax is a common 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.

Supplies Needed to make 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

DIY Lotion Bar Recipe

This is an easy recipe, made with simple and organic ingredients like most of my homemade personal care products.  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 a silicone mold 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 silicone mold, 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: If using right away, you can place the bar of lotion in a soap dish.  Otherwise, keep reading for the best ways to store your lotion bars.

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Scent Combinations for Homemade Lotion Bars

Storing your Homemade Lotion Bars ​

Ideally, you will want to store your homemade lotion bars in an air-tight container or wrap them in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap. This will keep the moisture out and allow you to use them when needed.   But most importantly, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place that avoids direct sunlight so they don’t melt.  This includes when you are traveling with them, in your purse, backpack, or car.  

If you are traveling with a lotion bar, then I would recommend making sure it’s wrapped tightly or stored in a container on the off chance they do melt.  No one wants to find a melted lotion bar all over their things while traveling!

Lastly, they have a shelf life of around 1 year since they don’t require any preservatives.

Homemade Lotions & Skincare 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.

Read more about me here.

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!