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homemade lotion bars on wood tray with dried herbs

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!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Inactive Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Equipment

  • glass measuring cup or large glass bowl
  • double boiler or large saucepan
  • whisk
  • silicone soap mold, glass jar, or metal tin

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Notes

My favorite scents lately are these, but see below for more blends to choose from.
vanilla mint - 25 drops vanilla, 15 drops peppermint, 10 drops cardamom
uplifting - 15 drops grapefruit, 15 drops cypress, 15 drops bergamot
BONUS TIP - Make sure to clean your measuring cup or bowl right after making the lotion bars.  I typically wipe it down with a paper towel to remove any excess lotion mixture, and then soak it in hot water and dish soap!