How to Make a Moisturizing Lotion with Only 3 Ingredients
Ever wondered which ingredient makes up the largest percentage in lotions? Water! If you look at the ingredients list on product labels, you will notice that water is almost always listed first, meaning it is the most predominant ingredient in the product. And, it is also ‘free’ and readily available. So what all are you paying for?
For less than a dollar and using common kitchen equipment, I want to show you how you can make a 12 oz batch of moisturizing lotion. That’s even cheaper than your Wal-mart petroleum-based generic brand. Best of all, it is easy and fun!
Skin care lotion is nothing more than an emulsion of oil and water. As an introduction to this wonderful and useful craft, let’s make a simple lotion with just olive oil, water, and emulsifying wax. Here’s what you need to make approximately a 12 fl oz batch:
- Tools
- 1-cup glass measuring cup
- 2-cup glass measuring cup
- saucepan just large enough to fit the 1-cup measurer
- Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup emulsifying wax, available at some craft stores or online.
- Directions
- Fill a small saucepan with water and set it on medium low to use as a water bath.
- Combine the oil and e. wax into the heatproof 1-cup measurer and melt the mixture in the water bath.
- Fill the 2-cup measurer with water and heat it in the microwave on high for 2 minutes or until it boils. Alternatively, boil water on the stove and pour it into the measurer.
- When the oil/wax mixture has melted, pour it into the water. Your lotion should now have the consistency of skim milk.
- Let it cool slightly, stir with a spoon or chopstick and pour the lotion into a bottle while it’s still warm and pourable. Otherwise, it would be hard to get the lotion into its container. If you’re using a wide mouth jar, then this is not an issue.
- Leave the cap off to let it cool completely, but occasionally cap the lotion and give it a quick shake to help blend the mixture.
That’s IT!!!
As is, this plain, scent-free lotion is great for babies and people with sensitive skin. But this recipe is very forgiving and you can easily vary it. Here are some suggestions:
- Substitute 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the water with glycerin to make a hydrating lotion.
- Substitute or combine the olive oil with other oils such as almond oil or coconut oil
- Add essential oils. Use 1 - 3 drops per fl oz of lotion
This lotion will last about 3 months at room temperature. You can extend the shelf life by adding natural preservatives, packaging in smaller portions, and refrigerating the lotion. Click here for more tips.
Previously, I had recommended 3 months shelf life based on my own personal experience over the last several years. Noting the many factors that can affect shelf life and that I cannot guarantee the ingredients you use and the cleanliness of your equipment, I am no longer recommending a shelf life. Instead, I will only present what I do to get my lotions to last three months. Your results will vary. Click here for up to date shelf life information and click here for more in depth discussion.
Tags: lotion making 101, lotion recipes, tips and technique
Comments: 52
Comments
Comment from Rachel
Time October 7, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Thanks so much! I’m pregnant right now and my super-sensitive skin can’t handle *anything* anymore. I can’t wait to make this and finally use lotion again!
Comment from Kari
Time October 7, 2008 at 1:01 pm
What a great and simple tutorial - with lots of options to make it our own - my favorite kind! Plus, I have a newborn niece in my life, and I’m sure her mom would love some home made lotions!!! Great tutorial!
Comment from dofnup
Time October 9, 2008 at 11:57 am
WOW!! I can’t wait to try this!! Especially the part about using essential oils … i can finally get a lotion that smells just like I want it to! Thank you so much for this recipe ^_^
Comment from raphi
Time October 12, 2008 at 7:59 am
why not just use Olive Oil?
Pingback from Travel Turtle » Blog Archive » Linking it Up
Time October 13, 2008 at 11:30 am
[...] How to make moisturizer. [...]
Comment from Foodaholic
Time October 19, 2008 at 9:44 am
That’s great! I love making my own lotion. This seems very easy.
Comment from Sabrina
Time October 20, 2008 at 12:49 am
I just made 220ml of lotion. I used bottled “Natural Still water” and Rose water in my lotion. Unfortunately, I forgot to boil the bottled water first.Typical Analysis on the bottle: Sodium, Chloride, Calcium Bi-Carbonate, Potassium Magnesium pH. Do you think this “Natural Still water” can contaminate my cream now as I didn’t boil it before? On the bottle it said “No synthetic chemicals, pesticides or herbicides.
I added Vanilla extract for Preservatives.
Pingback from Homemade Moisturizing Lotion: How To » TipNut.com
Time October 20, 2008 at 1:07 pm
[...] feature is from Wabi Sabi Baby with a recipe and tutorial for How to Make a Moisturizing Lotion with Only 3 Ingredients: For less than a dollar and using common kitchen equipment, I want to show you how you can make a [...]
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time October 20, 2008 at 10:36 pm
-Sabrina
There are many factors that can contribute to spoilage. I don’t know about the water you’re using, your equipment handling techniques, etc…The minute you open anything, it’s subject to contamination. Just like food, if it smells rancid, looks discolored, or has mold, then toss it. Otherwise, it’s a judgement call.
Comment from Sabrina
Time October 21, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Thanks Wabi Sabi. I keep all of them in the fridge now. The one with zinc oxide in it is going to be hard to tell as it is so white..I’ll take a good look at the lotion each time I open it.
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time October 24, 2008 at 7:54 am
-raphi
you can! Or just coconut oil or any oil. It’s a matter of personal preference. Lotion is for people who prefer the moisturizing effect without the greasy feel.
Comment from vince
Time October 27, 2008 at 12:46 pm
olive oil (or other alkaline substances) is not good for children prone to eczema - if your child is, I would not use this recipe.
Comment from hollie
Time October 27, 2008 at 5:37 pm
try this!
Comment from Marissa
Time November 27, 2008 at 10:15 am
The lotion should not be used for more than 2 weeks and then it should be discarded. Anything that contains water and is unpreserved should have no more than a 2 week shelf life placed on it.
Comment from Rebecca
Time December 3, 2008 at 12:02 am
Olive oil applied externally is an excellent moisturizer and very beneficial for eczema prone skin or even just dry skin. It’s just fine for children (my pediatrician confirmed) and a contact allergy to olive oil is rare.
Comment from April
Time December 6, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I made this recipe this week. It is fantastic. I keep it in the fridge as recommended. I could not believe how easy it was to make. I added a small amount of Sweet Orange E.O. and it smells wonderful. My skin is really soft. It will be very well tested in our cold winters.
Thank you
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time December 6, 2008 at 9:51 pm
- April,
Glad it worked for you. It really is that easy! Thanks for sharing your results!
Comment from Hannah
Time December 9, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve been looking for a simple lotion recipe for ages. Since you’re looking to avoid contaminants, consider 100% organic versions of these ingredients. There’s still around 5% of the toxicants, but that’s better than 100% in conventional ingredients :)
A couple of questions:
1) Do you whip the recipe after you make it? Or does the wax not harden it too much?
2) What is “hydrating” lotion, exactly, as opposed to regular lotion?
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time December 10, 2008 at 8:59 am
1. I don’t whip when I pour in lotion bottles. I do whip when I store it in wide-mouth jars to give it a nice fluffy texture.
2. Hydrating meaning it helps retain moisture. Glycerin is a humectant - draws moisture to soften and soothe your skin.
Comment from Mikhai Vergara
Time December 18, 2008 at 11:07 am
Hi, can you recommend a hydrating recipe for eczema sufferers?
Comment from Louie
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:02 am
I am trying this recipe for the first time. It is going to be a Christmas present. I just made a batch. I am trying to whip it. How long will it take to get to a semi solid state where I can jar it? Thanks
Comment from Louie
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:26 am
Now I see. It takes about 5-10 minutes for it to start setting up. Very cool.
Comment from Louie
Time December 23, 2008 at 7:34 am
How do you add the glycerin? Is it boiled along with the water? Does it need to be heated?
Thanks
Comment from Jade
Time December 26, 2008 at 4:05 pm
what is a good substitute for emulsifying wax?
Comment from Jade
Time December 26, 2008 at 4:05 pm
walfdav;ed
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time January 1, 2009 at 10:32 pm
-Louie
I add glycerin to the boiled water. How long it takes to solidify depends on how hot your mixture is. To speed up the cooling, whip the lotion in an ice water bath. Sorry I’m responding after the holidays. Hope you tried it nonetheless.
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time January 1, 2009 at 10:35 pm
-Mikhai
see my post on < a href="http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/index.php/2008/10/best-ways-to-use-colloidal-oatmeal-and-oatmeal-flour-for-eczema-relief/">eczema relief.
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time January 1, 2009 at 10:37 pm
-Jade
the other type of emulsifier you can try is beeswax. You’d have to change your ingredient proportions though.
Comment from Louie
Time January 17, 2009 at 11:17 am
I worked it all out. Your instructions were good. I was panicky because I hadn’t done any experimenting before to see what the results would be.Everyone I gave the lotion to loved it.I couldn’t believe how easy it was. I am thinking about expanding to try other types of oils and butters. Can you recommend any literature. Thanks again for sharing.
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time January 18, 2009 at 10:26 pm
-Louie
Glad it worked out and thanks for sharing your success. There are many oils and butters you can use - look at the ingredients for existing products that you like for ideas. Coconut oil is a common ingredient - very beneficial (see my favorite recipe post). More recipes/ideas to come!
Comment from Heidi
Time January 21, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I use distilled water, which adds to the shelf life. Thanks for the recipe. I have one with almond oil, but I wanted to try olive oil or coconut oil, and I was glad to find your really simple recipe!
Comment from zanna
Time January 27, 2009 at 7:29 am
Thaks for recommend about beauty. I know what if drink many water your skin will look very young.
Comment from Agata
Time January 28, 2009 at 8:16 pm
hi everyone. So i made the lotion today and I’m already loving it. See ,my skin is super sensitive and is oily as well,I have breakouts due to allergic reactions to common lotions/moisturizers. So I tryied it today and my skin look improved significantly. Hydrates well,no oil production and very supple skin. I added a couple drops of tea tree oil,I love this lotion is cheap,natural and effective.and no allergic reaction!thankful for life.My skin feels great!
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time January 30, 2009 at 3:27 pm
-Agata, Zanna, and Heidi
Thanks for sharing your results!
Comment from Anon
Time February 9, 2009 at 1:07 am
I wanted to try this and to add some variations to it because I have eczema and the commercially available lotions that help are usually around $1 per oz.
I couldn’t find emulsifying wax locally, so I used stearic acid (but much less). I also added a few ingredients and only made a half batch.
Here’s my ingredient list:
Water: 1/2 c + 2T
olive oil: 2T
urea: 4.75t
stearic acid: 2t
glycerin:2t
lanolin:1.5t
aloe vera gel: 1t
vitamin e: 3/4 t
If all you want to do is substitute stearic acid for emulsifying wax, I think you’d get similar results using 2 T of stearic acid instead of the 1/4 c emulsifying wax.
Glycerin was already mentioned. Lanolin is supposed to help with water absorption. Urea is supposed to help skin cells make use of the water they have available. The aloe vera gel and vitamin e were on sale,
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time February 9, 2009 at 9:30 am
Anon,
Thank you for sharing! I’ve been experimenting with stearic acid as an alternative to e. wax and am glad to see someone has used it successfully as the sole emulsifier. Glad to know know you can use less of it - it is also cheaper than e.wax and has a much longer shelf life. I’m not familiar with urea. Where do you find it?
Comment from Anon
Time February 9, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I found urea at the personal formulator (http://www.thepersonalformulator.com/). I’ve also seen it (much less money) at a place that sells things for tie dyeing, but I’m not sure whether it’s ok to use something for lotion that is sold for setting dye. Theoretically, it should be the same, but maybe there are purity issues.
Comment from Anon
Time February 10, 2009 at 12:52 am
I did a little more research and discovered that the stearic acid is not the only emulsifier I used. Apparently lanolin is also an emulsifier. It also has some preservative/anti-bacterial properties.
I found some lanolin in the baby section of Wal Mart (it’s sold for nursing mothers). It’s a lot more expensive that way than it is online
Comment from Tina
Time February 17, 2009 at 12:36 am
hi. your website is cool and very informative. but what else can i make substitute of the emulsifying wax? thanks and i can’t wait to try your recipe.
Comment from Anon
Time February 18, 2009 at 12:41 am
“what else can i make substitute of the emulsifying wax?”
A couple of suggestions I saw above were for stearic acid and beeswax. Both would require adjusting the recipe (I’m experimenting with stearic acid but haven’t finished yet).
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time February 19, 2009 at 4:46 pm
-Tina
Beeswax with soy lecithin (and optionally borax) is a good emulsifier for barrier type creams. Stearic acid is more of a thickener than an emulsifier. It is insoluble in water. When used with xanthan gum and some alcohol based ingredients (i.e. lanolin alcohol or witch hazel extract solution), then it creates a good emulsion. I, too, am still experimenting with other types of emulsifiers. Hope this helps.
Comment from Ben
Time February 28, 2009 at 8:58 am
Thanks for the recipe! I’m making it for the second time today. I put a few drops of cedar oil in for it’s anti-septic qualities, plus I like the smell. I keep a squeeze bottle of it by my computer to keep my hands from getting dry.
Comment from STUART
Time March 1, 2009 at 11:20 am
Hello. I have rosacea. I have been using a product called Zinco by Linda Sy. However, she has since decided to retire and no longer sells her product line.
I like this recipe, as I am a firm believer in fewer ingredients.
The Zinco product I use to use, had zinc oxide, which I intend to add to this three ingredient moisturizer, however, like the Zinco, I’d like to add some flesh colored tint, that will help provide a more even skin tone by evening out the redness I have in my face, due to rosacea.
Can anyone recommend how I would do this? I have done some research and have seen that some recommend using colors such as blues and greens in addition to browns. Being a male, I have little experience when it comes to “make up”, other than the Zinco moisturizer I was using.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time March 3, 2009 at 12:02 am
Stuart,
I have not tried tinting, but you can search for makeup color base. Here’s a Canadian source: http://cranberrylane.stores.yahoo.net/naturalmakeup.html
Also, I highly recommend you invest in a scale and weigh your ingredients using my other, more accurate, lotion recipe.
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/index.php/2008/10/my-all-time-favorite-lotion-recipe/
That way, you can replicate the desired tint.
Another option is to get a darker shade lipstick of your skin tone and melt a very small amount into your lotion. Check to make sure you’re not allergic to the lipstick first. Again, weigh your ingredients. And again, I haven’t tried this but this is where I’d start if I was to make a foundation for myself. I do, however, add zinc oxide to my lotion that I use as my daily spf moisturizer.
Another option is to look into mineral makeup. It’s the latest rage in cosmetics right now but again, not tried it.
Good luck and please share your results if you decide to experiment!
Comment from dariusz
Time March 9, 2009 at 8:39 am
i luvvv this. it helps with my science project on mixtures. im doing lotion and now i get the ingredients yayyy. im also pregnant
Comment from centeroflight
Time March 11, 2009 at 1:23 am
The envirerment in TN is tough on skin so this recipe is very handy. In my position I gotta radiate vitality and this stuff allows me to do that. Thanks.
Pingback from knitnzu.com » Blog Archive » home, luscious lotions, and a coupla souvenirs
Time April 28, 2009 at 6:22 pm
[...] October last year, I saw on the craftzine blog how to make lotion with three ingredients! Here’s the original blog post that inspired me. We had a big lotion making extravaganza in November for [...]
Comment from Dioni
Time May 17, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I just attempted to make this lotion and must have done something seriously wrong. All I have is a wax/oil mixture with water. There is nothing lotion-like about it. It’s a total disaster and I have a waxy film all over my utensils and kitchen. What did I do wrong? Please help.
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time May 17, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Hmmm… what ingredients did you use? Is it the same as listed? What kind of wax? Did you heat the mixture? I don’t have enough info to go on.
Comment from Anon
Time May 29, 2009 at 12:21 am
“I just attempted to make this lotion and must have done something seriously wrong. ”
Did you mix and heat the oil based and water based ingredients separately? I tried doing a short cut and mixing them all and then heating and had less then perfect results.
I actually tried a more advanced recipe first, then went back to basics and if you follow the directions, you should get a nice lotion.
Comment from Kate
Time October 7, 2008 at 11:30 am
Nice! I found this on Craft’s blog, and it looks like a great how-to!