The key to making this lotion bar recipe is to heat the oils so that they are melted gently and not cooked. Overheating oil can burn the oil or change its properties.
As oils, butters, and waxes melt at different temperatures, here are a few tips on how to make lotion bars without modifying the properties of the ingredients.
Different kinds of liquid oils can be combined together in the melting pot. However, butters and waxes should be broken up into smaller pieces, grated, or purchased in pastilles or pellets to ensure that they melt more quickly.
If you are using a solid wax, melt the wax first in the double boiler, without any of the other ingredients. As it will melt at a higher temperature and take longer, which could affect the integrity of the oils.
- Melt the wax over medium-low heat in a Turkish coffee pot, double boiler, or a small pot with a pour spout. Add the oils and butter when the wax is liquefied and melt all of the ingredients together.
- Stir constantly and keep a watchful eye on the oils. You want them to just reach the melting point and not overheat.
- When the oils have melted and combined, add the essential oil and calendula petals if using and stir well.
- Pour the ingredients into a silicone mold usually used for baking or soap making, dividing the contents equally. Leave the lotion bars undisturbed until they are set.
- If you are making them in a warm room, move the silicone tray into the fridge to firm up.
- Remove from the mold and store them in the refrigerator when not in use.
What Oils, Butters, and Waxes to Use in Lotion Bars
There are so many oils, butters, and waxes that can be used in lotion bars. But, I tend to stick with the most commonly available options.
There are certainly some exotic oils that can be added to skincare if needed, but often times the simplest recipe is the most accessible and affordable which fits into my life best.
OILS & BUTTERS
° Castor Oil
° Coconut Oil
° Grapeseed Oil
° Jojoba Oil
° Extra Virgin Olive Oil
° Sweet Almond Oil
° Wheat Germ Oil
° Safflower Oil
° Cocoa Butter
° Shea Butter
° Mango butter
° Waxes
° Beeswax Bars
° Beeswax Pellets
° Soy Wax
NON-GREASY LOTION BAR RECIPE
In order to make your DIY lotion bars less greasy, carefully choose which ingredients you want to use as your base.
Instead of shea butter or cocoa butter, try mango butter. Quick absorbing oils also work well, such as safflower, grapeseed, or fractionated coconut oil.
FACE LOTION BAR RECIPE
I know how careful people are when it comes to putting certain oils on their face. While all these oils are completely safe to use on your entire body, a few standouts as beneficial to the face. Try one of these oils for a face lotion bar recipe.
We all know coconut oil as an all-around skin superhero. It has plenty of vitamin E and fatty acids, which help to create a protective barrier on the skin. It’s also incredibly moisturizing and has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it good for acne and other skin issues.
Jojoba oil is another common carrier oil used for the face because of its resemblance to sebum. Sebum is the natural oil our skin produces, and jojoba oil is chemically and structurally the closest to it.
It can replicate or dissolve oil when we overproduce or underproduce oil, helping to balance out sebum production. This also makes it a must-have for oily and acne-prone skin!
My other final fave is rosehip seed oil. It’s no secret here on Garden Therapy that I love incorporating rose into my skincare routine. It’s a powerful tool for anti-again, being packed full of vitamins and antioxidants.
To apply a lotion bar simply rub it on dry skin. You can rub the lotion bar between your hands to melt some of the oils and then apply them to your skin. Or you can rub this lotion bar directly on your skin.
I hope you enjoy using these lotion bars. They are one of my favorite skincare DIYs and hopefully will become one of yours too!
The Naturally Blooming 