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.

For more information on homemade skin care, check out our website blog at Wabi Sabi Baby.

Step 1: Tools and Ingredients

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.

Step 2: Water Bath

Fill a small saucepan with water and set it on medium low to use as a water bath.

Step 3: Melt Oil and Wax

Combine the oil and e. wax into the heatproof 1-cup measurer and melt the mixture in the water bath.

Step 4: Heat Water

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.

Step 5: Combine

When the oil/wax mixture has melted, pour it into the water. Your lotion should now have the consistency of skim milk.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Pour/Package

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 and you might have to use a funnel. If you're using a wide mouth jar, then this is not an issue.

Step 7: Shake Well

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.

Step 8: Ways to Customize

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 - 5 drops per fl oz of lotion