How to Make Lotion

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

Comments

[Marsh]

This will eventually go rancid as the oil oxydizes. The wax will probably extend the life some and adding essential oils may prolong the life too, but can you suggest any preservatives? For me, 12 oz. lasts a loooonnnnnngggggg time.

[freeza36]

Whats with the picture?

[mharker212]

1.5 gr Germaben II is a preservative

[spiritchild]

Essential oils like tea tree oil can help, but you could also use vitamin E (the type you ingest preferably) if you really aren't interested in using essential oils.

[vbennett1]

tincture of Benzoin is probably the best natural preservative I know of. I would use 3/4 teaspoon for a batch this size. It has a wonderful, light scent too but you might want to mix a drop with a drop of your essential oils (if you're using any) to see if the aromas clash. If you can't find the actual tincture (available at most herb suppliers) you can make your own very easily. Combine 1 tablespoon of powdered Benzoin with 1 cup 100 proof alcohol or higher. Shake vigorously then let stand 2-3 weeks shaking daily. Strain and it's ready to use. DO NOT INGEST! Sorry, had to put that in there. I'm more than sure you won't try to drink it, but I actually had someone try it.. so... LOL..anyhow.. hope this helps. Have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy! Lisa

[roadnate]

Grapefruit seed extrat is a wonderful preservative. I use it in all of the soaps that I make and they last a very long time...in fact I have never had one go rancid.

[MaidMirawyn]

Don't soaps naturally last longer than lotions anyway?

But good suggestion. I hadn't heard that about grapefruit seed extract, so I think I'll be looking into it more!

[beachbum35748]

make half a batch, or add vitamin E

[ragazzoangelo]

a few drops of vitamin E can be added as a natural preservative

[twoesel]

i juz tried it 10 min ago ... procedure muz hab gone wrong ..... the result was juz satisfactory... anywaz iz great!!!

[camrunk]

Here's a better recipe; yours is good, but this mix is antiseptic, emollient, is easier to compound, less expensve, and doesnt go rancid. I have been using it for years as an after-shave and anti-itch reparative cream for dry skin. Try it, you'll like it. You'll need: 5 oz aloe vera gel 5 oz alcohol 3-4 Tbs olive oil 3000 iu vitamin E (3 caps/1000 iu) Combine all ingredients in a 12 oz pumper bottle and shake it real well. You'll get a very smooth cream that feels good, is absorbed into your skin quickly, and is odor-free. Enjoy! camrunk

[wolfin1a5c]

it rubs the lotion on the skin or else it gets the hose again

[BoxOfAshes]

What kind of alcohol?

[gypseian]

Cetyl alcohol.  It's an emulsifyer.

[Minke]

Except for the fact that any sort of alcohol in lotion dries out the skin which is why most commercial lotions don't work.

Alcohol=Drying

It's like the same thing that happens when you drink alcohol, it doesn't hydrate, it dehydrates.

[jtweed]

some alcohols moisturize, some dehydrate.

[funnymonkey]

i will try it sounds awsome

[iya]

Is alcohol the emulsifier? Can you add beeswax or shea, or cocoa butter to this at all?

[gypseian]

Cetyl alcohol is an emulsifyer, yes.  Beeswax can be used as an emulsifyer, but it changes the properties of the lotion from a hydrating lotion to a protecting lotion; locking moisture out instead of allowing more moisture in.  Shea and cocoa butter can be added for additional qualities, but not as a replacement.

[mann3]

What can I use instead of beeswax to emulsify, and that will hydrate the sink? Is there anything that is organic or earth friendly? Or is there something I can use in conjunction with the beeswax?

[JPeaslee]

Excellent recipe. I just tried it for the first time, and it was very easy and quick (a little messy, but that's just the type of person I am). For those of you using small travel size bottles for your lotion, I recommend using a soup ladle to scoop it in. That worked pretty well for me.

[Applejuice11]

Is there a way to add a scent

[wabisabibaby]

Yes! You can add 1 - 3 drops of essential oils per fl oz of lotion.

[Angel_Sanchez]

was this lotion tested on animals????

[patmac]

This looks great and very easy. If scent isn't used does it smell like olive oil when applied? Combined with a body scrub and put in a pretty basket it would make a nice gift.