There’s something special about making things for your home with your own hands. Whether it’s baking bread, crafting decor, or creating your own skincare, these small routines help create a peaceful and intentional home.
Today I’m sharing a homemade lotion recipe that I adapted from Simply Earth’s Best Natural Lotion Recipe, is gentle on your skin and easy to make with a few natural ingredients. This lotion is lightweight, moisturizing, and customizable depending on the carrier oil you choose.
If you enjoy creating a cozy home and simplifying what you use in your daily routines, making your own lotion is a great place to start.
Why Make Your Own Lotion?
Many store-bought lotions contain long lists of ingredients and preservatives. When you make your own lotion, you know exactly what is going on your skin.
Homemade lotion allows you to:
- Control the ingredients
- Customize the oils for your skin type
- Avoid unnecessary additives
- Create a nourishing product for everyday use
It’s also surprisingly simple to make.
Homemade Lotion Recipe
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Ingredients
- ½ cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons emulsifying wax
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil of choice
- Optional: add a few drops of your favorite essential oil blend for scent.
Why These Ingredients Work
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating a smooth and nourishing lotion.
Distilled Water
Distilled water forms the base of the lotion and helps create a lightweight, hydrating consistency.
Vegetable Glycerin
Glycerin is a natural humectant, which means it pulls moisture into the skin and helps keep it hydrated.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is soothing and calming for the skin. It helps reduce irritation and adds extra hydration.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil deeply moisturizes and helps soften the skin while adding nourishment.
Emulsifying Wax
Because oil and water naturally separate, emulsifying wax helps bind the ingredients together so the lotion stays smooth and creamy.
Choosing the Best Carrier Oil
One of the best parts of making your own lotion is being able to customize it with the carrier oil that works best for your skin.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a classic natural moisturizer that has been used in skincare for centuries.
Why use it in lotion:
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E
- Naturally anti-inflammatory
- Helps support healthy circulation
- Deeply moisturizing for dry skin
Olive oil creates a richer lotion, making it a great option for people with very dry skin or winter skincare routines.
Hazelnut Oil
Hazelnut oil is a lightweight oil that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Why use it in lotion:
- Helps soothe itchy or irritated skin
- Tightens and tones the skin
- Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel
- Contains vitamin E and healthy fatty acids
This oil works especially well for sensitive skin or people who don’t like heavy lotions.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is one of the lightest carrier oils and works beautifully in lotions.
Why use it in lotion:
- Lightweight and fast absorbing
- Helps improve circulation
- May reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Contains antioxidants and linoleic acid
Because it absorbs so easily, grapeseed oil is great for everyday lotions or warmer climates.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular oils used in homemade skincare.
Why use it in lotion:
- Very gentle on the skin
- Rich in vitamins A and E
- Helps soften and smooth skin
- Moisturizes without clogging pores
It creates a balanced lotion that isn’t too heavy or too light, making it a great all-purpose oil for beginners.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is coconut oil that has been processed to remain liquid and lightweight.
Why use it in lotion:
- Very stable and long shelf life
- Helps soften and heal dry skin
- Absorbs quickly without a greasy feel
- May help reduce visible signs of aging
This oil works well in lotions when you want hydration without heaviness.
Other Carrier Oils Worth Considering
If you enjoy experimenting with homemade skincare, there are several other oils that work beautifully in lotion.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it excellent for balancing skin and improving moisture retention.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is deeply nourishing and rich in vitamins A, D, and E. It works well for mature or extremely dry skin.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is lightweight and rich in vitamin E. It helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is often used in facial skincare because it may help improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of scars or fine lines.
How to Make Homemade Lotion
Making your own lotion may sound complicated, but once you try it, you’ll see how simple the process really is. The key to a smooth lotion is bringing both the water and oil mixtures to the same temperature so they emulsify properly.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Water Mixture
In a double boiler, combine the distilled water and vegetable glycerin (and aloe vera if you choose to add this). Stir gently as the mixture begins to warm. - Prepare the Oil Mixture
In a separate double boiler, or place a glass jar in a saucepan with about two inches of water, add:- carrier oil (such as olive, grapeseed, hazelnut, or fractionated coconut oil)
- coconut oil
- emulsifying wax
- Heat Both Mixtures
Heat both the water mixture and the oil mixture at the same time until they each reach 150°F (65°C).
Reaching the same temperature is important because it allows the lotion to emulsify properly and stay smooth. - Combine the Mixtures
Once both mixtures reach 150°F (or within 5°), remove them from heat. Pour the water mixture into a mixing bowl or blender. - Blend and Create the Emulsion
Turn on the blender and allow a vortex to form in the water mixture. Slowly pour the oil and wax mixture into the vortex while blending. - Blend Thoroughly
Continue blending for 5–7 minutes until the lotion becomes smooth and fully emulsified. If you don’t blend for at least 5 minutes, as it cools it will tend to separate. If this happens, just blend some more and it will be fine) - Allow the Lotion to Cool
Let the mixture cool slightly. - Add Essential Oils (Optional)
Add your favorite essential oils for scent and blend again for about five minutes to fully incorporate them. - Bottle the Lotion
Pour the finished lotion into a clean, sealable container. - Label and Store
Label your container with the name and date. Store in a cool place and use within a couple of weeks for best freshness.
How to Store Homemade Lotion
Because this lotion contains water and does not include preservatives, it’s best to store it in a clean container and keep it refrigerated if possible.
Use within 1–2 weeks for best freshness.
Items to consider using for this project.
