Simple Homemade Face and Body Lotion

When I first started switching to natural/organic beauty products, I was surprised and a little overwhelmed with all the choices. I was even more surprised when further research led to making my own homemade face and body lotion.

As I was reading labels from “healthier” brands; I was dismayed to find:

• a large majority of the ones labeled natural still had the ingredient fragrance
• they still used more than 15/20 ingredients
• many of those ingredients I couldn’t pronounce or identify what they were

Not knowing which ingredients I should completely avoid, other than fragrance, I started doing online research and found EWG’s Skin Deep. I’ve really enjoyed using their database. Here’s how I use it. Through looking up each ingredient on Skin Deep, I narrowed it down to 2 different face lotions. They fit in my budget (being a new stay at home mom meant it was pretty small, lol) and I could get them at a local retailer. 

*This blog post contains various health information. Nothing is intended to be, nor should it be construed as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any supplement(s) discussed and/or listed should be reviewed by your health professional before using. If you have a medical concern, please consult with an appropriately-licensed physician. If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your doctor immediately. Full medical disclosure here.

Dabbling in the Kitchen

At the same time, I started dabbling with making homemade diaper rash cream and baby lotion. I just wasn’t comfortable using anything store bought for my baby, especially since she was sensitive to pretty much everything. Overall, it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought!

About a year later, I was confident in my baby recipes and getting good results. I decided to splurge a little and add a few more ingredients to my “apothecary cupboard”. Soon after, I started making different homemade face and body lotion recipes from various bloggers.

trial & error

My first batch turned out very hard; like I could hardly get it out of the jar. I then tried one with aloe vera gel in it. After 3 attempts I still couldn’t get the gel to emulsify well. However, it was the first time I tried whipping the lotion and I really liked the result.

Then I noticed my skin was getting oilier, which meant the lotion was too thick. I tend to have combination skin, so I knew finding the right blend of ingredients would be important. 

I did some more research and discovered a chart listing the comedogenic rating of commonly used beauty ingredients. Basically, some ingredients are more prone to clog pores than others. After doing more research to confirm the information seemed correct I switched up my homemade face and body lotion recipe again. 

This time I was very happy with my results! I love the texture, smell, it was super easy, and most of all my skin has improved. I use it on my face and body. Even the hubby has used it. In fact, I’m finding I don’t even need to use it as much anymore because my skin seems to be balancing out and not getting dry as fast! 

Ingredient Information

Coconut Oil – A very common household ingredient. I just use the one we have for cooking. It’s an organic virgin coconut oil, expeller pressed and unrefined, which doubles as a great moisturizer (contains antioxidants, which are helpful in reducing wrinkles). Coconut oil is also full of fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation. 

Jojoba Oil – This oil is special because it closely resembles sebum, which is a waxy substance produced by the skin glands. So, to start with it’s very similar to our natural skin and easily assimilates. Since it’s waxier it won’t clog pores like an oil, and doubles as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.

Vitamin E – Also known as tocopherol. It’s a little sticky. Known for reducing free radicals (damaging substances from the environment), wrinkles, brown spots, and very dry skin. I prefer to use one with no other added antioxidants (I kept finding bottles of this with added Vitamin C, sometimes soy, etc.) and always combine it with other ingredients. 

Beeswax – A natural wax produced by honeybees. It’s used as a bonding/stiffening agent with the other ingredients. Naturally hydrating. You can buy this as pellets or bars. I find the pellets melt quicker and are easier to measure. I stick to the yellow variation since that’s what’s natural, but if the color bothers you look for white wax (make sure it’s not bleached). 

Optional ingredients:

Frankincense Essential Oil – Aids in preventing wrinkles, rejuvenates and heals. Although not mainstream, also used to fight certain cancers and tumors. Anti-inflammatory, immune boosting. Skin recommendations: Sagging Skin, Wrinkles.

Geranium Essential Oil – Known for regenerating and healing skin. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, helps cleanse oily skin, revitalizes skin cells. Skin recommendations: Acne, Clogged Pores, Stretch Marks, Wrinkles. (Interestingly enough, I don’t like the smell of geranium by itself, but LOVE it mixed with other essential oils.) 

Lavender Essential Oil – Helps promote tissue regeneration and can speed up skin healing. Antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, combats extra sebum on skin. Skin recommendations: Acne, Dry/Chapped Skin, Clogged Pores, Eczema/Dermatitis, Sagging Skin, Stretch Marks, Wrinkles.

Note on Essential Oils – I am not a certified aromatherapist; however, I’ve been using essential oils in various ways for 3 years now and am confident in the brands I use and where I get my information from. Always test a drop on your skin first to see how you’ll react. I almost always dilute with a carrier oil. Please do your own research and make sure the essential oils you’re using are unadulterated and from a reputable source. The information on the essential oils listed above was taken from the Essential Oils desk reference, 7th Ed book.