More and more people are interested in making their own homemade soaps, shampoos and body lotions. Some are interested in the process as a new hobby while others are seeking more natural alternatives to the products that are so readily available on the market. Some may be interested in starting their own little side business as a creator of custom personal care products.
No matter the reason for your interest, the process of making homemade body lotion is the same. The basics of the process include understanding the normal techniques for creating lotion, the essential materials and equipment you will need, and any safety issues that may be related to the process.
The Basics of Making Homemade Body Lotion
Making homemade body lotion can be a simple or complicated process. The complexity of the project depends largely upon your own choice of ingredients and the desired use of the lotion you create. If you’re making a simple hydrating lotion, the process can be very quick and easy. If you intend to make a complex lotion or cream to treat a specific health-related concern, you may need to invest a bit more time and effort.
Lotion is created from appropriately combining ingredients to achieve a particular texture, consistency, and scent. The ingredients contained in your lotion will be largely up to you, unless you have a very particular use in mind for the finished product and then you may need to depend on the known recipes for creating specific soothing or healing lotions. The basic ingredients for treating a chest cold will be the same, as well as those used for caring for scars or stretch marks. If you are creating lotion to tend to a particular type of ailment or skin condition, you may need to take the advice of seasoned lotion makers and follow well-known recipes.
For those who are interested in developing unique botanical or organic blends, there is some room for experimentation. You will have fun in the process and will likely come up with several recipes that you love.
Ingredients and Methods of Making Homemade Body Lotion
Natural lotions are created with a few very simple ingredients. You can combine these ingredients any way you see fit to make your own special and unique blends but the basics of the process will remain the same regardless of how complex your custom blends become. You will need a carrier oil which is the base for the lotion and botanical or essential oils that add scent and sensation to your concoction.
The carrier oil can be any type of natural oil. Olive oil is a common choice. Beeswax ,combined with a lightweight oil can be a good choice for those interested in creating thicker body creams and butters. Cocoa butter also adds thickness to your recipes. Any of these can be sufficient in creating a creamy lotion.
Essential oils or botanical oils are added to your mixture to bring a scent to your lotion. They can also result in a particular sensation when the lotion is applied to the skin as is the case with peppermint or other similar plant oils.
Some simple lotions can be created by just mixing oils together. However, most combinations of ingredients should be heated in order to achieve a complete and fluid mixture. If you’re working with beeswax, it is essential that you heat the mixture to fully combine the ingredients. The more complex your recipe, the more likely it is that you should heat the concoction to achieve the right consistency and a complete integration of the ingredients.
Lotions can be heated on the stovetop in a normal saucepan, though some enthusiasts purchase special equipment for their lotion-making projects. You’ll also need bottles to hold your finished lotions. You will want to make sure the bottles close securely to avoid spillage and also to prevent any contamination of your finished products.
A Word About Safety
It is essential that you keep in mind that any lotion that includes even the smallest bit of water must also contain a preservative. Lotions made with water that do not also contain preservatives can become rancid and end up growing harmful bacteria. Most individuals will avoid the use of water in their recipes for this very reason. You can use a lightweight base oil in place of water and prevent the need for including any preservatives.
You should be aware that not all individuals can tolerate the ingredients you may include in your recipes. Particularly if you are making lotions for friends or family, or if you are planning to sell your lotions, you will need to keep careful track of all ingredients you include and disclose those to the potential user of the lotion.
Elements Bath and Body provides wholesale soap making supplies, waterproof lables, toiletry supplies and soap making molds When you’re formulating your own soap, body lotion, lip balm, bath salts, or perhaps a special flax seed pillow, we have the supplies you need at wholesale prices. Visit online for more information.