Want an easy to make, all-natural lotion that quickly absorbs into the skin? While we all love thick body butters, sometimes you need something you can quickly slap on before getting into your day ! This pumpable, DIY natural lotion is wonderful for the body and can be made with 4 simple ingredients. Here’s my favorite, all natural homemade liquid lotion recipe.
How to Make this Homemade Liquid Lotion Recipe
Making your own lotion only requires a few ingredients. And it’s even easier to turn them into a liquid lotion! Let me walk you through the ingredients and supplies you’ll need to make a pumpable, DIY natural lotion!
Note: this recipe was adapted from “The Boreal Herbal” by Beverley Gray. She shares some amazing skincare recipes in her book and I highly recommend it for all my northern readers!
Ingredient 1: A Liquid Carrier Oil
To make your own lotion, you’ll need a liquid carrier oil for the base. I prefer to use a thinner, less sticky oil in my recipes. Often I use food-grade avocado oil (you can source it at your local grocery store). If you have very sensitive skin, apricot kernel oil is an excellent choice (this bottle will make you one batch of lotion).
Because it’s so good for the skin, I’ll occasionally add a bit of jojoba oil to the mix.
Ingredient 2: Unrefined Beeswax
In this recipe, beeswax acts as a natural thickener. You should be able to source 1 lb (454 gm) bars through your local beekeeper. If so, you’ll need either a knife or a stainless steel cheese grater dedicated to the sticky task of shaving off bits of wax. I prefer the grater, primarily because grated beeswax melts the fastest!
If local beekeepers aren’t an option and if you don’t want to deal with beeswax bars, you can get natural, unrefined beeswax pellets here. If you use pellets, you’ll have to measure them by weight, which means you need to use a small, kitchen scale whenever you make your skincare products!
Ingredient 3: Unrefined Shea Butter
Shea butter is a thick, sticky substance created from the nuts of the shea tree. I like to add just a wee bit to my liquid lotion because it helps with the texture and also adds extra nourishment to the skin.
You can get 1 lb of unrefined Ghana shea butter here!
Ingredient 4: Distilled Water
Last but not least, you need distilled water to make your lotion recipe! But wait. There’s a myth floating around out there about water in lotion recipes. And I want to take a moment to address it!
Many people will tell you that if you add water to a skincare product, you also have to add preservatives to keep things from molding.
This is true of recipes with very high water content. But in this particular lotion, water content is low and the oil content is so high, so the oil acts as a natural preservative all on it’s own.
Trust me on this one. I’ve kept bottles of liquid lotion on the shelf for over 4 years and I’ve never had issues with mold or any other “growth” in the lotion.
So don’t be afraid to use water!
Equipment for Making Homemade Liquid Lotion
To make this recipe, you need 2 basic pieces of equipment. Don’t worry! It’s not complicated and chances are, you already have these things on hand!
The first thing you need a double boiler for melting wax and shea butter. You can make your own by setting a tin bowl on top of a small pot of water. Or you can purchase this small double boiler that rests on top of any pot so you can gently melt the goods.
Don’t try melting beeswax over direct heat, because it may catch on fire.
And the second piece of equipment you’ll need? A kitchen blender! To create this lotion, you have to whirl the ingredients together at high speed to emulsify the water and oils.
Note: I have not tried making this recipe with an immersion blender, but I do think it would work. If you try, please let me know how to went in the comments below!
A Natural Homemade Liquid Lotion Recipe
To make your own homemade liquid lotion, measure out the following ingredients or grab the printable recipe at the end of this blog post.
You’ll need:
- 1 C of liquid oil
- 1 Tablespoon of shea butter
- 0.20 oz (5.6 g) grated beeswax or pellets
- ¼ C distilled water
- optional: 15-20 drops of your favorite, skin-supporting essential oil (frankincense, anyone?)
Step by Step Direction for Making Liquid Lotion
Add water to the bottom portion of your double boiler, filling it 3/4 full. Place it on the stove top. Turn the stove top burner to medium-high. You don’t want the water to boil; just keep it hot.
Grate beeswax if using a bar and loosely measure out 2 1/2 tablespoons. Don’t pack the grated wax, or you’ll have too much. Better yet, go ahead and weigh out 0.2 ounces or 5.6 grams.
If you’re using pellets, weigh your wax. Add it to the top portion of your double boiler.
Also measure out and add 1 tablespoon of shea butter. Place the double boiler on top of the pot of water and leave things to melt.
After the wax and shea butter have melted, measure out your liquid oil and also add it to the top of the double boiler. The wax will partially set up, but don’t worry! It’ll soon melt again.
When everything has once again turned to liquid and is still warm, pour the contents of the double boiler into your kitchen blender.
Make sure the lid is firmly secured, turn the blender on and measure out ¼ C distilled water. Slowly pour water in through the lid’s funnel. After all the water has been added, let the machine run for 15-20 seconds.
Turn off. Use a spatula to scrape down the lid and sides of the blender. If using frankincense essential oil, now is the time to add it! After doing so, give your lotion another 15-20 second whirl and presto! By following this natural homemade liquid lotion recipe, you just made your own healthy skin moisturizer!
Bottling and Storing Your Pumpable DIY Natural Lotion
I recommend keeping this lotion in a pump bottle, both to preserve it’s life and to make things easier on yourself! You can use an old pump you have on hand or purchase one online.
Pour the warm lotion into your bottle and let it cool without a lid so it doesn’t condensate. Seal and store for 1-2 years.
Directions for Using this Natural Homemade Liquid Lotion
Because this lotion is primarily made of oils, a little bit goes a long way! When apply it to the skin, you only need a light layer, just enough to make the skin feel moist. Because it is light and natural, it can be successfully used on the body and face.
A Homemade Liquid Lotion Recipe
Materials
- 1 C liquid carrier oil (avocado or sweet apricot kernel)
- 1 Tablespoon shea butter
- 0.20 ounces (5.6 g) grated beeswax or pellets
- 1/4 C distilled water
- 15-20 drops skin-friend essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Add water to your double boiler until 3/4 full of water.
- Warm the water under medium-low heat and put top portion of double boiler in place.
- Prepare and measure beeswax into double boiler, along with shea butter.
- Warm over medium-low heat to gently melt the butter and beeswax
- Once melted to liquid, add your oil to the beeswax and shea butter.
- Warm all three together until everything is once again liquid (the wax may partially set up with the addition of cool oil).
- When liquidized, pour the the warm goods into your kitchen blender.
- Cover the top with a lid, then measure out your 1/4 C distilled water.
- Turn the blender on and slowly pour water through the lid's opening.
- After all the water has been added, run the mixer for another 15-20 seconds to emulsify the ingredients.
- Using a small funnel, pour the warm lotion into a pump bottle.
- Let cool with lid remove (to avoid condensation).
- Cap and store for up to 2 years in a moderate-temperature home or bathroom.
I'm Autumn. Join me in the simple cottage life and learn how to keep a traditional kitchen, garden and pantry!
Can I use Aloe Vera gel instead of water?
I’ve never tried substituting aloe vera for water. I don’t know if it would keep long term or not. Let me know if you try!
I just read this somewhere else… that you can use half distilled water and half aloe vera. Distilled water is the key. You want ALL the chemicals and minerals out of the water….
I was excited to try this as most recipes are for butter which goes hard in winter. I followed this to the letter but the lotion is so thick it won’t come out of the pump bottle I’ve used. Really disappointing.
It sounds like you used too much beeswax in your lotion. Did you weigh out .20 ounces of beeswax?
Yes, followed the recipe exactly! It was still a nice moisturiser, just too thick to pump.
Then I’m so sorry I can’t help, because I’m not sure what happened! Usually, folks get the beeswax ratios off and that results in a lotion that is too thick to pump.
Hello. I am a small business, and I am looking to add lotions to my line of all-natural skin care products. I really like this recipe and was wondering if Naturally Refined Shea Butter is acceptable? I use it in my body butters and love it but don’t know if you would work for this recipe. Thanks for your time.
Shea butter (refined or unrefined) will work. Unrefined is just healthier and a bit more natural! 🙂
I look forward to making this! Is it ok to use grapeseed oil?
All I have to say is…use oils that are good for the skin! I’ve never tried grape seed oil. I tend to stick with avocado or almond oil. 🙂
I haven’t attempted recipe. I have a few recipes that I use but am looking for something a little lighter that would be good in a serum bottle. I don’t want a serum or a thick lotion but something in between. I notice that it says this will last for 2 years. The 3 years that I have been making cosmetics and body products, I have been taught that recipes with water in them need a preservative due to the fact that water can grow bacteria. 100% oil & butter recipes don’t require a preservative. How can this last for 2 years with no preservative?
This is definitely thicker than a serum, but it isn’t a thick, creamy lotion either. If you have an excessive amount of water, yes, you need a preservative! But when added in minimal amounts (as with this recipe), preservatives aren’t necessary. I know this is contrary to what most people are told. But I’ve been making skincare products and this particular recipe for nearly 10 years. When stored in a pump bottle (so your hands dont touch the lotion and leave bacteria behind), it’ll last more than 2 years on the shelf. 🙂 Like I mentioned in the post, this recipe is a spin off of Beverly Gray’s original. She’s been successfully making and selling skincare for years, and this is the water to oil ratio she uses for her recipe, without preservatives! Only I have slightly more oil in the mix 🙂
Can I use the spout or flip cap closure?
Yes, for sure! I’ve done this and it works well!
Reason for lasting 2 years is using distilled water and not tap water
HI. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I would like to try it. Do the beeswax pellets make it feel sticky? I used to make beeswax candles and it was just too much stickiness for me. It was difficult to clean up supplies.
Thank you,
Hi there!
The beeswax is so minimal, this lotion isn’t sticky and absorbs into your skin quickly (unlike body butters and such). It’s my favorite because you can slap it on and get going with your day. 🙂
HI… question!!! Do you have to use a blender? I would hate to use my kitchen aid blender and then not be able to get it clean properly to use for other things. I have already ruined one pot. Can one use an hand blender or mixer? I love this recipe…… but the blender is scaring me off
thanks for your help
You need high speeds to properly emulsify the water and oil, and I’ve only ever used the blender. I’ve been making this recipe for years and have never had any problem with leftover residue. This lotion leaves the inside of your blender a bit oily (as it would with homemade salad dressing) but is easily cleaned out with soap and hot water. Sorry I cant speak to other kitchen appliances…I’ve just never tried anything else!
what about an emulsifiers? is that not needed? I’m sorry i am new and reading so much conflicting information from google lol
There’s no need to add an emulsifier! The water/beeswax/oil will emulsify when combined in a blender. Nifty, hey?!
should i 2ait until it cools to add essential pils? like during the blending stage? also i am wanting to make this using infused oils will that make a difference if its ingusef with herbs? it will be strained before hand so no particles
thanks
Amanda
I like to add essential oils at the end of the blending process. And yes, you can totally use infused oils in this recipe!
Can you use this as conditioner?
I don’t know if this would work as a conditioner. I think it would be too heavy with the oil and beeswax, but you certainly could try. Let me know how it goes!
Hello! Very nice recipe! I am just a bit confused about cups and ounces. Is it possible, please, to convert the ingredients into grams? I am trying to convert them in grams and there is no accurate number. Thank you very much! ❤️
I’ll try to do that sometimes in the near future. Because you’re right! It would be less confusing. 🙂
Hi, I made this and it turned out very well. My only concern is that it’s a bit on the greasy side, could this be from too much shea butter or could it be the oil that I used? I used Avocado oil. Or could it be that I used 1 metric cup of oil (I’m in Australia) which I think is slightly more than 1 US cup. I may have just answered my own question but do you have any tips on how to make my next batch less greasy?
Hi there! Have you ever used all-natural bodycare products before? They
are high in fats/oils and are very rich. So your skin needs very little when you apply it. The biggest mistake is that people slather it on, instead of using tiny amounts. And your skin just cant absorb it all. To apply this lotion, use dime-size amounts and spread it well, smoothing it further and further over your skin until it cant be spread any more. It takes more time to apply a natural lotion, because you have to spread it well, but it’s so good for your skin!
Also, always double check to make sure you’re properly measuring your beeswax. Too much wax will make your lotion VERY greasy. Pellets have to be measured by weight ONLY and grated wax can be measured by the tablespoon or by weight.
Hope that helps!
Hello! Are you sure it’s not 0.2oz beeswax pellets? I weighed out 0.02oz and it was much less than 2.5 tablespoons worth. It seemed less than a teaspoon worth at 0.02oz.
Oh my! Thanks for catching that! Yes, it IS 0.20 oz of beeswax! I’ll fix that typo right away. 🙂
Can you use the microwave instead of on the stove? Also, what about using say half apricot and avocado oils?
I’ve never used the microwave, so I cant say. You could try.
Mine came out very watery I did the recipe exactly help please
Hi Brittany! Did you let the lotion cool? It usually thickens up once it returns to room temp. If not, let me know and I can do some troubleshooting with you!
Mine turned out like body butter and I had weighed out 2 ounces of beeswax pellets.
Perhaps use 1 ounce?
Oh wow, thanks for pointing that out! It should be .02 oz of beeswax! I’m sorry for the mix up. If you still want to use the stuff you made, I would recommend gently warming the entire lotion to liquid state and then whirl it in a kitchen blender while adding 2C (maybe 3C) of oil to thin it down so it become a liquid lotion.
All the best,
Autumn
Should it come out green or is that because I used avocado oil?
Your oil does affect the color of the finished product, but I don’t know that I’ve ever had green lotion in the end! Very interesting. 😉
Hello! Is there some substitute to beeswax that I could use? I’d like to make it vegan 🙂
Hi Sonya! I’m not sure if there is a substitute. I’ve only ever used beeswax in my products. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful!
I was wondering can you add a non nano zink oxcide for sunscreen protection.?
I dont know if this would work for sunscreen or not! You could try, but I dont have any experience with it!
Yes there is an alternative to bees wax ..I too am vegan …and I use calendula wax ..it’s made from plants ,,I would suggest using flakes instead of pellets ,it just melts easier
Mine turned out like body butter and won’t pump. Any idea why?
Did you use grated beeswax or beswax pellets? If using pellets, you have to go by the scale, or you’ll end up with too much wax!
Hi,
How does this lotion stay “good”? EVERYTHING I’ve read says you need a preservative if you’re using water. Would it hurt if I add a little preservative to this? What would you suggest?
This lotion will be shelf stable for at least a year. I’ve even had some bottles I kept for 3 years and they were still in excellent condition. The oil content is high enough that, contrary to what most people say, you don’t need preservatives. 🙂
What is the amount you get with this recipe?
Thank you,
Ameya Shanti
Hi Ameya!
This recipe makes 8 oz (approx 1 C) of liquid lotion.
I can’t wait to try your lotion recipe! Is it hard to clean the lotion residue out of the blender? I make lotion bars with beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil. I have a dedicated mason jar that I always use to melt the ingredients, because it can be so hard to get the beeswax completely cleaned out of common-use kitchen items.
Hi Juanita! This consistancy of liquid lotion is far less sticky and greasy than that of a lotion bar, and it’s much easier to clean up! Just wipe the mixer out with a paper towel, then wash in soap and hot water. Things will clean up nicely!
I have a mini blender with one speed setting.
Is it possible to overwhip the lotion?
It’s a good question. I’ve never blended it for a long time, but I dont think you could overdo it, primarily because this lotion is made from liquid oil. Let me know how it goes!