How to Make Homemade Lotion Bars

Homemade lotion bars are made with natural ingredients like shea butter and beeswax that not only nourish the skin, but also provide a protective barrier from the elements.

If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to moisturize your skin, without synthetic ingredients, homemade lotion bars are a perfect solution. These solid moisturizing bars are nourishing, travel-friendly and surprisingly easy to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil and essential oils, you can create luxurious lotion bars that melt into your skin on contact. Whether you’re crafting for yourself, your family, or as thoughtful gifts, these lotion bars are sure to become a favorite.

I love using these DIY lotion bars all year long, but especially during the winter months. They’re great at adding moisture to those areas that tend to get extra dry like the heels, knees and the backs of the hands. I also love using these for massages of sore muscles. The slickness of the bar helps your hands glide over the skin for deep tissue massages!

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FAQs

What are lotion bars?

Lotion bars are solid bars of moisturizing oils and butters held together with beeswax. When rubbed onto warm skin, they soften slightly and glide on like a body butter without the mess. They’re especially great for dry hands, heels, cuticles and for general massage. They’re great because they don’t require any preservatives, have a long shelf life of about 12-24 months and make perfect gifts

What type of beeswax should I use to make homemade lotion bars?

You can use really any filtered beeswax to make lotion bars. Use yellow beeswax for a more authentic look or white beeswax for a lighter colored bar. You can also choose organic versus non-organic depending on your preferences. I like this organic white beeswax for these types of projects.

How long do homemade lotion bars last?

These homemade lotion bars last anywhere between 12 and 24 months, depending on how they are stored. I live in a warmer climate so I prefer to store my lotion bars in either the refrigerator or freezer, which keeps them longer. Otherwise, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How do you use lotion bars?

Simply rub the homemade lotion bar between your hands or directly onto dry skin. Your body heat will soften the bar just enough to release the oils. Unlike traditional lotions, these bars create a barrier on the skin that helps to lock in the moisture and keep it hydrated for hours. It’s best to use the lotion bar at night to allow the ingredients to work their magic. In the morning, you’ll wake up with soft moisturized skin and it’s so amazing!

Ingredients

Beeswax: I prefer to use organic white beeswax pellets in my homemade body care products, but any filtered beeswax will work. I find the pellets melt really quickly and easily as opposed to larger chunks of beeswax. Beeswax helps solidify the lotion bar nd creates a protective barrier on the skin that locks moisture and hydration in without clogging pores.

Shea butter: Shea butter is amazing for the skin. It’s rich in vitamins A and E, which help improve elasticity and softness of the skin. Not only does it moisturize, but it also creates a barrier that prevents moisture loss as well.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains fatty acids which help to hydrate the skin. It’s also got anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a wonderful ingredient in these homemade massage bars.

Essential oils: Essential oils are option, but I like to had scents like lavender, lemon and other bright scents to take these bars up a notch. Lavender is soothing, calming, and gentle on the skin. It’s especially helpful for sensitive or irritated skin and adds a relaxing scent. Lemon essential oil brings a fresh, uplifting aroma and can help brighten dull skin. A little goes a long way!

How to Make Homemade Lotion Bars

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• Double boiler OR heatproof bowl and saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• Silicone soap molds
• Wooden spoon

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup beeswax pellets (3.5 oz)
• 1/2 cup shea butter (3.3 oz)
• 1/2 cup oil unrefined coconut (about 4 oz)
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
• 8-10 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS

Using a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water), melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil together. Stir occasionally until everything is completely melted.

Once fully melted, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two.

Add the lavender and lemon essential oils, then mix them in well to evenly distribute the scent.

Carefully pour the beeswax mixture into silicone molds or muffin tins.

Allow the lotion bars to cool and harden completely at room temperature (about 1–2 hours), or place them in the refrigerator to speed things up. Then once the bars are solid, pop the lotion bars out of the molds and store them in a tin or glass container.

NOTES

• Lemon essential oil is photosensitive. Avoid sun exposure on areas where it’s applied for 12–24 hours, or use it in small amounts for nighttime lotions.
• For softer bars: Use slightly less beeswax; for firmer bars: add a bit more beeswax; for sensitive skin: skip lemon and use only lavender.
• Add vitamin E oil for extra skin nourishment.
• Mix in cocoa butter for a chocolatey scent and added firmness.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE DIY BODY CARE RECIPES?

Looking for more seasonal DIY body care recipes like these homemade lotion bars? Check these out!

• Homemade Whipped Tallow Body Butter
• Nourishing DIY Cuticle Oil
• Homemade Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
• Orange Spiced Sugar Scrub

Did you enjoy making these homemade lotion bars? If you did, tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation!