How to Make Homemade Scented Lotion Easy DIY Recipe
Looking for a way to make a natural diy scented lotion? If you’ve been looking to replace some of your beauty products with more natural products, and are interested in making homemade beauty products, this DIY lotion recipe is a great natural product replacement for store-bought lotion.
This article discusses the benefits of homemade lotion, how to choose essential oils for a custom scented lotion, plus an easy diy homemade lotion recipe.
Commercial lotions can contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and fragrances (source: Prevention, Insider, Nature’s Glory, Amy Myers MD). These ingredients can cause skin irritations, allergic reactions, and disrupt the endocrine system. So switching out your store-bought lotions can make a huge difference in your overall health and wellness.
Making homemade scented lotion with essential oils is a simple and fun process that allows you to customize the fragrance and nourish your skin at the same time.
I love to vary the scents and have multiple scented lotions to fit my mood. I give you several scent ideas in the article below. You’ll be on your way to creating a luxurious, personalized lotion in no time.
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Homemade lotions also make great gifts! A homemade gift always makes a great gift! Which makes this diy lotion recipe a great choice to make at Christmas for family members, teachers, hair dressers, postal carriers, and anyone else on your list.
I use affiliate links in this article. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.
Benefits of making your own lotion
Making your own homemade lotion allows you to have control over the ingredients you use, ensuring that only safer and natural ingredients are included. This eliminates the risk of potential harmful chemicals commonly found in commercially produced lotions.
Another benefit to making your own lotion is that you can customize the formula to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Ultimately, homemade lotion provides a healthier and toxin-free alternative for nourishing and caring for your skin.
Supplies and Ingredients you’ll need for your Homemade Lotion
Here is a rundown of all the ingredients you’ll need to make your homemade lotion.
You’ll need:
- Carrier Oil
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Vitamin E Oil
- Airtight Container such as a glass jar
- Essential Oils for Scent
Keep in mind that when you purchase these ingredients, you will be able to use them in many different DIY projects, so your investment will go a long way. Other ideas and ways you can use these include some of my favorite skin care recipes like DIY Whipped Body Butter, DIY Bath Bombs, DIY Cracked Heel Balm, or my DIY Lotion Bar recipe. Homemade lotion bars are a great option for on the go!
Choose Your Carrier Oil
When making scented lotion with essential oils, selecting the right carrier oil is critical. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, making them safe for contact with your skin. This recipe calls for Sweet Almond oil as the carrier oil, but you can easily substitute it with Jojoba oil, which is actually very close to our skin’s natural oil.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a popular choice because it closely resembles the natural sebum produced by your skin. This means that it is readily absorbed and can help balance your skin’s natural oils. Plus, it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and can provide an excellent base for your scented lotion.
Jojoba oil is a great choice if you have a nut allergy because the oil is pressed from a seed, not a nut.
This is the jojoba oil I use:
- Certified Organic Jojoba Oil – Cliganic organic jojoba oil is proudly USDA organic certified to ensure ultimate quality and integrity.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is an excellent option for a carrier oil. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it can help improve your skin’s overall health.
Feel free to substitute Jojoba oil instead if you have a nut allergy (see above for my fave jojoba oil)
- TWO-IN-ONE FACIAL OIL AND POLISH: Why use makeup removers that contain synthetic ingredients that can irritate your skin. When you use our Organic Sweet Almond not only you’re removing stubborn and hard-to-remove waterproof makeup, but you’re also moisturizing your face and reducing the appearance of acne.
Avocado Oil
If you’re looking for a lighter carrier oil, Avocado oil is a great option. It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a non-greasy finish. Rich in antioxidants and skin-nourishing nutrients, it can help maintain the health and appearance of your skin.
You can readily find this in your grocery store – be sure to pick a high quality organic oil.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a luxurious carrier that adds richness to your homemade lotion. Naturally rich in vitamins A and E, it provides excellent moisturizing and nourishing properties for your skin.
Shea butter is a rich, creamy fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is well-known for its remarkable moisturizing and emollient properties. Stearic acid is one of the primary components of shea butter, making up a significant portion of its composition.
When shea butter is extracted from the shea nuts, it contains a mixture of fatty acids, with stearic acid being a substantial part of it. This saturated fatty acid gives shea butter its solid texture at room temperature, which softens upon contact with the skin. Stearic acid in shea butter provides the following benefits when used in homemade lotions:
1. Skin Hydration: Stearic acid acts as an emollient, creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier helps to retain moisture and prevent water loss, keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
2. Skin Softening: Shea butter, with its stearic acid content, helps to soften rough and dry skin. Regular use of shea butter-based lotions can contribute to smoother and more radiant skin.
3. Skin Protection: Stearic acid has natural occlusive properties, which means it helps seal in moisture and protect the skin from environmental aggressors, such as harsh weather conditions and pollutants.
4. Improved Skin Texture: The stearic acid in shea butter assists in improving the texture and appearance of the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
5. Enhanced Absorption: While stearic acid forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface, it also aids in the absorption of other beneficial ingredients, ensuring that they penetrate the skin effectively.
Also, it helps retain the scent of essential oils, making it an ideal choice for scented lotions.
I order this one for all my DIY projects:
- Custom Orders any size from 1lb to a truck load (through Amazon) are accepted and welcomed. Simply contact us Yellow Brick Road and we will set up the entire thing for you
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its numerous skin benefits. Packed with fatty acids and polyphenols, it nourishes and moisturizes your skin while also reducing inflammation.
Coconut oil, often referred to as a “miracle” oil in the world of skincare and beauty, is another natural ingredient that contains stearic acid. Coconut oil is derived from the flesh of coconuts and is revered for its versatility in various applications. Stearic acid is one of the fatty acids found in coconut oil, though it is not the predominant one. Nonetheless, it plays a role in coconut oil’s skincare benefits.
You’ll want to choose an unrefined and cold pressed coconut oil when creating your lotion, as it keeps more of its beneficial properties.
- NATURALLY EXTRACTED and NUTRIENT DENSE: Nutiva’s all-natural cold press extraction process yields a pure, light-tasting, nutrient-rich oil containing 63% medium chain triglycerides and 50% lauric acid without the use of dangerous and harmful chemicals, hexane, or heat.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that benefits your skin by promoting cell regeneration and protecting your skin from environmental stressors. To incorporate vitamin E in your lotion, prepare around 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
Vitamin E oil also has the added benefit of acting as a natural preservative for your lotion. Natural Preservatives will extend the shelf life of your homemade skin care products.
This can be found in most health food stores or online. This is the one I buy:
- 100% Pure & Natural (Not Synthetic) – Cliganic premium Vitamin E oil is 100% pure & natural, sourced from soybean oil – D-Alpha Tocopherol 30,000 IU
Airtight Container
After creating your scented lotion, it’s important to store it in an airtight container to preserve the fragrance and maintain its freshness.
It’s best to choose a container made of glass since essential oils and plastic don’t mix well. Small Mason jars work perfectly to store you lotion in!
Label your container with the date and ingredients to make it easier to remember what you’ve created and when it was made. Remember to close the lid tightly after each use to ensure your lotion stays as fresh and fragrant as possible.
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Choosing Essential Oils for your scented lotion
When making scented lotion with essential oils, it’s essential to choose the right oils for your needs and preferences. There’s many different types of oils and I know it can be overwhelming.
Here’s a list of some popular essential oil choices and their properties to help you make the best choice for your homemade lotion.
If you feel overwhelmed with all the choices, simply pick your favorite scent and go with it! You can’t go wrong with your personal preference.
Or, do what I do and make a few different scents so that I can use whatever fits my mood.
Please be sure to use a high quality essential oil. I don’t recommend fragrance oils because they are typically artificial and use synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to your skin and overall health.
You can also mix different oils together to create your own personal blend.
Lavender
Lavender is a versatile essential oil known for its calming and soothing properties. It’s a great choice for a relaxing, stress-relieving lotion that can also support healthy skin. My personal favorite lotion scent is Lavender / Vanilla!!
Rose
Rose essential oil is highly valued for its rich, floral aroma. It is excellent for moisturizing and nourishing the skin, making it perfect for a luxurious lotion.
Frankincense
Frankincense is a versatile essential oil with a grounding, calming aroma that supports overall well-being. It is excellent for a relaxing and soothing lotion that can help restore balance to your skin.
Orange
Orange essential oil is refreshing and invigorating with a delightful citrus scent. It can help brighten your mood while also supporting healthy skin, making it a great choice for a lotion.
Please note that this is a photosensitive oil which means your skin will be more susceptible to sunburn after using it. Avoid direct sunlight after using.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil has a rich, soothing aroma and is known for its skin-balancing properties. It can help hydrate and tone your skin, making it an excellent choice for incorporating into lotions.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit essential oil is energizing and uplifting, with a bright citrus scent. It’s perfect for invigorating and refreshing homemade lotions.
Please note that this is a photosensitive oil which means your skin will be more susceptible to sunburn after using it. Avoid direct sunlight after using.
Jasmine
Jasmine essential oil has a rich, floral scent and is known for its moisturizing and rejuvenating properties. This oil is perfect for creating a lotion that leaves your skin feeling soft and luxurious.
Chamomile
Chamomile oil is soothing and calming, with a gentle, floral aroma. It’s great for a lotion that helps soothe irritated skin and promotes relaxation.
Palmarosa
Palmarosa oil has a sweet, floral scent and is known for its skin-balancing properties. This oil is a good choice for a lotion that promotes healthy, hydrated skin.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage has a sweet, herbaceous aroma and may help improve skin tone and texture. This oil is perfect for a lotion that supports balanced, healthy-looking skin.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang essential oil has a rich, floral scent and can help balance sebum production for maintaining healthy skin. This oil is an excellent choice for a lotion that promotes a feeling of luxury and relaxation.
Summer Scented Lotion Essential Oil Blend
For a refreshing and energizing summer scented lotion, consider using essential oils, like citrus or peppermint, that evoke the sunny season. Here’s a simple summer blend to try:
- 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 5 drops of peppermint oil
Add the drops of essential oils to the unscented lotion using the easy recipe method, mix well, and you’ve got yourself an uplifting summer-scented lotion.
How to Make your DIY Natural Lotion
To make your own body lotion scented with essential oils, you’ll first need to create a lotion base using a few basic ingredients, then add your essential oils to the base. Follow the basic recipe below to create your lotion base.
You can substitute the almond oil with a different oil if you have a nut allergy or don’t like the smell. Jojoba oil, or avocado oils are good alternatives.
Homemade DIY Body Lotion Recipe with Shea Butter
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup almond oil or carrier oil of choice
- 1 tsp vitamin e oil
- 10 – 15 drops essential oil use more or less drops depending on how strong you want your lotion to smell.
Instructions
- In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and almond oil together. Stir gently with a clean spoon until they are fully melted and combined.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You can place it in the refrigerator for quicker cooling, but make sure it doesn't solidify completely.
- Add the vitamin E oil and any essential oils of your choice. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so start with less drops than you think you need. You can add more until the scent is to your liking.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or until it starts to solidify around the edges.
- Using a hand mixer, immersion blender, or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes creamy and whipped in texture.
- Spoon the lotion into a clean, airtight container, such as a glass mason jar. You could also repurpose a lotion jar. Make sure to sanitize the container beforehand by boiling in hot water for a few minutes.
- Your homemade lotion is now ready to use! Apply it to your skin as you would with any other lotion
Notes
You may also love this DIY Body Butter Recipe – I love to add Frankincense for a luxurious after bath moisturizer.
Related Article – Lilac Lotion Recipe
You may also like this DIY Lilac Lotion Recipe that uses fresh lilac flowers.
That’s it! You’ve just made a custom-scented lotion!
In conclusion, making your own scented lotion with essential oils is a fun and easy DIY project that allows you to customize your skincare routine.
By using all-natural ingredients and choosing your favorite scents, you can create a non-greasy homemade lotion that not only smells amazing but also nourishes and hydrates your skin.
More DIY Skin Care and Natural Beauty Recipes to try
Lip Plumper DIY
DIY Homemade Face Serum Recipe For All Skin Types
DIY: How to Make Homemade Whipped Body Butter Recipe
Lip Scrub with Brown Sugar & Honey
DIY Natural Hair Detangler with Essential Oils
DIY Cracked Heel Foot Balm
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Dawn Goehring
Dawn Goehring is the founder of Desert Naturals where she writes educational articles on essential oils, DIY’s on natural beauty products, homemade cleaners, and provides related essential oil accessories like planners, trackers, tshirts, and custom designed essential oil storage. She has been featured in articles on Porch.com, Redfin.com, MommyOnPurpose and more.
Dawn has earned an aromatherapist degree and has earned a doTERRA essential oil specialist certification which is a fancy way of saying she has learned a lot about the chemistry of essential oils and how they work in the body.