Making Your Own Lotion

Let's see....long story short....we are a cloth diapering family.  But last year about the time Te-Man was 5 months old he started getting a weird rash every time he was in a cloth diaper and the only thing that would take care of it was using a non-cloth diaper safe creme with a disposable.  So for about 4 months, the rash would show up and then we'd throw a disposable on him to clear it up.  The rash would show up and be gone within an hour.  Countless trips to the dr, phone calls with the cloth diaper manufacturer we were using, endless tinkering with the washing routine, and 9 different diaper ointments - one of which I made.  Well, turns out he just has a wetness sensitivity and we threw a moisture barrier/stay dry fabric on top of the cloth diaper soaker and BAM problem solved!

WHEW!

But...now I have a cabinet full of lotion ingredients - you didn't think they were just going to sit there did you? ;)

There are a million lotion recipes out there and the truth is, you're going to have to just start playing with them to figure out what texture, viscosity, scent, etc that you like.  Here is where I got the basic "recipe" that I used.  I didn't have beeswax and didn't feel like waiting to order some, so I skipped it and just added in the cocoa butter instead.  I'm sure the end result is a bit less of a creme and more of a lotion, but I'm ok with that.  

Homemade Lotion*

What's In It:

1/2 c olive oil

1/4 c coconut oil

1/4 c cocoa butter

1/4 c shea butter

Essential Oils: Lavender, Vanilla Extract

What To Do With It:

Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and heat over medium heat.

Combine all ingredients, except essential oils, in a pint size (or larger) jar.  Remember, you're going to have to be able to reach in and get the lotion out, so keep that in mind while choosing.

Loosely cover the jar and place into the water bath.  Be sure there is not so much water in the pan that it causes your lotion jar to tip.

As the oils and butters warm in the water bath, they will start to melt.  Gently swirl to combine.

Once they are completely melted, add in the oils of your choice.  (I chose Lavender and Vanilla Extract.  I think it is impossible to count the drops, but I used about 2 good shakes of each.)  Swirl to combine.

Allow the lotion to cool completely.  This might take 8+ hours...I usually put mine on a trivet in the garage so I stop checking it. ;)

Use as you would any lotion.  Discard if lotion starts to appear degraded in any way.

*I have not done any shelf life or efficacy studies on this product.  Use at your own risk.