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I’m absolutely in love with my recipe for Winter Lotion!
But there are those times I’d like to shake it up a bit by using essential oils for a variety of purposes.
My solution…
…unscented lotion.
Today I whipped up a batch of this unscented lotion to keep on my bathroom counter for use with essential oils. This lotion is super great! Instead of making several different batches of lotion — more lotion than I could ever use in a reasonable amount of time — each containing different essential oils…I now have a all-purpose lotion that I can customize with each use!
Unscented Carrier Lotion
Ingredients
*Choose only organic ingredients. I have linked directly to the ingredients I personally use and recommend.
- 4 ounces plant-based oil, your choice (I like to use any one of these: organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, organic grapeseed oil, or this calendula herbal oil)
- 6 fluid ounces liquid, your choice (i.e. filtered/distilled water, aloe vera juice, calendula hydrosol, or a strong infusion of green tea)
- 1/2 ounce organic vegetable glycerin OR raw, organic honey
- 1/2 ounce emulsifying wax
- 1/2 ounce stearic acid
- 0.1 ounce citric acid
- 0.1 ounce rosemary antioxidant (extract)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon non-GMO vitamin E oil, optional
Method
- Using a kitchen scale, weigh all ingredients.
- In a small sauce pan, combine the oil, liquid of choice, glycerin (or honey), emulsifying wax, stearic acid, and citric acid.
- Heat mixture on the stove over low heat, until the mixture is well combined and completely melted. Stir frequently.
- Remove from stove.
- Using an immersion blender (or a wire whisk), stir intermittently until cool, creamy, and thick.
- Add in rosemary antioxidant (extract), and vitamin E oil if using.
- Stir well.
- Pour into storage jars (I use these).
To Use
Scoop lotion into your hand, use as is (this is a wonderful lotion for sensitive skin) or add a few drops (2-3) of desired essential oils, apply to skin.
Please remember :: Making lotion at home in your kitchen requires the utmost in cleanliness in order to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mold. This is why it is very important to use aloe vera gel, hydrosols, or filtered/distilled water in the recipe. Likewise, please be sure to use thoroughly cleaned utensils, pans, bowls, and counter surfaces throughout the process.
This lotion should last 4-6 month on the counter. There is no need for refrigeration. However, if you see mold growing, toss it out. Tip :: If you use more than one jar/container feel free to store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. And just so you know, I’ve never had any mold grow in mine — ever.
DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my knowledge-sharing/writing/blogging activities, I occasionally may receive monetary compensation for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this article. However, I only recommend products or services I have personally used myself and trust.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils in the Shower
Don’t forget a preservative you cannot see bacteria growing all the time. Rosemary antioxidant and vitamin E are not a preservative unfortunately.
Here’s what Mountain Rose Herbs has to say about Rosemary Antioxidant…”The organic Rosemary antioxidant offered by Mountain Rose Herbs remains the number one choice for the natural preservation of hand made cosmetics, creams, lotions, and other herbal compounds. Its concentrated nature allows you to use sparingly with effective results and each bottle is guaranteed to contain healthy quantities of rosmarinic acid, the key compound in Rosemary, which is essential for stabilizing the shelf life of your body care products.”
I do understand what you mean:)…however, I sorta refuse to use synthetic preservatives (especially when I go through the trouble of making it by hand and sourcing high quality ingredients) ya know?!? Lotions that sit on shelves and are sold to the public in mass…I understand the need for stronger preservatives. But as I said, I love using vitamin E and Rosemary antioxidant in my lotions for personal use and to date I haven’t ever had issue with mold (perhaps because we use it up before it has a chance:)
An antioxidant only slows down the oxidation of the oils they cannot prevent mold, bacteria, yeast, fungus etc from growing. Like I said you cannot see bacteria growing either. That is your choice though to choose not to use a preservative I just wanted to let people know. If you have immunity issues I would always use a preservative any little bacteria or mold someone can get sick and die. If your selling you should send it to a lab first and have a challenge test done. I don’t sell but I still use a preservative. I just don’t want to take that chance.
Hi Andrea,
Could I use Aloe Vera Juice instead of gel? Thanks so much for this recipe! Can’t wait to make some for Christmas gifts! 🙂
Hi Estelle! Absolutely! Aloe vera juice is PERFECT:)
So this recipe makes about 14 oz? Also I am wondering about the consistency is it similar to Greek yogurt or thinner like buttermilk?
Hi CTY! It’s right in between actually:)
I love this recipe! Mine have never spoiled on me and i don’t add the acids.
Just a great recipe, hands down.
Are emulsifying wax and beeswax different? Can they be used interchangeably in the recipe? I happen to have beeswax on hand.
Sue – emulsifying wax and beeswax are not interchangeable in creating lotions. Beeswax does not have the true emulsifying properties required. Some do, however, use cosmetic grade borax instead of emulsifying wax. I’ve never tried this substitution but please check Mountain Rose Herbs on the use of cosmetic grade borax (https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/borax-powder/profile#AID=134299) and emulsifying wax (https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/emulsifying-wax/profile#AID=134299).
Emulsifying wax )e-wax) is an emulsifier which means it allows the oil and water to mix and not separate. I would not substitute beeswax for it. Stearic acid thickens the lotion. I have used both in my hand cream for many years. I also use germaben II, you only need a small amount to make your lotion last for a long time. I used less than .1% in my recipe and I have hand cream still good that I made in 09.
Despite what Mountain Rose Herbs has to say about using ROE as a preservative, I wholeheartedly agree with what Jen had to say. The inclusion of the herbal tea, hydrosol and honey makes it even more imperative that the proper preservative be used. There are several preservatives that are touted as being natural, you need only go to the website for Lotioncrafter or The Herbarie to learn more about them. The liquid you use as well as the PH of the final product needs to be taken into consideration before choosing a preservative. (Surprisingly enough, Aloe Vera Juice does typically contain some sort of preservative although it may be difficult to determine that it’s in there) The fact that people will be scooping this up with their hand further illustrates the need for a preservative.
For those who negate the efficacy of ROE and or Vit E as a preservative,
what do you suggest?
I use Germaben ii E Dee, I get it at bulk apothecary. There are a lot of different preservatives to choose from though. You can try Lotioncrafter or The Herbarie like Barb said above they are good companies too!
There are several things to consider.
I have no doubt that Andrea has had super luck with her lotion and with the recipe appearing to be fine. As stated above, we can’t tell when a lotion’s liquid begins accumulate bacteria. I have made many a cream and lotion for myself with nothing more than Vit E. I always keep it in the fridge or in a cool windowsill (in winter, for example) and have had no issues.
Jen & Barb are also correct.
Personally, any recipes that I share online, i ensure that preservatives are included, as an option and with a caveat. We must assume that the folks who are learning from us, may be experiencing health challenges of many kinds. I feel it would be better to err on the side of caution and include a 100% guaranteed product. If it’s for sale — this is imperative.
For those who definitely do not want to use a preservative, it may be a good plan to make small batches and suggest using within a month if not refrigerated.
I don’t dispute that Rosemary extract possesses anti-bacterial properties. There are many choices of herbs that can be used in this way. I’ve used Germaben ii with good results as well.
All in all ~ comes down to choices that we make. I think it’s responsible to try to cover all the possible options so people can make informed decisions.
Happy lotion making everyone!!
I think tea tree oil might be a good addition to help stave off bacteria, etc.
Tea Tree EO is a wonderful, natural antibacterial but it is not meant to be substituted for a preservative in a product.
Hi, I’m european girl and I always have problem in determining fluid ounces vs weight ounces… In this recipe everything, except 6 fluid ounce, is in weight ounces, right?
Oh my gosh, I didn’t even notice that it said fluid versus weight. I just made a batch using weight for every ingredient. I guess we’ll just wait and see if it turns out 🙁
I was worried for nothing. After I had already added the liquid I weighed 6 fl oz of green tea and found it to be very close to 6 weight ounces. No harm, no foul. And the best part is that this is the best lotion I’ve ever made! It’s not trying to separate, it doesn’t feel greasy and my husband loves it. Thanks for another great recipe Andrea.
I understand the concern of adding preservatives, however, it seems contradictory to go to all the trouble of gathering the ingredients, keeping everything clean, and making the lotion, only to add an ingredient that could cause potential problems. I don’t put preservatives in my lotions. I make a small amount or keep it cool.
Here is some information on Germaben II. I had never heard of Germaben until today, but I won’t be adding it to my products. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/726487/GERMABEN_II/
Can we use something other than rosemary? It makes me itch.
You are an absolute life saver!! Can’t thank you enough for this wonderful gift. Thanks for taking the time to share.
I’ve just transitioned from buying unnatural hair conditioners and the most natural store bought stuff still has the odd questionable ingredient in it whilst costing way more than I think is sensible to spend on hair conditioner. Can’t tell you how grateful I am to have found this as I may well be using this for the rest of my life :))