Homemade Lotion Bar Recipe

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Ellen Christian

You are going to love this homemade lotion bar recipe! Using a DIY lotion bar allows me to customize the scents I use to match my mood. And, because I use essential oils, I get the added benefits of aromatherapy when these bars melt and soften my skin.

Homemade Lotion Bar Recipe

This homemade lotion bar recipe uses a shea butter base, coconut oil, and beeswax. This triple moisturizing combination results in hands that feel soft and pampered. They are not only nourishing for your skin. But they do an excellent job of moisturizing your nail bed and cuticles.

Check out another popular post and learn how to do a French braid yourself.

How do you make homemade lotion bars?

The simple directions and materials list is at the end of this post. You are basically combining and melting the ingredients, adding the essential oils and optional colorant, and pouring it into a mold to solidify.

Learn how to make a lotion bar.

How long do homemade lotion bars last?

Typically the bars you make with this homemade lotion bar recipe should last between twelve and eighteen months. Make sure that you store them in a cool, dark area. If they are too warm or in a bright area, they may melt.

How do you keep lotion bars from melting?

I see a lot of people wondering how to make a lotion bar recipe without beeswax. So, the problem is that the beeswax is what helps the lotion bar to harden. So, if you don’t add beeswax to your recipe, it won’t hold its shape well. And, if it is exposed to warmer temperatures, it will melt and make a mess.

Change I change the add-ins?

Yes, as long as you keep the quantity the same. So, instead of adding a teaspoon of dried lavender buds, you could try adding a teaspoon of ground oatmeal for oatmeal lotion bar recipe. Or, you could try adding crushed rose petals.

Can I use different essential oils?

Yes, that’s the beauty of making your own homemade lotion bar recipe versus buying one. You can change up the ingredients and the scent if you want to. I use lavender in a lot of my homemade beauty products because it helps with stress and anxiety. If you prefer, you can use peppermint which is energizing or rose which is pampering. Or, if you want to gift them to a man, you could try using patchouli or Frankincense for a more masculine scent.

What do I need to make this homemade lotion bar recipe?

Scroll down to the bottom for a printable copy of this recipe. It has all of the ingredients and directions.

• 1.5 ounces Unrefined African Shea Butter
• 1.5 ounces coconut oil
• Kitchen scale
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
• 1.5 ounces Beeswax Pellets
• 4 cup measuring cup
• 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil
• Mini muffin/cupcake tin

Homemade lotion bar recipe directions

1. Measure your ingredients out by weight, using the kitchen scale.
2. Layer the shea butter, coconut oil and shea butter in the measuring cup in the order they are listed.
3. Microwave on high for 1 minute, remove and stir well. Repeat this step until everything is fully melted. The beeswax pellets will take the longest to melt.
4. Remove from microwave, and add essential oil and dried lavender leaves. Stir well.
5. Pour into mini muffin/cupcake tin, filling each just over halfway. This will fill 8 cavities, making 8 lotion bars.
6. Bars will set in about 30-40 minutes.

More DIY beauty recipes 

Finally, check out a few more of my DIY beauty recipes.

• Herbal Bath Bomb with Chamomile
• PMS Relief Bath Bombs
• Cellulite Massage Soap DIY
• Coconut oil body butter
• Vitamin C Bath Bomb
• Best essential oils for cuticles