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5 from 3 votes

Beginner Homemade Lotion

This very simple lotion recipe is perfect for beginners.  The lotion is pumpable, non greasy, and blends together easily.
Prep Time30 minutes
Keyword: body lotion for beginners, body lotion tutorial, homemade body lotion
Servings: 8 oz
Author: Katie Shaw, Heart’s Content Farmhouse

Ingredients

  • 156 grams water
  • 10 grams polawax
  • 10 grams stearic acid
  • 12 grams apricot kernel oil
  • 12 grams sweet almond oil
  • 2 grams preservative such as phenonip
  • 2 grams orange oil or fragrance of choice
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Instructions

  • Measure out water in large Pyrex cup using digital scale
  • Measure out polawax, stearic acid, almond oil, and apricot kernel oil in separate Pyrex cup using digital scale
  • Heat water in microwave for 60 seconds, or until it is 160 degrees
  • Heat oils and waxes in microwave for 60-90 seconds, until 160 degrees.
  • Pour oils into water cup and blend with stick blender for 20 seconds (if the mixture seems to be splattering too much, pour it into a wide mouth large mason jar or drinking cup)
  • Blend for 20-30 seconds, then take a 30 second rest.  Do this until the lotion emulsifies.  It will increase in volume and look thick instead of watery.
  • At the. preservative and fragrance if using.  Blend another 60 seconds.
  • Pour into a clean container.  Let the lotion cool before topping.
  • Use within 6 months.

Notes

Sometimes when the preservative is added, the lotion will seem watery, like it has separated.  Just keep blending until it comes back together.
If it does not emulsify no water what you do, your ingredients likely did not get hot enough.  You can try reheating the whole thing and blending again.
Best practice is to use distilled water and disinfect tools and containers.