Natural Lotion Bars, 7 Ways

These naturally moisturizing lotion bars are made with shea butter and avocado oil – each with their own unique scent that uplifts as they soothe your skin.

Lotion bars are making their way onto the DIY and boutique body care scene. Creating lotion in solid form makes traveling and packing lotion a cinch without the worry of spilling. These natural lotion bars are chemical-free and can be made in 7 different scents or whatever your go-to essential oil preference is. Adding dried herbs isn’t necessary if adding essential oils, but it is a fun way to tell the lotion bars apart and sure looks pretty. Give a homemade bar as a gift or keep one on your bedside to rub on hands and feet before bed.

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Start by melting shea butter, beeswax and avocado or coconut oil using a double boiler. Shea butter and avocado oil are high in fatty acids, providing intense moisture to dry skin. Once completely melted, stir in essential oil and herbs or flowers. Pour liquid into soap molds. I used larger 4-ounce molds, but 2-ounce molds or smaller would be ideal for travel size. You can also make one large bar and slice into smaller bars once solid. Store in a dry spot to solidify or in the refrigerator for a quicker method. Pop lotion bars out of molds and store in a dry spot.

Tip: Using the lotion bars can be tricky, and after showering may seem like the perfect time. But water on the skin makes the oils in the bar difficult to melt. It is best to use the bars on dry skin, rubbing on hands and using your body temperature to melt desired amount. Lotion bars are especially useful on trouble areas that are the driest, like heels of feet.

Choose Your Scent

Each scent has its own aromatherapy properties – choose one or many to suit your senses.

Vanilla: a comforting scent that is great for relaxing. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon for a holiday scent.
Coconut: evokes a carefree mood, terrific for summer or anytime you need a mental vacation.
Citrus: revitalizes and awakens the senses; use anytime you need a boost.
Lavender: brings a sense of calm and is great to use around bedtime.
Peppermint: this oil is touted for its effect on focus and mental clarity.
Rose: an uplifting romantic scent known for its aphrodisiac properties.
Eucalyptus-Citronella: a minty, citrus aroma that is terrific to have on hand during the summer months to repel bugs and mosquitos.

Total time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins 10 minutes

Prep Time: 5 mins 5 minutes

Serves:1 4-oz bar

Vanilla Bean | Relax

Recipe by: author

Jennafer Ashley

This comforting lotion bar scent is great for relaxing.

Tools

Double boiler
4-ounce or 2-ounce molds

Ingredients

1/4 cup shea butter
1/4 cup beeswax
1 t avocado oil
15 drops vanilla essential oil
1 pinch of pure vanilla bean powder

Instructions

In a double boiler over medium/low heat, combine shea butter, beeswax and avocado oil. Heat until completely melted. Stir in vanilla essential oil and vanilla bean.
Pour into mold. Set in a dry, cool spot until hard, about 2 hours. Pop out of mold and store in a dry spot.

Total time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins 10 minutes

Prep Time: 5 mins 5 minutes

Serves:1 4-oz bar