Make your own luxurious Lotion Bars

If you’re a mum like me, then ‘quick and easy’ is essential. These Lotion Bars are both. I pull one out and just rub it over my skin to keep it nourished and moisturised. You can use them after you hop out of the bath or shower when your skin is still warm. The bar melts slightly when it comes in contact with your skin and then your skin will just lap it up. This is definitely the best body lotion bar I’ve ever used!

Jeremy, my partner, hates shea butter as he’s usually the one who has to clean up the pyrex jugs after my workshops. So I’ll let you in on a little secret… You can actually replace both the shea butter and the cocoa butter in this recipe with extra beeswax and coconut oil (equal parts). The bars will still set and they will still work, but I don’t think the beeswax and coconut oil lotion bar are quite as moisturising for your skin.

What’s in the Lotion Bars?

Benefits of Coconut Oil

Studies show that coconut oil can boost the moisture content of dry skin. It may also improve the function of the skin, helping prevent excessive water loss and protecting you from external factors, such as infectious agents, chemicals, and allergens (1, 2, 3, 4).

In fact, a recent study determined that applying 6–8 drops of virgin coconut oil on your hands and leaving it overnight may be an effective way to prevent dry skin caused by frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers (5).

It may also reduce the severity of mild to moderate symptoms of atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disease characterised by skin inflammation and defects in skin barrier function (6, 7, 8).

Benefits of Beeswax

Beeswax forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, protecting your skin from environmental irritants and harsh weather. Beeswax is particularly exceptional being non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking), allowing the skin to breathe freely. This makes beeswax particularly beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin. (9)

The protective barrier formed by beeswax not only protects from external threats, but also locks in moisture to prevent water loss, therefore helping your skin stay soft and hydrated.

Beeswax has fantastic skin-softening properties and enhances skin elasticity, helping reduce the signs of ageing.

Benefits of Shea Butter

Shea butter is an emollient that softens and hydrates skin. Because it contains several types of fatty acids — including lineoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids — that improve the skin’s natural barrier, shea butter also protects skin from damage from environmental pollutants.

Benefits of Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, which is why it’s often touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin and improve elasticity. The fat in cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over skin to hold in moisture.

Lavender – Wellness Essential Oil

Traditionally used in Aromatherapy: 

• To decrease mild rheumatic aches and pains;
• To help reduce mild muscle spasms;
• To help relieve symptoms of muscle strain;
• To reduce the symptoms of stress; 
• To reduce the symptoms and occurrence of mild anxiety;
• As a nervous system relaxant;To calm nerves;
• and As an antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. REFER TO THE HEALTH WARNINGS BELOW. THE CLAIMS LISTED ABOVE ARE ONLY APPLICABLE FOR AUSTRALIA.

Lemon – Wellness Essential Oil

Traditionally used in Aromatherapy: 

• To stimulate blood flow to skin;
• As an antispasmodic; and
• To support healthy emotional balance.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. REFER TO THE HEALTH WARNINGS BELOW. THE CLAIMS LISTED ABOVE ARE ONLY APPLICABLE FOR AUSTRALIA.

Lotion Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup extra virgin coconut oil (the one which sets solid)
• ½ cup beeswax
• ¼ cup shea butter
• ¼ cup cocoa butter
• 15–20 drops essential oil of your choice (we recommend 10 drops of Lavender Wellness Essential Oil 10 drops of Lemon Wellness Essential Oil).
• Optional: dried lavender, oatmeal or lemon zest for exfoliation

Method

1. Combine coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and cocoa butter in a 500ml glass measuring cup.
2. Place in a pot with water that rises to halfway up the measuring cup
3. Bring water to a boil, stirring frequently until ingredients are completely melted.
4. Remove measuring cup from the pot.
5. Add dried lavender and lemon zest, if desired.
6. Add essential oils and stir until completely combined.
7. Immediately pour into moulds – I use silicon muffin moulds.
8. Let sit overnight.
9. Once cooled, remove the lotion bars from the moulds.
10. Store in a cool, dry place.

If you loved making these Lotion Bars and want more recipes check out my 6 DIY Recipes for Amazing Natural Body Products blog post.