When we slather lotion on our bodies, it’s absorbed by our skin. And that can be bad news, as many conventional lotions contain some of the most hazardous chemicals found in personal-care products, among them parabens (preservatives that mimic estrogen), phthalates (linked to infertility) and petroleum byproducts (possible carcinogens). Lotions, which are basically an emulsion of oil and water, are easy to make at home without these troubling additives. In fact, the technique to making lotion is similar to that used when making mayonnaise or salad dressing. For more DIY beauty recipes like this one, read the original article, 6 Basic Homemade Beauty Products.
Basic Body Lotion Recipe
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup distilled or boiled water
• 1/2 cup light unrefined oil (almond, sunflower, canola and olive oils all work well)
• 1 tablespoon grated beeswax
1. Dissolve baking soda in water in a saucepan. Set aside.
2. Mix oil and beeswax in a double boiler and slowly heat until wax begins to melt, being sure not to scorch wax. Stir until wax is completely melted. Keeping the wax over low heat and stirring occasionally, put baking soda mixture on a separate burner and heat over low heat until it is roughly the same temperature as the wax mixture (about 100 degrees).
3. Slowly add baking soda mixture to wax mixture while stirring to combine. Allow lotion to cool completely. You may want to stir occasionally as it cools to keep oil and water from separating. Store cooled lotion in a clean container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. To use: Massage into your skin. Makes 8 ounces.
Body Lotion Variations
? Energy Boost: Add 4 to 5 drops of peppermint essential oil to the finished lotion for a cooling and energizing blend. Stir well.
? Soothing: Replace the water with 1⁄4 cup strong chamomile tea to make a lotion with skin-soothing benefits.
? Moisturizing: For an extra-rich consistency perfect for dry skin, add 1 tablespoon of grated cocoa butter to the wax mixture before you combine it with the water mixture.
