Creams and Lotions for a little luxury

Easy Homemade Moisturising Creams for your Body

Most recipes contain oils and water that need heating and emulsifiers, to allow them to combine and form into lotions, creams and butters. This is OK if you have the time and patience to stand over so they don’t overheat and go grainy and are prepared to be constantly stirring until they have cooled enough not to curdle.

I’ve put together these base recipes that need no heating and can be used with a combination of different essential oils so you can adapt them to suit your skin type.

Recipes for Creams & Lotions

Easy Body Moisturiser

½ Cup (120ml) Coconut Oil
1tsp (5ml) Vitamin E
12 drops Essential Oils

Body Butter

1 Cup (225g) Shea Butter
4Tbs (60ml) Olive Oil
2Tbs (30ml) Vitamin E
75 drops Essential Oils

Body Cream with Aloe Vera

4Tbs (60ml) Shea Butter
4Tbs (60ml) Coconut Oil
2Tbs (30ml) Grapeseed Oil
2Tbs (30ml) Aloe Vera Gel
35 drops Essential Oils

Body Cream with Oats

4Tbs (60ml) Shea Butter
½ Cup (120ml) Coconut Oil
4Tbs (60ml) Oats (grind first to made a fine powder)
2tsp (10ml) Vitamin E
25-30 drops Essential Oils

Method:

Using a hand mixer, mix the Shea Butter and/or Coconut Oil for a few minutes. Make sure it looks all fluffy.
Then add the liquid oils including vitamin E oil if stated. Mix for a few minutes until all the ingredients are mixed well.
Then add the Aloe Vera gel and any powders if stated. Add a little at a time and mix it in until smooth and doesn’t feel grainy. Mix it a bit more until the mixture feels like a fluffy, soft lotion

Keep it in a glass jar out of sunlight and in a cool place. If you keep in the fridge the lotion or cream will last up to 2 or 3 months.

Use: Apply as often as you want.

Essential Oils: you can add essential oils to make your creams smell nice.

If you’re going to be using these lotions or creams while you’re out under the sun I recommend you don’t use any of the citrus essential oils. Good combinations are:

Vanilla and Lavender

Vanilla and Pink Grapefruit

Rose Otto and Vanilla

Roman Chamomile

Lavender

Sweet Orange

Lemon and Lavender

Frankincense and Geranium

Rose

Rose and Patchouli

IMPORTANT: When using essential oils it is vital that they are diluted in carrier oils and not used neat on the skin. Essential oils can cause skin reactions if not diluted.