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Home » Recipes

Easy Homemade Lotion Recipe

Brittany Kline | Updated August 28, 2024 Recipes

Learn how to create your own Homemade Lotion using unrefined coconut oil, Vitamin E, and essential oils like peppermint for a nourishing and customizable skincare option. Follow my step-by-step guide with tips and variations to suit your skin's needs.
Homemade Lotion
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Are you tired of spending a fortune on store-bought lotions that are filled with ingredients you can barely pronounce?

By making your own homemade lotion, you not only save money but also gain full control over what you’re putting on your skin.

You only need three simple ingredients to create a luxurious, nourishing lotion right in your own kitchen.

Let’s explore how to make this easy homemade lotion and enjoy better-quality skincare without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Main Ingredients: Unrefined coconut oil, Vitamin E capsules, peppermint essential oil
  • Yield: Fills approximately four 4 oz canning jars
  • Extras: Customize your lotion with essential oils like lavender for relaxation, tea tree for antibacterial benefits, frankincense for anti-aging, or rosehip for added hydration.
  • Tip: Store your lotion at room temperature and remember it may solidify over time. Whip up a fresh batch as needed to keep your lotion smooth and luxurious!

Easy Homemade Lotion Recipe

I LOVE using homemade lotion, so I thought I’d share my favorite DIY lotion recipe.

ingredients for lotion

You only need three ingredients:

  1. Unrefined Coconut Oil (I got mine from Aldi for only $4.99 – a GREAT price!)
  2. Vitamin E capsules (they need to be liquid capsules or gel tabs so you can squeeze the oil out)
  3. Peppermint Essential Oils (They must be therapeutic grade because this is absorbed into the skin)

whipping the coconut oil

First, whip your coconut oil in the mixer. I use my KitchenAid because it’s the easiest. Whip on medium-high for 10 – 15 minutes.

Add 4 capsules of Vitamin E oil. I cut open the gel tabs and squeezed the oils out of them and into the whipped oil.

Then, add 15 -20 drops of peppermint essential oils. I love this because it gives the lotion a slight cooling effect when you put it on. It also helps nourish dull skin and boosts the texture of oily skin.

Mix together for another minute.

Coconut Oil Jars

I like to pour these into small 4 oz canning jars and store them at room temperature.

coconut oil lotion

What I love most about this lotion is that I know what is in it – there aren’t ingredients I have no idea how to pronounce.

It takes me around 15 minutes to make an entire batch, and I feel great using it! Keep in mind that after a while, your lotion will become solid again – that is normal.

I usually use it up in a couple of days, then make another batch.

Peppermint Lotion and Other Lotion Variations

The basic recipe for this homemade lotion features peppermint oil, which is a favorite of mine for its cooling and refreshing properties.

Peppermint oil is known to nourish dull skin, improve texture, and even help with oily skin issues. It provides a slight cooling effect when applied, making it perfect for a soothing, everyday lotion.

Other Lotions for Health Benefits

If you want to switch things up or target specific skin concerns, you can easily customize this lotion by substituting the peppermint with other essential oils that offer unique benefits:

  • Lavender Lotion: Lavender oil is famous for its calming and relaxing effects, perfect for unwinding and soothing the skin before bed. Lavender also has gentle antibacterial properties, making it suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.
  • Tea Tree Lotion: Tea tree oil is known for its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s ideal for those with acne-prone skin or anyone looking to keep their skin clear and healthy. This variation can also double as a spot treatment for blemishes.
  • Frankincense Lotion: For a rejuvenating lotion that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and scars, try adding frankincense essential oil. This oil is known for its anti-aging properties and is excellent for improving skin tone and elasticity.
  • Rosehip Lotion: Rosehip oil is packed with vitamins A and C, which help in skin regeneration and brightening. It’s a great choice for those looking to add extra hydration to their skincare routine, especially during the colder months.
  • Chamomile Lotion: Chamomile oil is soothing and anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for sensitive skin or those dealing with redness and irritation. This variation is gentle enough for use on children’s skin as well.
  • Sweet Almond Oil Lotion: Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins A and E, making it an excellent choice for nourishing and softening the skin. It’s particularly beneficial for dry or irritated skin, and it can help to smooth and rejuvenate your complexion.

Some people add cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and more for different skin types, so mix and match to see what works for you! The only swap I wouldn’t make is using olive oil- I found that way too greasy and uncomfortable.

FAQs

How do you make your own lotion?

To make your own body lotion, all you need are three ingredients: unrefined coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, and an essential oil of your choice.

Whip the coconut oil until it’s light and fluffy, then mix everything together. Store the mixture in small jars, and enjoy your DIY lotion!

You can also add shea butter, aloe vera juice, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil, and other oils to change up the recipe for your skin type.

Is homemade lotion safe for sensitive skin?

Homemade lotion is generally safe for sensitive skin, especially since it contains minimal, natural ingredients.

However, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test first, especially if you’re using essential oils that might cause irritation.

How can I make lotion with 3 ingredients?

Making lotion with just three ingredients is easy!

Start with unrefined coconut oil as the base, then add Vitamin E oil for its skin-protecting properties, and finish with your favorite essential oil for fragrance and additional benefits.

Whip the ingredients together, and you have a simple, effective lotion.

Can I use refined coconut oil instead of unrefined coconut oil?

Yes, you can use refined coconut oil, but keep in mind that it has been processed, which removes some of the natural nutrients and the coconut scent.

Unrefined coconut oil is preferred for its higher nutrient content and more natural fragrance.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own DIY lotion is a simple, rewarding process that requires little effort and offers significant savings.

By skipping store-bought lotion, you’re not only cutting costs but also ensuring that your skin is treated with high-quality, natural ingredients.

With just 15 minutes and three ingredients, you can enjoy a luxurious, nourishing lotion that’s perfect for daily use.

Give it a try—you’ll love the results! Let me know what other oils and add-ins you use that I should try next.

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About Brittany Kline

Hi, I’m Brittany Kline—a mom, home systems expert, and culinary enthusiast passionate about helping busy families simplify life—starting in the kitchen. With a master’s degree in education and years of experience creating streamlined home solutions, I specialize in practical meal planning, effortless home organization, and family-friendly recipes that make life easier (and tastier) for moms everywhere.

As a former educator turned household management pro, I understand the daily chaos that comes with raising a family. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to helping moms take control of meal planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen routines—so they can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying family meals.

My recipes and meal-planning strategies have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, TIME, USA Today, and Business Insider, among many others. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or tips to make meal prep stress-free, I’m here to help you turn chaos into calm. Click here to read all of my posts.

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74 Delightful Homemade Soap Recipes That Are Natural & Healthier
9 years ago

[…] Make this lotion. […]

0
Reply
Julie
Julie
8 years ago

Do you use the whole jar of coconut oil?

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Genie Leong
Genie Leong
8 years ago

Hi I only liquid coconut oil. How do I make then solid?

0
Reply
Lauren
Lauren
8 years ago
Reply to  Genie Leong

Coconut oil hardens at a certain temperature.

0
Reply
Mary
Mary
7 years ago

What size jar of coconut oil did you use?

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Reply
RC
RC
7 years ago

So how much coconut oil do you use ? It doesn’t say

0
Reply
LaDonna
LaDonna
7 years ago

How much coconut oil did you use? TIA

0
Reply
Judy Woodd
Judy Woodd
7 years ago

Please tell us HIW MUCH COCONUT OIL you use.

0
Reply
Annie L Adams
Annie L Adams
7 years ago

I’ll ask as well: HOW MUCH COCONUT OIL???

0
Reply
S
S
7 years ago
Reply to  Annie L Adams

I checked the picture. The jar is 14 oz. 🙂

0
Reply
Michelle
Michelle
6 years ago

Do you have to use the vitamin E?

0
Reply
Rose
Rose
6 years ago

how much coconut oil do you use

0
Reply

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