I decided to make a lotion that has distilled water in it — so it is lighter than my body butters. Butter is butter, and I don’t love body butter on my face. I need a light lotion for my face, so I gave this recipe a try. This one is light, but still moisturizing. Since water and oil do not mix, I had to use a little emulsifying wax to make the water combine with the oil.
As everyone has their preference, it’s best to decide. You may like it for a hand lotion instead. Plus, it depends on the weather too — dry and freezing, or hot and windy.
But it’s super easy to make, and no big mess to clean up. Having raised five kids, the last thing I want is a big mess in the kitchen.
First, get a bottle of distilled water or sterile water and do not use tap water. Once you introduce water into your homemade lotion recipes, you have a shorter shelf life. So, no tap water with little parts per million of microbes.
Next, buy some emulsifying wax that is made from a plant source. I like the one at Mountain Rose Herbs. When you go to mix water and oil it just won’t combine unless you add an agent that is made up of molecules with two “ends” on them — a water-loving end and an oil-loving end. This molecule will grab the water molecule on one end, and the oil on the other, making a mixture that does not settle into two layers (like salad dressing often does.) It will remain rich and creamy.
Choose an oil. I used almond oil because it has been shown in studies to block out UV rays.
I also invested in a small kitchen scale which I love. It keeps my measurements consistent. But I also have used measuring spoons and cups with good results.
Water and oil lotion quantities:
70% H2O Distilled only or Sterile water
25% oil
5% emulsifying wax
essential oils
0.5 – 1.5% preservative: Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate
Homemade lotion with water and oil —
Eve out of the Garden
Ingredients:
5.6 ounces distilled water (3/4 cup) — Distilled water is essentially free of contaminants like pesticides and bacteria
2 ounces almond oil (1/4 cup)
0.4 ounces emulsifying wax (1 and 1/2 Tablespoon)
Essential oils of lavender 10 drops
0.04 – 0.12 ounces preservative – https://naturallythinking.com/sodium-benzoate-potassium-sorbate#
Also needed:
Glass Mason jars (the type for canning) I used an 8 oz size for the final product, but I used a 16 oz size to mix it up. See them here: 8 oz and 16 oz Ball or Kerr glass jars.
Directions:
First, set the empty jar on the scale and “tare” it to “zero.” Set it on “ounces.” Add wax to the jar until the scale measures 0.4 ounces. Add oil to the jar so that it now measures 2.4 ounces.
Place a pan of hot water on the stove and set the jar in the water to melt the contents. As soon as it melts, take the jar out of the pan of water and set it on a small towel on the counter. (the same method I use with my body butter.)
In a new glass jar, measure the distilled water. Heat it in the microwave so that it is hot. Slowly pour the distilled water into the melted wax/oil mixture while stirring it. Add the essential oils and stir. Cover with the lid and shake it up. Set it in the refrigerator to cool (set it on a cloth towel) and in about five minutes, shake it up again. Cool about five minutes more, and then shake it up. As it begins to thicken and comes to a good consistency and has cooled down, pour it into the permanent container — I used an 8 oz. Glass Ball jar with low sides like this one.
The top looks a little foamy, from shaking it to cool and mix. But it becomes a light lotion that glides smoothly over your skin.
If you are worried about needing preservatives for this lotion:
https://naturallythinking.com/sodium-benzoate-potassium-sorbate#
Just realize that unless you wash your hands before you dip a finger into any lotion, you will be contaminating it no matter what. Bacteria is everywhere present on your skin. From my experience, I did not have a problem using distilled water and using the lotion in a short time period. But, unless you are working in a sterile environment, it’s impossible to create an entirely sterile product — so if you are concerned, add a preservative.
