best natural lotion for dry skin

DIY HOMEMADE LAVENDER LOTION RECIPE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

This DIY Lavender Lotion Recipe is Light, Creamy, and Made with Natural Ingredients like Shea Butter and Lavender Essential Oil.

Switching to all-natural skincare can feel expensive, especially when you see the price difference between Burt’s Bees lip balm and regular chapstick. I thought there was no way I could make it work long-term on a budget!

But here’s the good news: making your own beauty products like body butter, lip balm, and even baby wash is super easy—and often cheaper than store-bought versions!

Most commercial lotions are packed with chemicals, fragrances, parabens, and preservatives, which aren’t exactly the ingredients you want soaking into your skin. Making your own lotion with ingredients you know and trust is a much better choice!

I personally struggle with dry hands, especially in the winter (and all year since we don’t have a dishwasher). This lavender lotion has become a key part of my nighttime routine to help me unwind after a long day.

It’s also great for my kids—rubbing it on their legs and backs helps them relax and get ready for sleep, as the calming scent of lavender is perfect for sweet dreams.

Prefer a solid option? Check out my recipe for homemade lavender lotion bars!

What You Need To Make Homemade Lavender Lotion

Ingredients:

  • White Beeswax Pellets – Beeswax helps reduce the greasy feel of your lotion while still locking in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
  • Shea Butter – Known for its skin-softening, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter is a fantastic choice for homemade skincare. If you prefer, you can substitute it with cocoa butter for a slightly different texture and scent.
  • Almond Oil – This oil has healing properties that make it great for acne and skin blemishes. If you don’t have almond oil, jojoba oil or olive oil are good alternatives.
  • Vitamin E Oil (optional) – A teaspoon of vitamin E oil adds extra healing power to your lotion, making it great for dry or sensitive skin.
  • Lavender Essential Oil – The star of this recipe, lavender essential oil, provides a calming, natural scent perfect for a relaxing lotion. I recommend this particular brand for DIY skincare because it’s both strong and affordable.

Supplies:

  • Electric Mixer – You can use a blender, food processor, stand mixer, or a hand mixer with a bowl to blend the ingredients into a smooth, creamy lotion.
  • Double Boiler – Alternatively, you can create a double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a saucepan with an inch or two of water in it. Heat the water over medium heat, and add your ingredients to the glass bowl to melt.
  • Glass Container – Use a glass jar or container to store your finished lotion. Make sure it’s airtight to preserve the freshness of your homemade product.

How To Make This Homemade Lavender Lotion Recipe:

Melt – In a double boiler or a glass bowl placed over a pot with a few inches of water, heat the almond oil, shea butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil (if using) over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until everything has melted and there are no solid bits left.

Whip – Once the oils have melted and cooled slightly, transfer the mixture to a stand mixer or use electric beaters. Whip the mixture on high speed. Slowly and gradually add in the water, continuing to mix until the lotion becomes light and creamy.

Add the Essential Oils – Once all the water has been incorporated and the mixture turns bright white and fluffy, add 30–50 drops of lavender essential oil. Continue whipping to fully combine the scent into the lotion.

Tips For Success:

To Use: This homemade lavender lotion is safe for most parts of your body, but it’s best to avoid sensitive areas like your face or eyes. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use immediately.

To Store: Store the lotion in a cool place, like the refrigerator, in an airtight glass jar for up to 3 months.

Variations: Lavender pairs beautifully with other essential oils like orange, lemon, vanilla, and grapefruit. You can experiment with a blend of these oils, but make sure the total amount doesn’t exceed 50 drops.

Substitutions: If you don’t have almond oil, you can easily substitute it with jojoba or olive oil in this recipe.

About This Lavender Body Lotion Recipe

All-Natural Ingredients
This lotion is made with completely natural ingredients, making it a great choice for even sensitive skin types. No worrisome chemicals here!

Easy to Make
You can make enough lotion to last your family all winter in just 15 minutes—no complicated steps required!

Super Cheap
The ingredients cost only a few dollars, which is a fraction of the price of store-bought all-natural lavender lotion. And even if it seems a bit pricey the first time, you’ll have plenty of leftover ingredients to make multiple batches.

Plus, leftover beeswax can be repurposed to make baby lotion, beeswax candles, or lip balm!

Moisturizing
Each ingredient in this lotion is naturally hydrating and healing, perfect for dry skin.

Creamy
This homemade lotion is light and creamy, melting into your skin without any greasy residue.

Easy to Customize
Lavender essential oil blends well with many other oils. Try adding a few drops of chamomile, vanilla, lemon, grapefruit, rose, geranium, or orange essential oils to create your own signature scent!

FAQ About This Homemade Lavender Lotion Recipe

How Many Drops of Lavender Oil Should You Put in Lotion?
It’s generally recommended to use 12 drops of lavender essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil, body cream, or lotion. Since this recipe uses about 4 ounces of oils, I typically add between 30 and 50 drops of lavender oil to achieve a pleasant, fragrant scent.

How Should You Store Homemade Lotion?
To extend the shelf life of your homemade lotion, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When kept in the fridge, it can last up to 3 months. Plus, essential oils should be stored away from direct sunlight to preserve their potency, so the fridge is the perfect place to keep your lavender lotion fresh and aromatic.

Is This Lavender Lotion Safe to Apply to Your Face?
This lavender lotion is made with all-natural ingredients, so it should generally be safe for use on your face, as long as you avoid your eyes and nostrils. However, to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of lotion to a spot on your cheek, and wait a few minutes to see if any redness or irritation develops before using it more liberally on your face. This will help ensure your skin reacts well to the ingredients.

CONCLUSION


Making your own lavender lotion is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. With ingredients like shea butter, almond oil, and lavender essential oil, you can create a luxurious, moisturizing lotion without the worry of harmful chemicals. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable to suit your preferences, whether you want to add other essential oils or create a thicker or lighter texture.

By making this homemade lotion, you’ll save money in the long run, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in your skincare products. Plus, the soothing lavender scent is perfect for relaxation, making it a great addition to your nightly routine.

Store your lotion in a cool place, and it’ll last up to three months—so you can enjoy soft, nourished skin all season long.

6 BEST VITAMINS FOR CLEAR SKIN

Your skin, a reflection of your overall health, thrives on the nutrients you provide. As your body’s largest organ, it depends on vitamins for growth, repair, and protection. A radiant complexion often indicates a balanced diet rich in these essential building blocks. To achieve clearer skin, it’s crucial to understand the role of nutrition and identify key vitamins and minerals that nourish and revitalize your complexion.

OVERVIEW OF SKIN HEALTH

The skin is a complex organ composed of multiple layers with distinct functions. The outer epidermis shields the body from environmental harm, while the middle dermis, containing collagen and elastin, provides strength and elasticity. The inner hypodermis, rich in fat cells, insulates and cushions. 

Factors influencing skin health include age, sun exposure, smoking, diet, stress, and underlying health conditions. Common skin issues range from acne and dryness to more severe conditions like psoriasis and skin cancer.

WHICH VITAMINS ARE GOOD FOR CLEAR SKIN?

VITAMIN B COMPLEX

Vitamin B complex plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Key vitamins in this group, including niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and biotin (B7), contribute to skin health and repair. These essential nutrients support the nervous system and facilitate the production of new skin cells. To ensure adequate intake, consider incorporating foods rich in B vitamins into your diet, such as eggs, meat, whole grains, and legumes.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining good vision, healthy skin, and overall tissue growth and repair. It can also help manage acne and reduce wrinkles. Adults should aim for 700-900 micrograms daily. Incorporating foods rich in vitamin A into your diet is beneficial. Excellent sources include vibrant vegetables like kale, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that shields your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and pollution. This essential nutrient also plays a crucial role in collagen production, the protein responsible for maintaining skin’s firmness and smoothness. To incorporate more vitamin C into your diet, consider including citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli in your meals.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that shields the skin from harmful free radicals. Its moisturizing properties also help combat dryness and flakiness. This essential vitamin is abundant in a variety of foods, including seeds, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.

VITAMIN K

Vitamin K is a vital nutrient essential for the body’s blood clotting process. This plays a crucial role in healing wounds, bruises, and surgical incisions. Beyond its clotting function, vitamin K has potential benefits for skin health, potentially helping to improve the appearance of stretch marks, scars, dark spots, and spider veins. To incorporate this nutrient into your diet, consider including leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts in your meals.

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D, often dubbed the “sunshine vitamin,” is primarily synthesized by the skin in response to sunlight exposure. It plays a crucial role in promoting skin cell growth and repair while also contributing to the body’s anti-inflammatory response. While obtaining sufficient vitamin D solely from dietary sources can be challenging, certain foods like fatty fish, cheese, and fortified products offer valuable amounts of this essential nutrient.

THE ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN SKIN HEALTH

Antioxidants are essential for skin health as they combat the damaging effects of free radicals, unstable molecules generated by environmental stressors. Found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, and vitamins like C and E, antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, reduce inflammation, and stimulate skin cell renewal. By incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, you can promote a more youthful, radiant, and clear complexion as these vitamins bolster the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.

TOP MINERALS FOR CLEAR SKIN

Certain minerals are vital for maintaining clear and healthy skin. 

Zinc: regulates oil production, prevents acne, aids wound healing, and reduces inflammation. 

Selenium: protects skin from damage and slows aging. Copper boosts collagen and elastin, keeping skin firm and elastic, while also fighting skin infections. 

Magnesium: reduces skin inflammation, benefiting those with acne or eczema. 

Incorporating these minerals into your diet can contribute to a radiant complexion.

TOP FOODS FOR CLEAR SKIN

Nourishing your skin from within is crucial for a healthy complexion. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support skin health. These nutrients work together to repair and regenerate skin cells, regulate blood sugar levels, and maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, contributing to a clear and radiant complexion.

SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR CLEAN SKIN

Hydration is essential for maintaining clear, healthy skin. Drinking ample water helps keep your skin plump and supple, preventing dryness and flakiness.

Additionally, staying hydrated aids in the body’s natural detoxification process, helping to flush out impurities that can contribute to skin problems. 

By ensuring you consume enough water throughout the day, you’re providing your skin with the necessary support to look its best.

NOTES

While vitamins and minerals are essential for good health, it’s crucial to remember that excessive intake can lead to adverse effects. Consuming too much vitamin A, for instance, may result in nausea, skin irritation, or even hair loss. 

Additionally, certain supplements can interact negatively with medications. To avoid potential health risks, individuals taking prescription drugs or managing chronic conditions should always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

CONCLUSION

Achieving a radiant and healthy complexion is a holistic endeavor. Proper nutrition fuels your skin from within, providing essential vitamins and minerals for its vitality. By understanding the intricate relationship between diet, skincare, and overall well-being, you can unlock the secret to a complexion that reflects your inner health and radiance.