dry bar body lotion

HOW TO MAKE DIY FLORAL LOTION BARS

Making my own homemade lotion bars means a lot to me because I know exactly where every ingredient comes from. The best part is blending the beautiful scents of natural herbs and flowers into my lotion bars. It allows me to get creative and craft different magical scents that not only smell amazing but also soothe the skin.

If you’ve never made your own lotion bars before, let me guide you through the process! With this recipe, you’ll create a lovely lotion bar to treat yourself or gift to a friend or loved one, no matter the season. This particular recipe features flowers that bloom in spring, but if you’re looking for a winter-inspired option, check out my Homemade Winter Forest Lotion Bars.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWER LOTION BARS

Wildflower season in Southern California is in full swing! This time of year is hands down my favorite time of year here on the west coast. The flowers are popping up everywhere. You can find Calendula, Lavender, Roses, Poppies and all sorts of beauty everywhere you go. I always daydream of going to lay safely in a bed of flowers, yet I don’t because I don’t want to disrupt their beauty.

Ever since I made my Winter Forest Lotion Bars, I’ve been dreaming of making a version inspired by all of the magical flowers. Since I can’t quite go lay in a bed of flowers without disturbing the blooms, the next best thing is to make a lotion bar infused with their scent that magically transports me to this daydream. Every piece of this recipe’s aroma is extracted naturally so you get the full benefit of the flowers.

HOW TO MAKE THE FLOWER-INFUSED OIL BASE

The base of this lotion bar recipe is olive oil, and you have two options: you can use plain olive oil, or you can take it a step further and make your own flower-infused olive oil! I personally love using the flower-infused oil because it brings additional skin-nourishing benefits and a subtle, magical scent.

For this recipe, I’ve created a calendula-infused oil, but you can get creative and use any skin-safe flower to infuse. I’ve made oils with calendula, rose, and lavender, and each one has an incredible fragrance! I believe in using what you already have, so there are plenty of options.

Making your own flower-infused oil is super simple. For this example, I’ll guide you through creating a calendula-infused oil. If you prefer a different flower, simply swap out the calendula for your chosen blooms. Start by placing dried or fresh calendula flowers into a jar, then pour olive oil over the flowers, ensuring they are fully covered. Let the flowers infuse in a dark place for 4-6 weeks, though you can leave them longer if you’d like. A pantry or apothecary works perfectly for this process! Once your infusion is ready, strain out the flowers using a strainer or cheesecloth.

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time for infusing, you can always skip the step and just add a few drops of essential oils for your desired aroma. While I believe infusing the whole flower is truly magical, this quick method works too.

For more tips and tricks, check out my instructions on how to make Flower-Infused Body Olive Oil. The secret to consistently making homemade lotion bars or skincare products is to always have a flower-infused oil ready in your apothecary. That way, when inspiration strikes, you’ll be all set!

CREATING YOUR HOMEMADE LOTION BAR

Once your flower-infused oil is steeped and ready, it’s time to create your homemade lotion bars! The best part is that they’re super easy to make, and you can get really creative with the process. Let your imagination run wild and have fun!

Start by melting the beeswax into your infused flower oil. This forms the base of your lotion bar. Once the beeswax is fully melted, turn off the heat and add in the shea butter, mango butter, and essential oils. You don’t want to overheat the butter, so turning off the heat once the beeswax is melted is key. The oil and beeswax will retain enough heat to melt and blend the butters evenly. If it’s taking a little longer to melt, just turn your stove to the lowest setting and stir often.

After the infused oil, shea butter, mango butter, and essential oils have blended with the beeswax, pour the mixture into silicone molds. This is where you can really get creative! I love adding dried flowers to the molds for an extra touch of beauty. The lotion bars will take on the shape of the mold, and the dried flowers will make them even more stunning. Make sure to use silicone molds—this ensures the bars will pop out easily once they’re set.

Let the lotion bars cool and cure completely before using them. In my experience, they take about 20-30 minutes to fully cool and set. Once they’re ready, pop them out of the molds and place them in small containers, like 4 oz push-top tins or wide jars, lined with parchment paper. I recommend storing them in small metal containers or jars. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Now comes the best part—enjoying your beautiful, homemade lotion bars!

BENEFITS FOR YOUR SKIN

There are so many wonderful benefits to using these homemade lotion bars! The natural olive oil and beeswax work together to moisturize and soften the skin, leaving it feeling incredibly nourished and smooth. But that’s not all—the aromatherapy from the flowers helps to ground you and bring a sense of peace and relaxation. Plus, the flowers and essential oils in this recipe provide additional skin benefits.

In this lotion bar, I used Patchouli, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender essential oils. When applied to the skin, these oils offer several advantages:

  • Nourish the skin with essential nutrients
  • Energetically grounding, helping you feel centered and balanced
  • Support the lymphatic system, aiding in detoxification
  • Promote healing for wounds and skin irritations
  • Hydrate all skin types, leaving your skin soft and moisturized

These lotion bars not only nurture your skin but also offer a soothing, holistic experience with every use!

HOW TO USE LOTION BARS

Now that we’ve made these beautiful lotion bars and discussed their amazing benefits, you might be wondering how to use them. Fortunately, they’re super easy to apply! All you need to do is take the lotion bar and warm it slightly with the heat of your hand. Once it softens a bit, gently massage the bar into your skin. As you rub it in, the lotion bar will start to melt and absorb, just like any other lotion. Once softened, continue to massage it over your body and feel the moisturizing effects. Let the calming scent and soothing properties transport you to that wildflower field as you pamper yourself!

Here are a few personal tips for using your lotion bar:

  • I recommend applying it right after you shower when your skin is warm and more receptive to absorbing the benefits. Whether it’s a morning or evening shower, your skin is in the perfect state to soak in the nourishment.
  • Make using your lotion bar part of your self-care or self-love ritual. The process of massaging it into your skin is incredibly relaxing and grounding, adding an extra touch of peace to your routine.

conclusion

In conclusion, making and using homemade lotion bars is not only a creative and enjoyable process but also a wonderful way to nourish and pamper your skin naturally. By infusing your own flower oils and choosing the right essential oils, you can customize your lotion bars to suit your needs, whether it’s for hydration, relaxation, or a touch of aromatherapy. The benefits of these lotion bars go beyond just moisturization—they offer grounding, soothing effects while supporting your skin’s health.

So, take time to enjoy this self-care ritual, incorporating it into your daily routine for the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or treating yourself, these lotion bars are a beautiful, natural way to feel pampered and connected to the magic of nature.

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.