Do you ever find yourself playing detective, carefully scanning product labels before making a purchase? It can be a bit overwhelming, especially when so many body care products—supposedly natural or organic—are packed with questionable ingredients! That’s one of the reasons I love making my own. I get to control exactly what goes into my products, and it’s such a fun process! Come along with me as I share how to make your own luxurious shea butter lotion.
Non greasy shea butter lotion recipe
In my journey of healing, I became increasingly aware of the massive toxic burden in our modern world, and a big part of that is the products we use on our skin. Did you know that our skin, the largest organ in our body, quickly absorbs whatever we put on it? It’s a sobering thought, especially when we consider just how many commercial personal care products are packed with harmful chemicals.
This lotion is the perfect solution for when you want a light, non-greasy moisturizer made with only the purest, most natural ingredients. I’m excited to share with you how to make lotion with shea butter—I think you’ll love it!
Taking it into my own hands with DIY lotion
In my quest for the purest, most natural skincare, I decided to try making some products myself. After all, creating things has always been a huge passion of mine.
What I quickly discovered is that making your own organic skincare is not only fun but incredibly rewarding! One of my favorite things to make is lotion. While I love DIY skincare, makeup is one area I don’t usually tackle—check out my review of 100% Pure makeup here for more on that.
I just find it so satisfying to blend ingredients that don’t naturally mix and turn them into a smooth, light, and luxurious lotion. It’s like a little magic every time!
How do you make your own lotion?
When you make lotion, you’re creating an emulsion—essentially forcing two ingredients that don’t naturally mix to combine. It’s similar to the process of making homemade mayonnaise!
My favorite tool for making lotion is a food processor. While a blender works too, I find that the food processor gives the most consistent results.
Cleanliness is crucial when making skincare products, especially when they contain water. I suggest cleaning all your equipment with a weak bleach solution and allowing it to air dry before starting. This helps prevent introducing any bacteria into your recipe.
For the water component, I highly recommend using distilled water. This ensures that the lotion remains as pure as possible, free from any unwanted contaminants that could affect the final product.
How to make lotion with shea butter directions
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup jojoba oil
5 TBSP shea butter
2 TBSP beeswax
1 cup distilled water
1/2 tsp preservative
96 drops essential oil (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Measure the jojoba oil, shea butter, and beeswax into a heat-safe glass container, such as a pitcher.
Create a double boiler by placing the pitcher on a cloth in a pan of water.
Heat the water to a gentle simmer until the shea butter and beeswax are completely melted.
Pour the hot oil mixture into a food processor.
Turn the food processor on, and in a small, slow stream, gradually pour the distilled water into the food processor.
Allow the food processor to run for another minute or so, letting the emulsion form.
Ensure the lotion mixture stays below 176°F (80°C).
Add the preservative and essential oils, if using, and let the food processor run for another minute.
Pour the lotion into glass containers.
Store in a cool, dark place at room temperature.
Enjoy your homemade, luxurious lotion!
Natural preservative for homemade lotion
When making homemade lotions that contain water, it’s crucial to use a preservative.
Hold up, though—don’t we usually try to avoid preservatives in our food?
I had the same hesitation at first. But here’s the thing: when we make something with water and store it at room temperature, we really do need to add something to keep it fresh and prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria or mold.
I’ve found a natural preservative that works great, and it’s one I feel comfortable using—Optiphen Plus. It’s paraben-free and formaldehyde-free, which is exactly why I love it. That’s the preservative I recommend when making lotion with shea butter.
If you prefer to go preservative-free, you can store your homemade lotion in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind, the shelf life will be shorter.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get started on making some beautiful lotion!
Customize your DIY lotion
What’s even more fun is when you get to experiment and play around with ingredients. That’s when things get really exciting!
In this recipe for making lotion with shea butter, I’ve used jojoba oil as the liquid oil and shea butter. But here’s the best part—you can totally swap these out for other oils and butters that suit your preferences! You could try sweet almond oil and cocoa butter, or even avocado oil and coconut oil. The possibilities are endless, and each combination will give your lotion a unique feel and scent!
Make it smell pretty and do even more
Essential oils are such a fun addition to homemade lotions! You can use a single oil, a pre-mixed blend, or even create your own custom blend.
Some essential oils are fantastic for their anti-aging properties, making them perfect for homemade lotions. For example, lavender oil is packed with beneficial ingredients for the skin and has a beautiful scent.
A couple of my favorite pre-mixed blends from Plant Therapy are Soft Skin and Bouquet. Soft Skin is filled with oils that help to soften and renew the skin, offering lovely anti-aging benefits. Bouquet has a gorgeous, floral scent that’s perfect for a soothing lotion. There are so many other beautiful blends to choose from as well.
And of course, you can get creative and mix your own! If you’re looking for natural gift ideas, I’ve shared some essential oil gift ideas here.
If you’re dealing with skin rashes or itchy skin, I’ve got a post with info on which essential oils can help with that too!
Is commercial natural skincare the real deal?
I’ve come to realize just how much our personal care and skincare products truly matter. To reduce our personal toxic load, it’s much better to use pure, natural ingredients and avoid synthetic and artificial substances.
There are plenty of skincare and personal care products on the market that are labeled as “natural” or even “organic,” but are they really the best choice?
Sadly, the answer is often no. Many so-called natural skincare products still contain ingredients that aren’t actually natural, and ones I’d rather avoid.
If you’re looking for some of my favorite non-toxic cleaning products, check out this post here. I also have a great tallow lotion recipe for you here!
Benefits of shea butter
Shea butter is an incredible plant-based ingredient that’s both moisturizing and soothing for the skin. It’s rich in fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E, and has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for revitalizing and nourishing your skin (source).
When choosing between unrefined and refined shea butter, I recommend going with unrefined if you can. It retains more of its beneficial nutrients compared to the refined version. The only downside is that it has a stronger smell, but in my opinion, the extra benefits make it worth it!
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, making your own skincare products, like homemade lotion with shea butter, is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also an empowering way to ensure you’re using the purest, most natural ingredients. By choosing wholesome oils, butters, and essential oils, you can create a personalized lotion that nourishes your skin and keeps it free from harmful chemicals.
Whether you’re experimenting with different oils, blending your own essential oils, or using natural preservatives like Optiphen Plus, the process allows you to have full control over what goes onto your skin. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce your toxic load and embrace a cleaner, more natural skincare routine.
So, get creative and enjoy the process! With a little knowledge and the right ingredients, you can make your own luxurious, non-toxic lotion that’s perfect for your skin.
16 BEST CLEANSERS FOR COMBINATION SKIN, ACCORDING TO DERM
Combination skin can be tricky. You might have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks, or flaky patches around your mouth but a shiny forehead. Finding the right cleanser is key to balancing your skin and keeping it healthy. Luckily, there are many great cleansers out there for combination skin. Here, we’ll round up 16 of the best, according to dermatologists, to help you find the perfect one for your unique needs.
CETAPHIL DAILY FACIAL CLEANSER FOR NORMAL TO OILY SKIN
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin is a gentle yet effective option for those with combination skin. Dermatologist-tested and formulated to be non-irritating, it cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is crucial for combination skin, as it can help control shine in the oilier T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) without leaving cheeks dry or tight. This cleanser’s ability to balance oil production makes it a popular choice for those seeking a solution for their unique skin type.
CERAVE HYDRATING CREAM-TO-FOAM CLEANSER
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is another excellent choice for combination skin. Developed with dermatologists, this cleanser starts as a luxurious cream before transforming into a soft lather upon contact with water. This unique texture effectively removes dirt, oil, and even light makeup without stripping away essential moisture. Unlike some cleansers that leave skin feeling tight and dry, CeraVe’s formula gently cleanses while maintaining the skin’s natural hydration balance. This makes it ideal for combination skin, as it can address oiliness in the T-zone without compromising the comfort of drier areas.
LA ROCHE-POSAY TOLERIANE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser is a gentle cleanser formulated specifically for combination to oily sensitive skin. This fragrance-free cleanser uses a minimalist formula with La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water to soothe and calm irritation. It also contains glycerin to attract and retain moisture, preventing dryness. The cleanser’s gentle foaming action effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. This makes it suitable for those with combination skin who experience sensitivity or dryness alongside oiliness.
NEUTROGENA ULTRA GENTLE DAILY CLEANSER – 16 OZ.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser comes in a larger 16 oz. size, making it a budget-friendly option for those who like to stock up. This fragrance-free cleanser is dermatologist-approved and clinically proven to be gentle enough for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight. Neutrogena’s formula is designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is essential for combination skin. This cleanser can help keep your oily T-zone feeling refreshed without exacerbating dryness in other areas.
MA:NYO PURE CLEANSING OIL KOREAN FACIAL CLEANSER
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser comes in a larger 16 oz. size, making it a budget-friendly option for those who like to stock up. This fragrance-free cleanser is dermatologist-approved and clinically proven to be gentle enough for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight. Neutrogena’s formula is designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is essential for combination skin. This cleanser can help keep your oily T-zone feeling refreshed without exacerbating dryness in other areas.
ANDALOU NATURALS 1000 ROSES CLEANSING FOAM
Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam caters to those with combination skin seeking a natural solution. This gentle cleanser is infused with rose water and alpine rose stem cells, which help remove makeup, impurities, and dull surface skin cells. Pomegranate extract works to brighten and even skin tone, while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera keep your skin hydrated. This botanical blend cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for combination skin. The rose water base adds a refreshing touch, while the focus on botanical ingredients appeals to those who prefer natural skincare products.
MA:NYO PURE & DEEP CLEANSING FOAM
Ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam is a Korean skincare favorite known for its ability to cleanse combination skin effectively. This cleanser utilizes a 100% vegan formula that gently removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping away essential moisture. It contains a unique complex of 10 floral extracts that help soothe and soften the skin. This cleanser’s strength lies in its ability to balance oil production. It can help keep the T-zone shine-free without leaving cheeks or other areas feeling dry or tight. For those with combination skin seeking a gentle yet effective cleanser that caters to their specific needs, Ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam is a popular choice.
SIMPLE KIND TO SKIN MOISTURIZING FACIAL WASH
Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash is a gentle cleanser designed for those with sensitive skin, including combination skin. This fragrance-free and dye-free formula prioritizes minimizing irritation. It cleanses effectively without stripping away natural oils, making it suitable for even the most delicate complexions. Packed with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, and triple-purified water, this cleanser helps keep skin hydrated and comfortable. Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash is a great option for those with combination skin who experience sensitivity alongside areas of oiliness. It can cleanse the T-zone without disrupting the moisture balance in drier areas.
CURE AQUA GEL
Cure Aqua Gel is designed specifically for combination skin types, offering a balanced approach to skincare. Its formulation aims to address both dry and oily areas without causing imbalance. This product gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and impurities to reveal smoother and clearer skin. By maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier, it helps to prevent dryness while controlling excess oil production. Ideal for daily use, Cure Aqua Gel provides a refreshing and revitalizing experience, promoting a more even complexion and a healthier overall appearance.
VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a fragrance-free and dermatologist-recommended option ideal for combination skin. This cleanser prioritizes a non-irritating formula that cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is crucial for combination skin, as it can cleanse the oilier T-zone without leaving cheeks or other areas feeling dry or tight. Packed with ingredients like glycerin and caprylyl glycol, it helps attract and retain moisture, keeping your skin feeling comfortable throughout the day. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a great choice for those with combination skin seeking a simple, fragrance-free cleanser that caters to their specific needs.
NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE SALICYLIC ACID ACNE FACE WASH AND FACIAL CLEANSER
The Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Face Wash and Facial Cleanser is a highly recommended skincare product that is designed to fight acne. Its potent formula, which includes salicylic acid, is meant to cleanse deep into the pores to clear the skin and even prevent future acne breakouts. Not only does it treat existing acne, but it also helps to prevent new ones from forming. This daily facial cleanser is specially designed to be gentle on the skin while still delivering powerful acne-fighting results. As a bonus, it also includes special skin soothers to prevent your skin from feeling dry after use. The product comes in special Care with Pride packaging and is available in a value two-pack. This facial cleanser is a wonderful option for those with acne-prone skin, designed to leave skin feeling fresh and clean.
YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERFOOD CLEANSER
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser is a daily facial cleanser packed with beneficial superfoods. This product, brimming with green tea, spinach, and kale antioxidants, is designed to cleanse, balance, and nourish your skin. It effectively removes makeup, prevents pore buildup and supports your skin’s pH balance without drying or stripping it. This cleanser is also gentle on the skin, making it suitable for oily, normal, and combination skin types. It has been recognized for its excellent performance, winning Allure’s 2021 Best of Beauty Award. Furthermore, this cleanser does not contain sulfates SLS and SLES, making it a healthier choice for your skin. Available in both full-size and travel-size versions, the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser complements any skincare routine, promoting clean and healthy skin.
SIO MULTIVITAMIN FACE & BODY SCRUB
SIO Multivitamin Face & Body Scrub is a fantastic product designed to rejuvenate your skin. This scrub is aimed at buffing away dull and dead skin while also smoothing fine lines. It contains Ultra-Fine Perlite, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic microbeads. This component helps to sweep away flakes and rough patches, revealing smoother and brighter skin instantaneously. The scrub is also enriched with Vitamins A, C, E, and B5. These vitamins work together to plump, brighten, hydrate, and smooth your skin. This product is safe to use on the face, body, and even lips. It’s fragrance-free, making it suitable for people who are sensitive to strong scents. The scrub is also versatile and can be used to alleviate dryness and flakiness, leading to softer and healthier skin. Its rich and creamy texture makes the scrubbing process enjoyable while effectively exfoliating the skin. The SIO Multivitamin Face & Body Scrub is a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, helping you achieve renewed, radiant skin.
NEUTROGENA SKIN BALANCING PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER
Neutrogena Skin Balancing Purifying Gel Cleanser is a top-rated product that is perfect for normal to combination skin. The cleanser works effectively to remove pore-clogging dirt and impurities, while simultaneously smoothing and softening the skin. It targets 100% of pore-clogging dirt and impurities, ensuring your skin receives a deep cleanse. What sets this product apart is its ability to condition the skin while cleansing, maintaining the skin’s natural balance. It is a product from Neutrogena, a brand that is recommended by dermatologists and recognized for its commitment to skincare. This purifying face wash is also praised for its softening effects, making it a great addition to any skincare routine. The cleanser is paraben-free, soap-free, and sulfate-free, making it a safe choice for your skin. It comes in a 6.3 oz size, and has received positive feedback from users for its effectiveness.
CLARK’S BOTANICALS HEAL AND HYDRATE B3 CLEANSER
Clark’s Botanicals Heal and Hydrate B3 Cleanser is a wonderful skincare product that promises to purify and revive your skin. This foamy, creamy cleanser presents an innovative formula featuring microbubbles that deeply cleanse without causing any dryness. It is enriched with niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, and vitamin C, which work together to clarify your skin and minimize pores. The result is a bright, revitalized complexion that feels fresh and clean. This product doesn’t just cleanse your skin, it also offers hydration, making it stand out in the skincare market. Moreover, it’s a part of the Clark’s Botanicals range, a brand known for its high-quality skincare products. This cleanser has garnered positive feedback from users, with many praising its effectiveness in deep cleansing and hydrating. The Heal and Hydrate B3 Cleanser is a great addition to any daily skincare routine, delivering a deep clean while ensuring your skin stays hydrated and healthy.
SKINMEDICA AHA/BHA EXFOLIATING CLEANSER
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is an exceptional skincare product that combines alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids to exfoliate and improve the skin’s texture and tone. It is designed to gently scrub away dead skin, providing a deep cleanse that unclogs pores and enhances the appearance of the skin. The product contains round soft jojoba spheres that offer gentle exfoliation, along with lavender extract which tones and soothes inflammation. The cleanser also includes mildly astringent citrus oils that work to minimize large pores. This product is highly rated and well appreciated by users for its effectiveness in improving the skin’s tone and texture. It is recommended to use it as part of your daily skincare routine to achieve a smoother and brighter complexion. With its exfoliating properties and skin-improving ingredients, SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser promises to deliver noticeable results for your skin.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
When choosing a cleanser for combination skin, there are several key factors to consider. You should look for a cleanser that is gentle and won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Lightweight, non-comedogenic (i.e., won’t clog pores) products are typically a safe bet.
If your skin is acne-prone, consider a cleanser that contains salicylic and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid can help clear pores of debris and oils, preventing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) from forming. Glycolic acid is useful for exfoliating and hydrating dry skin.
Avoid products that are too harsh or drying, as these can exacerbate oil production in the T-zone and further dry out the cheeks. Look for cleansers that effectively remove excess oil but still leave your skin feeling hydrated.
Also, consider the brand’s reputation and whether the product is dermatologist-recommended. Renowned brands like Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay offer cleansers specifically designed for combination skin.
Lastly, remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for others might not work for you. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect cleanser for your combination skin.
HOW TO CLEANSE COMBINATION SKIN
Cleansing combination skin effectively involves a particular process and certain types of products to ensure both the oily and dry areas of your skin are cared for. Here’s how you can cleanse your combination skin:
Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can dry out your skin and stimulate oil production in the oily areas.
Using your fingertips, apply a cleanser that’s specifically designed for combination skin. Some recommended products include Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser. These cleansers are gentle yet effective, ensuring your skin is thoroughly cleaned without causing irritation.
Use gentle circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin. This will help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
Rinse the cleanser off your face with lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent any cleanser residue from clogging your pores.
Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your face with the towel as this can irritate your skin. Also, be sure to change your face towel often to prevent bacteria transfer that can cause breakouts.
After cleansing, apply a moisturizer that’s suitable for combination skin. You may need two different moisturizers to hydrate and nourish the various parts of your face. A creamy formula is ideal for dry areas, and a lighter, oil-free moisturizer works well for the oily parts of your skin.
Remember, remember to cleanse your face at least once a day, preferably in the evening to remove the day’s buildup of oil, dirt, and makeup. However, your morning routine can be adjusted according to your skin’s needs. If your skin feels overly oily when you wake up, you can cleanse again. But if it feels comfortable, you might just rinse with water and then apply your moisturizer and other skincare products.
CONCLUSION
Let your skin ‘relax’ after hours of immersing yourself in foundations for combination skin. Finding the right cleanser for combination skin can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. But fear not! With this list of dermatologist-recommended cleansers, you have a great starting point to target both oily and dry areas and achieve a balanced, healthy complexion. Remember to consider your specific skin concerns—such as acne or sensitivity—when making your choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find the cleanser that perfectly complements your unique combination skin!
