Lotion bars are just the thing for thirsty skin, but you can easily spend $8-$12 a piece for them at the store. Crazy! Fortunately, they’re easy to make, and only require three ingredients.
To make your own lotion bars, you will need:
- Beeswax
- A solid oil (shea butter, coconut oil, vegetable shortening, etc.)
- A liquid oil (canola oil, olive oil, etc.)
- Essential oil (optional)
Step 1: Measure out equal amounts (by weight) of beeswax, solid oil and liquid oil. Grate or chop the beewax to speed up the melting process later.
Step 2: Heat the three ingredients over a double boiler, until fully melted. (Do not leave the stove unattended while you’re doing this.)
Step 3: Pour your melted ingredients into molds. I like to use soapmaking molds or small cake tins.
Note: If you’re using plastic soap molds, check the mold for a max pour temp. It’s usually 165 degrees. If your melted ingredients are hotter than this, you’ll need to let them cool before pouring.
Optional: Add five or six drops of essential oil to each bar, and swirl it around with a plastic spoon.
Step 4: Allow the lotion bars to harden for several hours. Then, pop them out of their molds, and they’re ready to use!
The lotion bars on the left were made with beeswax, vegetable shortening and canola oil. The bars on the right were made with beeswax, shea butter and olive oil.
What is a lotion bar? Is it soap for the shower? I have never heard of that phrase. Sorry for being so obtuse, I really would like to know. Thanks.
It’s just lotion in a solid form. I like them because they’re less greasy-feeling than regular lotion and less messy. to put on. I keep a bar on my dresser for whenever my skin feels dry.