DIY Lotion Bar: The Easiest, Step-by-Step How To Guide

WHAT IS HARD LOTION?

Hard lotion, aka a lotion bar or solid moisture bar,  is what it sounds: a solid bar of lotion that protects, moisturizes, and heals your dry skin. A lotion bar is the perfect multi-use skincare product, and can easily be made at home for the DIY savvy.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE A LOTION BAR?

Hard lotion is typically made with equal parts of 3 types of ingredients.

-NATURAL OIL: think coconut, olive, apricot, or sweet almond oil, or a combination of two.

-PLANT BUTTER: popular plant butters like shea butter or cocoa butter are great choices, or choose something a bit more exotic like mango butter.

-WAX: The wax holds it all together and gives e hard lotion bar staying power by sealing in the moisture gained from the oils + butters. Most frequently beeswax is used, but alternative vegan waxes such as candelilla or carnauba wax can be used.

Please note that vegan waxes tend to be a bit harder, so it's recommended to use a bit less in your hard lotion. You may need to play around a bit with your formulation, and isn't that the fun of DIY?!

-ESSENTIAL OIL (optional): Who doesn’t love a little aromatherapy from our skincare? Essential oils are a great addition to any lotion bar and can even add healing properties to the final product

(note: each ingredient listed above links to an Amazon page. We earn a teeny tiny amount of the purchase price if you choose to purchase from our links)

HOW TO MAKE A LOTION BAR or HARD LOTION

To make a hard lotion of your own, gather ingredients from the list above, measure out equal parts of oil, butter, and wax (ie-3 ounces each), and follow these simple steps.

Pro Tip: Use a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy when making your DIY lotion bars.

 1. Slowly melt the wax in a double boiler (or a small metal bowl over a pot of gently simmering water), stirring consistently. Pro Tip: use a wooden skewer or small silicone spatula to stir.

2. Add the plant butter, and stir until it melts into the liquid wax. Add the natural oil(s) and stir until all ingredients are combined. Take off heat.

3. Let cool for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently. If ingredients become too hard, return to double boiler for 1 minute and stir. NOTE: If including essential oils, add now (5-10 drops per lotion).

4. Pour into the mold of your choice. Let the ingredients cool, then pop out of the mold.

Pro Tip: A silicone ice tray, muffin liner, or soap mold is perfect for this!

If your lotion seems too hard or too soft once completely cooled, simply remelt it and add a bit more oil to soften, or a bit more wax to harden.

All of these natural and organic ingredients can be found at your local health food store or on an online retailer like Amazon (affiliate links above).

Your lotion bar can be stored in a reusable tin, an empty jar, or even a plastic Tupperware container.

HOW TO USE HARD LOTION

To use a hard lotion, simply remove from its container, hold the bar in your hand and rub lightly wherever your skin needs some deep moisturizing love. You'll find that it warms to your touch, and a little goes a long way. This incredible skin softener works even better on damp skin!

 WHAT CAN LOTION BARS BE USED FOR?

Hard lotion can last through multiple hand washings, and it heals dry patches, wintered hands, and cracked knuckles. It can even help limit eczema flareups when used preventatively.

Here are some other uses for your solid moisture bar:

• beard and mustache moisturizer and tamer
• sunburn soother
• cuticle cream
• bug bite relief
• calloused heels and hands
• lip repair
• minor scrape and burn salve

…and many more!

Have you made a hard lotion bar before? What ingredients did you use?

(PS- interested in the benefits of a lotion bar but aren't as keen on the DIY? LB Love Organics has a selection of hard lotion scents and sizes for everyone. We believe in sensitive skincare with simple ingredients. Want to know more? Check out our hard lotion bars here.