Dry Skin? Learn How to Make Lotion Bars

Posted by Natalya King on December 04, 2024

What exactly are lotion bars, and why should you have one (or a few) in your life? Think of them like solid moisturizers that deliver all the nourishing benefits of lotion but in a convenient, mess-free form. Whether you're traveling, need a quick hydration fix at your desk, or want something compact to toss in your purse, lotion bars are a game-changer. They’re perfect for anyone who loves luxurious skincare without the hassle of carrying around a bottle of lotion.

In this post, we’re sharing a simplified version of the rich and creamy lotion bars we sell in our store. This DIY recipe is easy, fun, and great for anyone who wants to try their hand at making their own skincare at home.

DIY lotion bar in the shape of a heart, made with natural ingredients.

Made with Ingredients Your Skin Will Love

Lotion bars are all about nourishing your skin with high-quality ingredients that feel lush and work hard to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Here’s why we choose shea butter and cocoa butter as two of the main ingredients in our DIY lotion bars recipe:

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a skin-loving ingredient extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, native to Africa. It’s packed with vitamin E, which helps protect your skin from environmental stressors while promoting elasticity and softness. Shea butter is also deeply moisturizing and particularly great for dry, cracked skin. Its rich texture creates a protective barrier, locking in hydration without feeling greasy. If you’ve ever dealt with irritation or redness, shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm your skin down.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter, derived from cacao beans, is another popular ingredient in skincare. Well-known for its ability to deeply hydrate, it’s especially helpful for improving skin elasticity and many people use it to reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks. The best part is that it has a naturally subtle, chocolatey scent that makes your lotion bars smell amazing!

Natural ingredients being added to a pot to heat, ready for making a DIY lotion bar.

DIY Lotion Bars Recipe

Now that we’ve covered why these ingredients are so fantastic for your skin, it’s time to put them to good use and learn how to make lotion bars! This lotion bar recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and customizable. You can even add your favorite essential oils for a personal touch.

Ingredients

½ cup olive oil
1/2 cup beeswax pellets
1/4 cup shea butter
1/4 cup cocoa butter
Silicone molds for shaping (we love these heart-shaped ones!)

Directions:

In a clean double boiler, combine the olive oil, beeswax pellets, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until all the ingredients are completely melted and combined.
Once melted, remove the mixture from heat and pour it into the silicone molds.
Allow the lotion bars to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours.
Once hardened, remove the lotion bars from the molds.
Store the lotion bars in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.

Notes:

To use the lotion bars, warm them between your hands to melt a small amount of the bar and then massage into your skin.
These bars are excellent for dry areas like elbows, knees, and hands.
You can customize the molds to make different shapes and sizes.
If you prefer a firmer bar, increase the amount of beeswax.

Overhead view of Body Love by Tal Cocoa Lotion Bar and Cocoa Butter Lotion Stick featured, with DIY lotion bars.

Why Our Lotion Bars Are Worth the Upgrade

While learning how to make lotion bars at home is a great place to start, our Cocoa Butter Lotion Bars and Sticks are a step above, designed to deeply nourish and pamper your skin in ways that go beyond homemade. Handmade with love and care, each bar is formulated to moisturize, replenish, and revitalize dry, sensitive skin using only the finest organic ingredients.

Here’s what makes them special:

A Blend of Premium Butters: Our bars also include mango butter, known for its ability to deeply hydrate, support skin elasticity, and lock in moisture. With its natural antibacterial properties, it helps protect the skin, while soothing irritation and leaving your skin feeling smooth. Its lightweight texture absorbs easily, providing soft, non-greasy hydration.
Targeted Benefits: These bars are ideal for addressing scars, stretch marks, and discoloration, even in sensitive areas like the underarms. They’re also a gentle, nourishing option for managing skin concerns like eczema and psoriasis.
Clean, Simple Ingredients: With organic virgin coconut oil, olive oil, and candelilla wax, these bars are as clean as they are effective, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
100% Vegan: Made with plant-based ingredients like candelilla wax instead of beeswax, our lotion bars are completely vegan, making them a thoughtful choice for your skincare routine.

As always, we recommend doing a patch test to ensure no allergies exist. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

When you’re ready to give your skin the ultimate treat, shop our Cocoa Butter Lotion Bars here. Trust us, your skin will feel the love!