Make Your Own Inexpensive Lotion

When I get out of the shower, I don’t feel right unless I slather myself with lotion.
But now that I’m more aware of harmful chemicals in most commercial lotions, such as parabens and phlalates, not just any lotion will do. I decided to try to make my own lotion, so that not only I could control what ingredients go in it, but also control how much the lotion would cost by picking inexpensive ingredients.
I turned to Janice Cox’s book, Natural Beauty At Home, and made grape seed oil lotion because these ingredients are inexpensive and readily available at a natural food market, such as Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottage. Here is the recipe:

½ cup grape seed oil
1 tablespoon grated beeswax
½ cup water
1/8 teaspoon borax powder

Mix together the grape seed oil and beeswax and heat gently until the beeswax is melted. In a separate container, mix together the water and borax powder and heat until very hot but do not boil. You may use the stove top or microwave to do that. Pour the oil mixture into a blender and start stirring slowly; add the water solution and the mix on high until a thick lotion is formed. At this point, you can add an essential oil, such as peppermint or lavender, to scent the lotion. Pour the lotion into a cool container and allow to cool completely. This recipe will make 6 ounces of lotion.
It is crucial to not boil the water/borax mixture, or the lotion will be runny. Also, keep shaking the container while the lotion is cooling so that oil/water mixture emulsifies.
I’ve made two batches of this lotion and like it. Although it feels a little greasy when first applied, it sinks in and keeps your skin moisturized.
So, save some money and give lotion making a try. If you can emulsify a salad dressing, you can make lotion.