When it comes to moisturizing head to toe, homemade body lotion can’t be beat. I struggle with dry, irritated skin pretty much year round, and, trust me, oatmeal lotion is a lifesaver. With nourishing essential oils, protective fats and soothing oat milk, this recipe moisturizes and calms itchy skin better than anything else I’ve found.
Read on to learn how to make this homemade version of Lush’s Dream Cream. You’ll be so glad you did!
How To Make Oatmeal Lotion
I used to think homemade lotion was hard to make. Lotion bars and body butters only use oils and waxes, but lotion has a thinner consistency and typically uses a liquid. And oil and water don’t mix, right? Well, when it comes to lotion, that’s actually not true. Water based ingredients will bind to oils and butters with the help of emulsifying wax.
The secret? Warm your ingredients so they’re all the same temperature, then combine them. Place the melted ingredients in a bowl and blend together using a hand mixer or immersion blender. We’ve even done this in a blender!
As the mixture cools, it will create what’s called an emulsion—lotion! Tip: to help speed things along, place the bowl in an ice bath while blending. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’re free to add anything you like—water or oil-based—to your lotion.
Oat Lotion for Dry Skin
I’m a huge fan of oat milk, which is simply oatmeal that’s been ground into a fine powder and mixed with water (otherwise known as colloidal oats). Just like with a soothing oatmeal bath, the oats in the lotion bind to skin and lock in moisture, allowing your skin to repair itself.
It’s perfect for face, body, or anywhere else you might need some TLC—but don’t stop there. Go ahead and use it on dry hair, chapped cuticles, chapped lips or practically anything. It’s so versatile and simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making your own all along.
If you have any leftover, this lotion makes awesome holiday gifts. Spoon it into a pretty jar, then add some ribbon and a tag. A great last minute Christmas present your friends and family will be glad to have!
Ingredients for Oat Milk and Olive Oil Lotion Recipe
Don’t skip the emulsifying wax or preservative in this recipe—they’re both both necessary for a smooth, long-lasting lotion. Everything else is optional.
—1/4 cup olive oil
—1 tablespoon emulsifying wax
—1/2 cup oat milk (make your own by combining a tablespoon of ground/colloidal oats in water or use any brand of plain, unsweetened oat milk)
—1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
—6 drops frankincense essential oil
—3 drops chamomile essential oil
—2 drops pine essential oil
—1 teaspoon Leucidal Liquid SF preservative
Step 1 | Combine oil and wax
Combine the olive oil and emulsifying wax in a heat-proof container. Microwave in 15-second increments until just melted. If it comes out hot, let it cool for 2-3 minutes before moving on to the next step.
For a richer lotion, you could switch out part of the olive oil for an equal amount of shea butter or cocoa butter.
Step 2 | Combine oat milk and glycerin
Combine the oat milk and glycerin in a separate heat-proof container. Microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm to the touch but not hot.
Pour the oat milk mixture into the olive oil mixture in a large bowl.
Step 3 | Blend with immersion blender
Using an immersion blender, whip the liquid ingredients until they start to come together and thicken. This will take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4 | Add essential oils and preservative
When it starts to take on a lotion-like consistency, stir in your essential oils and preservative. Frankincense is excellent for repairing skin while Roman chamomile soothes skin inflammation. You could also use lavender or tea tree oil.
Scoop into a clean, lidded jar. To make your own custom lotion in a blender, check out this post.
How to use lotion for dry skin
Apply all over your body, especially after showering or washing your hands, to lock in moisture. Take extra care with your dry areas.
Oat Milk Lotion FAQ
How do you make homemade lotion not greasy?
Because homemade lotion is usually made from all-natural oils and butters, it’s going to feel greasier than the store-bought stuff. If you’re worried about the oils staining your clothes, try applying it at night before going to bed, so it doesn’t ruin your fancy clothes. Or just let it sink in for a few minutes before getting dressed.
If the greasy feeling is a deal breaker, you can add 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch just before blending the ingredients. Cornstarch helps absorb some of the oil, making it feel drier.
Do I need a preservative in homemade lotion?
A homemade lotion that consists of just oil-based ingredients doesn’t need a preservative. But if you include any water-based ingredients, then it definitely does. While vitamin E is touted as a natural preservative, you’ll need something much stronger to keep your lotion fresh. My favorite full-spectrum preservative is Leucidal Liquid SF.
Is body lotion the same as body cream?
Body lotion is typically much lighter than body cream because is contains less oils. If your skin needs more moisture than a lotion can provide, this is my favorite 2-ingredient body butter recipe.
Want more lotion ideas?
—Incorporate vitamin E for a DIY scar lotion
—Use lavender hydrosol instead of oat milk in this homemade lotion
—Use argan oil and rose for a super soothing body conditioner lotion
—Make your own lotion with shimmer or bronzer for a subtle hint of color
—Or try making body oil. This vanilla chai body oil smells delicious!
Source by helloglow.co