How To Make Lotion Bars Without Beeswax



“Organic Beauty Recipes By Eve – The Complete Guide To DIY Natural Beauty” is my long-awaited book, with a treasure trove of effective and easy to follow recipes with 100% natural ingredients.
You can order the ebook now on amazon for only $4.99 or get the paperback edition for $19.99 (USD).

I also launched my own small business offering all-natural raw shea Butter! Every time you purchase my Shea butter, you are supporting the Ghana women coop which employs 95 women and buys shea nuts from more than 5,000 women in 44 communities.

Lastly, check out my favorite shopping lists on Amazon . I will receive a small commission from the affiliate program Amazon if you order something and this is at no additional cost to you.
Thank you for your support!

This homemade lotion bar is super silky and buttery. The texture is light, smooth and luxurious massage on the skin. I will teach you how to make lotion bars without beeswax. It’s vegan and is also great for stretch marks. This DIY lotion bar recipe melts on your skin and moisturizes it as the same time.

how to make lotion bars

If you are looking for a lotion bar recipe without beeswax, then you have come to the right place!

You may wonder “What is a lotion bar”?

A lotion bar is a solid bar that melts on the contact of your skin and contains butters (shea butter and cocoa butter) and oils (sweet almond oil, safflower oil…). Sometime, beeswax is added to homemade lotion bar recipes so they stay solid. I am not a fan of the waxy feeling beeswax gives to the skin so I’ve created this lotion bar recipe without beeswax.

This lotion bar recipe is inspired by the organic therapy massage bar from Lush. It’s one of the few products from Lush that does not contain chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Yes, that may be shocking to you but lush is NOT a natural beauty brand…

I really don’t appreciate deceiving brands that use the organic and natural pitch while not being true to their word. That’s really what pushed me making my own natural products in the first place.

One easy rule you can follow if you buy commercial beauty product is the following:  stay away at all cost If you see the word “fragrance” in the ingredient list on the product label.

The word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.”  Read more On Skin Deep.

How to make lotion bars without beeswax

Back to our beautiful homemade lotion bar recipe…I’ve used 3 very simple ingredients: cocoa butter, shea butter and safflower oil. Plus I’ve added my own blend of essential oil but that’s always optional. The key thing here is to make sure the butter ratio is more than 75% to 90% of the ingredients. This will ensure you lotion bar stays solid.

Shea butter is a champion skin moisturizer. It contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin.

Cocoa butter has a lovely chocolate scent (that is if you buy the non-refined cocoa butter grade) and is high in fatty acids which will keep your skin hydrated. It also helps reducing skin inflammation and stretch marks.

Safflower oil has a light texture, absorbs fast and will not leave your skin greasy. Plus it is high in linoleic acid which stimulates the regeneration of new skin cells.

Last but not least, you will need silicon molds, I found this heart shape silicon mold that was perfect!

how to make lotion bars without beeswax

To make this homemade lotion bar, all you need to do is melt the oil and butter in a double boiler on low heat and pour it in a mold.

The fun part is that you can customize this lotion bar recipe to your own liking.

You want to use it as a massage bar, then add adzuki beans.

You have sore muscles; add cinnamon leaf, black pepper and peppermint essential oil! Your skin will feel warm and tingly and you can say goodbye to sore muscles!

how to make lotion bars

How To Make Lotion Bars Without Beeswax

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 lotion bars

Instructions

  • Melt butter and oil ina double boiler
  • One melted take it off the heat and mix well.
  • Add dried lavender flower or dried calendula flower
  • Add the essential oils if you wish. Take care of not adding the essential oil too soon as they are volatile and can evaporate if your butter are too warm.
  • Pour in a silicon or soap mold.
  • Put in the fridge for 1 hour until it has completely solidified.
  • How to use your homemade lotion bar:
  • Rub all over your skin. It will melt on body contact.
  • You can leave these homemade beauty bars at room temperature. They are made to stay hard but you should keep in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
  • This will make two solid lotion bars.
Tried this recipe?Mention @organicbeautyrecipes or tag #organicbeautyrecipes!

How long will this homemade lotion bar last?

There are no preservatives needed in this solid lotion bar recipe. It will last as long as the shelve life of the butter you are using.

If your shea butter shelf life is 1 year and your cocoa butter shelf life is 2 years, then take the lowest shelf life which is 1 year. It’s as simple as that!

Please let me know if you have any questions on how to make lotion bars at home in the comments below! I look forward to your feedback!

Follow:


I hope you have enjoyed my recipe, please share the love and rate ***** in the comments below!



Eve Cabanel
Eve Cabanel

I’m Eve, a DIY organic skincare recipe creator since 2010 that loves to make a big mess in the kitchen!
I’ve embarked on a journey to empower women to ditch all the chemical-filled commercial beauty products and to share how to make your own organic beauty recipes at home towards a healthier lifestyle.

Homemade face & body creams, body butter, lips balms, face masks, shampoos, and all-natural perfume will have no more secret for you!

I am self-taught, read many books, and spend many hours in the kitchen creating brand new homemade beauty recipes. All my recipes are unique and are tested on humans!

In 2016, I studied Aromatherapy and became certified by the School of Natural Health Sciences.

Find me on: Web | Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook

Sharing is caring >

150 Comments

  1. Shwrry
    November 4, 2022 / 9:04 pm

    I made these but the tops after taking them out of the molds were messed up some! What can I do to make the tops beautiful

  2. Renee
    September 13, 2021 / 3:17 pm

    What size are the molds? I’m not being redirected to the Amazon site.

  3. Dawn Johnson
    March 16, 2021 / 11:35 pm

    I love the smell of almond lotion. Can you help me with how to make this scent using essential oils, please.
    Thank you!
    Dawn

  4. Missy
    January 31, 2021 / 12:29 am

    Could you explain how to add the adzuki beans? Grind them?

    • March 3, 2021 / 3:16 pm

      yes grind then to a fine powder.

    • Maryjoe Romando
      April 24, 2021 / 4:29 pm

      If you’re adding the beans for a massage effect, then just add them first to the mold (in their whole form- not ground up). Next, carefully pour your melted butters over the beans and when the lotion bar hardens, you will have a layer of beans just at the surface of the bar. The beans act like little fingers, creating a bit of pressure as you glide the bar over your skin.

  5. Roxana
    January 28, 2021 / 10:00 pm

    Hello! I loved this recipe, because I don’t like to use beeswax, however I made the recipe and only substituted the safflower oil for almond oil, let them dry at room temperature, I didn’t put them in the refrigerator, when they were firm I used it and I loved it the consistency, however, several days have passed, I kept them in a jar and when using it they do not dissolve with the heat of the hands, it remains solid and crumbles, what can I do? add more almond oil? Thanks a lot

    • March 3, 2021 / 5:45 pm

      Hi Roxana, I can’t guarantee the results with almond oil as it does not have the same properties as safflower!
      if it crumbles, I would try to use more shea butter + 1 tbs.

  6. Rose David
    January 17, 2021 / 9:09 am

    Hi, Is the essential oil used in the ingredients are good for eczema-prone skin? Thank you

  7. Kate Whieldon
    December 10, 2020 / 8:35 pm

    The body bar hearts have worked out fantastic , definitely make some more, left them in the fridge for well over 3 hours

  8. Kate Whieldon
    December 10, 2020 / 4:46 pm

    I have just made my first batch, I doubled the ingrediance so I made 2 large hearts been in fridge about 30 mins and it is just starting to change I do hope it works ask love the smell . Kitchen a bit smelly now

  9. Kellie
    October 12, 2020 / 8:00 pm

    Hi there I made these today and when they came out of the mould they just crumbled. Tried again with a little more Shea and same result

    • Kellie
      October 12, 2020 / 8:02 pm

      …. what can I do add more safflower? I didn’t add essential oil or dried flowers

      • October 16, 2020 / 11:30 pm

        If your lotion bar is too soft, you need to add more cocoa butter as this is the butter that is hard and holds everything together.

  10. Dannika
    October 5, 2020 / 1:03 am

    This recipe is great! But I find that 1 tbs of lavender is too much and ends up being super scratchy on my skin :(.

    • October 7, 2020 / 3:57 pm

      good point! I prefer to use calendula petals, they are very soft.

  11. cream
    September 13, 2020 / 7:30 am

    i try to avoid using cocoa butter, is there anythg i can subsitute cocoa butter and mix with shea butter?

    • September 13, 2020 / 4:37 pm

      mango butter is a good substitute for cocoa butter!

  12. Felix
    March 4, 2020 / 5:17 pm

    This recipe looks great. Thanks!
    But, you need a SILICONE mold not siliCON. Silicon is an earth element used for computer chips.

    • Tan D Cant
      December 19, 2020 / 9:27 pm

      Yes but that doesn’t apply because they don’t make silicon molds, and silicon is silicone in other languages.

    • Zoe
      January 17, 2021 / 2:23 am

      Silicon (the element) is also a major component of siloxane polymers, a.k.a silicone

  13. Brenda Kearney
    October 26, 2019 / 6:09 pm

    I am anxious to try your recipe. Can I use fragrance oil instead of essential oils? About how much do you think will work ok? Also, can this recipe be increased?

  14. Camille
    September 28, 2019 / 4:00 am

    I am trying this today. If it works great in a pushup container I will be very happy. Be back to let you know how I made out. I don’t understand all the questions about replacing oils for others. If people are looking to make recipe then they should follow it exactly. If you have to change this up then it’s not for you.

  15. Viv
    August 26, 2019 / 8:09 pm

    Hello! Can I switch safflower oil for vitamin E oil by chance? And use 3 spoon cocoa butter instead of cocoa and Shea? Will this dramatically change the results? Thanks!

  16. March 4, 2019 / 11:50 am

    It’s such a relief to find a vegan DIY recipe, thanks for the inspiration! These are on my to-do list now as they look absolutely gorgeous! Plus, I have some safflower oil lying around and didn’t know what to use it for. Perfect!

  17. Kristy Williams
    February 20, 2019 / 4:18 pm

    Would the recipe work with just cocoa butter? I am allergic to shea and also to mango, that others have suggested. Or do you have other ideas of what to substitute?

  18. Kate
    February 13, 2019 / 4:39 pm

    I tried these with just the cocoa butter, shea butter & safflower oil but they are not hard enough. Do you think adding more cocoa butter help?

  19. Cheryl
    January 20, 2019 / 12:15 pm

    Wonderful recipes! Would you post more bar and body oil recipes please? Thank you.

  20. Kate
    January 20, 2019 / 8:23 am

    Would your recipe work if I ommit the essential oils? Would the plain scent be pleasant enough? Some folks are sensitive to them and I’m making gifts.

  21. Palpitant
    January 18, 2019 / 7:41 am

    Hi.how and when should i use these bars?i mean after bath?before sleep?when my skin is wet or dry?and can i use it for knees?tnx

  22. Palpitant
    January 18, 2019 / 6:05 am

    Hey.i have 3 questions:
    1.can u name 3 or 4 alternatives for arrowroot powder plz?
    2. you mentioned in the comments that if somebody wants a harder bar she must use cocoa butter more than shea butter but if i wanna do that then how much cocoa butter and how much shea butter should i use in this new recipe?
    3.what are alternatives for safflower oil?
    (I have an oily soft sensetive skin)
    Thank you in advance

  23. sandra keeton
    December 25, 2018 / 5:01 pm

    I love this recipe. I did change some ingredients, I used unrefined shea butter and added some kokum butter to the cocoa butter and a small amount of beewax and I used lemongrass as my essential oil that I added to the safflower oil. I ordered your heart shape molds from amazon they popped out very easy. I did order my calendula flowers and safflower oil from mountain rose herbs they were certified organic. I wasn’t to comfortable with some of the suppliers on amazon. You keep up the excellent work with giving us great knowledge on how to make DYI products. I made Christmas gifts for my co worker’s and family. My lotion bars came out amazing.

  24. Cindy
    December 22, 2018 / 11:44 am

    I am brand new to the DIY world but I am loving the experimenting with the guidance of blogs such as yours. I keep finding myself pulling yours up over any others as it is so easy to follow and you have such clear instructions! Just one question if you don’t mind. When you list 1 tbsp of cocoa butter is this dry or liquid? The cocoa butter I have purchased is in rather big hard chunks so it is difficult to measure out a tbsp without melting it. Do you have the recipe in grams or oz? The shea butter is nice and soft so easy to measure out as well as the oils but I am finding it difficult to measure out the harder ingredients the same way. Thank-you in advance for your response!

    • January 3, 2019 / 5:59 pm

      Thanks Cindy! this is dry cocoa butter. My cocoa butter is hard as well and all you need to do is put it in a fast blender (like the one you would use for coffee beans) and break it down to small pellets or smaller chunks. Its easier to measure this way. I am sorry I don’t measure in oz or grams, just want to keep it simple with teaspoons or tablespoons measurements so its accessible to all.

      • Sarah Wiech
        September 2, 2019 / 1:42 pm

        I‘ve made 1 bar with 20g cocoa butter and 10g shea butter. Added dried lavender.

  25. December 20, 2018 / 10:44 pm

    Thanks for the great recipe, I made it for friends and they all loved it too. Smells beautiful and makes your skin so beautiful and soft when used after a shower. Love it!

  26. Karli-Ann
    December 19, 2018 / 12:58 pm

    Love these bars! way better than the ones from LUSH

  27. Mina
    December 19, 2018 / 12:38 pm

    I have tried body lotion bars. Love it.

  28. Shelley Rooney
    October 24, 2018 / 8:02 pm

    Wondered if there is a natural, or non harmful, way to color the lotion bars?

    Also, are there specific kinds of essential oils that should be used? The ones I have state 100% pure, but some state “cold pressed distillation” and some state”steam distilled” and some just state 100% pure. On the Lemon Eucalyptus bottle, it states that if pregnant, nursing, have any type of medical condition or taking medication to consult a medical practitioner before use. Are some essential oils not safe for use?

    And lastly, is there a rule of thumb on how many drops of essential oils to use per batch? I probably added about eight to ten per batch and the bars smell good, but after applying to hands, the smell dissipates quickly and leaves just a (almost chemical like) smell. guessing just from the Cocoa Butter?? Sorry so long winded!!

    • October 27, 2018 / 12:36 am

      1/ to color the lotion bar, you could use cocoa powder for a bronzing bar.
      2/ when choosing essential oils, you need to ensure they are 100% pure from distillation. Look at the label for the Botanical name, plant part, country of origin, distillation date and/or expiration date. Best if it is certified Organic.
      3/ Essential oils are powerful so its best to consult your naturopath if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
      4/ in order to have a long-lasting smell, you should be using a base note essential oil like frankincense. Just follow the recipe and number of drops. It should not be smelling like chemicals, make sure you are using 100% natural ingredients.

  29. Ann
    October 21, 2018 / 6:02 pm

    Hi Eve! This recipe looks great. I’m wondering, have you ever tried cream in your recipes? Like whipping it into a whip and then incorporating?

  30. Anee
    August 27, 2018 / 11:12 pm

    Hi! I live in a tropical country where normal room temperature is aroun 28-32 C. Do you suggest that I add more cocoa butter? Also, what oils can I substitute for Safflower oil? Will grapeseed, avocado or jojoba oil work? Thanks

    • September 4, 2018 / 8:09 pm

      Hi anee, yes you could add more cocoa butter but that will change the recipe so cannot guarantee. Try the recipe and see if that works before changing it.
      You can replace saflower oil by grapeseed oil or avocado oil but it will be more greasy.
      Jojoba oil would be nice but I never tried.

  31. Rosie
    August 26, 2018 / 2:55 pm

    Hi,

    Daughter allergic to Shea butter (along with many other things) if I substitute for mango butter will I have to change quantities?
    Thanks

  32. Heidi Smith
    June 25, 2018 / 1:07 pm

    Hi, Please can you explain the adzuki beans part of your post please and how to use if making a massage bar? Thanks

  33. Corinne
    June 23, 2018 / 10:35 pm

    I’m wondering if carrot seed butter can be used instead of the shea butter or in combination. Carrot seed oil has SPF qualities that I’m hoping to increase. Thank you so much for this, I recently tried a rather spendy lotion bar and fell in love with it, so I can’t wait to try this.

    • July 5, 2018 / 2:14 am

      you could but I would not use it more than 20% of the recipe as it is more greasy than shea butter, also not sure it will be hard enough to hold together.
      Experiment and let me know 🙂

  34. Pamela
    April 9, 2018 / 5:34 pm

    Hi,
    In the blog you mention that the ratios are ideally more than 90% butters and less than 10% oils…
    yet the recipe has only 75% butters and 25% oils, not including essential oils!
    could you please clarify the correct ratios or make the necessary changes above so as to not confuse beginners, thanks ☺

    • April 19, 2018 / 2:00 am

      Hi Pamela, the recipe is correct, for this one specifically I use 75% butters (cocoa and shea) and 25$% oil. It all depends on which butters you use!

      • Lin
        May 10, 2018 / 9:41 pm

        hi there,
        I tried used 2 Tbs Cocoa Butter and 1 Tbs Shea butter and 1 Raspberry seed oil but it never gets hard, do you know the reason ? thanks for the tip.

        • May 15, 2018 / 2:03 am

          did you put it in the fridge or freezer so it becomes hard? if it hot outside (25C-30C) it may not harden!

    • Sheryn
      May 3, 2018 / 1:03 pm

      Hi Eve
      Thankyou for sharing your recipes. I am going to give it a try for mother’s Day.
      Sheryn

  35. Barbara
    March 6, 2018 / 3:45 pm

    Hi Eve,
    Thank you for the recipes! Im thinking kokum butter instead of cocoa and mango in place of shea? I’m hoping for a little less of the greasy feel.
    Thanks!

    • March 7, 2018 / 7:23 pm

      Hi Barbara, Kokum butter is a very dry, flaky butter so you need to mix it with another butter that is more pliable and easier to apply. I would not use it more than 5 to 10% of the total butter in the recipe. Let me know how that goes!

  36. Vanessa
    February 26, 2018 / 8:28 pm

    I want a silky feel, not stickey or waxy. What recipe do you recommend for a nice moisuturized silky feeling in a lotion bar?

  37. Theany
    February 25, 2018 / 5:45 pm

    I want to know if I can use this in a wax warmer or would the double boiler be the best option?

    • March 2, 2018 / 11:15 pm

      double boiler is great! for the wax warmer, you want to make sure it has been contaminated by other products or chemicals. Needs to be very clean!

  38. Gina
    January 29, 2018 / 1:32 am

    I don’t have any sunflower oil, so I was thinking of using either argan, jojoba or rosehip. Which do you think would work best? Also, the recipe says it makes 2 bars, but I wanted to put mine in an empty deodorant container for ease of application. Would I need to increase the recipe to fit or add anything to make it firmer? Thanks for posting this recipe because I can’t wait to try it!

    • January 31, 2018 / 11:26 pm

      rosehip oil is expensive, i would only use on my face. Argan too, only on face and dilution (10% or 20%). So Jojoba is a good choice for a lotion bar!

  39. Gunhild
    January 24, 2018 / 7:20 pm

    Can i use coco(s)oil i sted of safflower Oil?

    • January 31, 2018 / 11:30 pm

      no, its not the same texture and would change the solidity of the bar but you can always try. it will be a harder bar (unless room temp is above 25C) and a bit more greasy.

      • Gunhild Eliassen
        February 6, 2018 / 10:54 am

        Sunflower Oil? Safflower Oil is hard to get in norway

  40. Rachel Gostenhofer
    January 8, 2018 / 12:22 pm

    Hi Eve! Thanks for another great recipe – my mom and I are exited to make it! A few people above have inquired about substitutes. My question is more general but along those lines. Processed vegetable oils are so bad for one to consume internally that I worry about applying them externally. Where do you stand on that? Am I being paranoid? Or do you think it’s ok to apply these topically?
    Thank you so much! xx

    • January 8, 2018 / 10:06 pm

      Hi Rachel, if you buy cold pressed and organic carrier oil, they are very healthy and source of good fat internally and full of vitamins and beneficial properties for the skin.
      I would avoid any oils that has been extracted with a solvent like hexane as they can contain trace of it. Always read the labels!

      • Donna
        January 16, 2018 / 1:15 am

        If I substitute mango butter for the cocoa butter will my bar be too soft?

  41. Rhiannon
    January 2, 2018 / 11:50 pm

    I made these as Christmas gifts and I think they turned out pretty good for my first attempt at making my own bath/beauty product. Thanks for sharing the recipe! 2 questions: is it okay to microwave the cocoa butter to melt it a bit before putting it in the double boiler? And I spilled some on a baking tray when pouring the liquid into silicon molds. Is it okay to still use the baking tray and mixing bowl for food prep after cleaning them?

    • January 3, 2018 / 10:36 pm

      Hi Rhiannon, you should not need to use the microwave, it can remove the properties of the cocoa butter. Melting on a double boiler is the best way. And yes as long as you wash the baking tray and mixing bowl, you can use for food. Personally, I like to keep the ustencils separate but that’s not needed if you clean it thoroughly.

  42. Yolanda
    December 31, 2017 / 4:43 pm

    Can you put this in a chapstick tube?

  43. Peggi Peaslee
    December 31, 2017 / 7:18 am

    Great recipe! I have tried this one and some with beeswax. The challenge I am having is that as soon as you touch them, they melt faster than a typical lotion bar. Am I doing something wormg or is there a way to make them more firm?

    • January 2, 2018 / 2:47 am

      HI Peggy, you could try using 2.5 tablespoons of cocoa butter and only 0.5 tablespoons of shea butter + 1 teaspoon of saflower.
      The lotion bar is supposed to melt on contact with the skin so it is easy to apply.

  44. Laura
    November 28, 2017 / 9:36 am

    Hi Eve, I was wondering if these are personal bars or can the whole family use the same bar, I’m concern with the sanitary issues.
    I’m looking forward to making them.

  45. Janja
    November 6, 2017 / 10:37 am

    Hi Eve, I’ve made these bars two days ago and need to say they smell divine! I’ll definitely use a mix of these essential oils more often. The only problem I have is that I wake up in the morning with really dry hands (I use the bar before bedtime). Any idea why? I made bars before with coconut oil and beeswax and it was the same. The ingredients I used everytime I made bars or creams are cocoa butter and shea butter. Do you think any of them could be the reason for dry hands? My skin type is normal, not dry at all. Thank you for your help and for the lovely recipe.

    • DavetteB
      January 2, 2018 / 5:44 am

      Coconut oil is drying to about 50% of the population. Try using a richer oil like almond or avocado oil instead of the coconut. You can also try layering with hand cream or lotion first, then the lotion bar to seal in the moisture. A humidifier might help as well if the air in your home is dry. HTH

  46. Carl
    October 25, 2017 / 11:27 pm

    I am unable to use beeswax and cocoa butter. How would I modify the recipe?

    • October 27, 2017 / 8:42 pm

      Hi carl, you can use shea butter instead of cocoa butter. Use candelilla wax or soy wax instead of beeswax.

  47. September 11, 2017 / 11:38 am

    Can you suggest another butter?

  48. Girija
    August 12, 2017 / 9:56 am

    Hi Eve, I just made it and I think it is fabulous!! But I should have made it in a silicon mould rather than a non stick one. One learns the hard way. If I need to give it as a gift, any ideas on packaging? Cheers

    • August 12, 2017 / 1:52 pm

      Hi Girija, so glad you like the result of my recipe!
      For gift wrapping, I suggest brown craft paper or even piece of fabric. have fun!

  49. Shirminator
    June 19, 2017 / 1:30 am

    Thanks for the recipe.
    Would like to know what essential oil I should I that will be safe for sun exposure.
    I live in countryside and am exposed to sun a lot.

    • June 30, 2017 / 5:04 pm

      Avoid all citrus essential oils, here is the list to avoid:
      angelica root
      bergamot (unless it’s specified as “bergaptene-free”)
      cassia
      cumin
      ginger
      lemon
      lime (just the cold expressed oil, not the steam distilled)
      lovage
      mandarin (possibly)
      orange (unless it’s a “folded” orange – luckily, most are)
      verbena

  50. April 27, 2017 / 2:00 pm

    Hello, I sort of did my own thing, but couldn’t have done it without the start-up ideas from your site!

    I used All unrefined Shea Butter in replace of cocoa butter and Castor Oil in replace of Safflower (did not have S.O.) as my base. Then I added Mung Beans (for massage), cinnamon, clove, fresh ground pepper and peppermint oil. I put it all in a cupcake tin. It came out smelling incredible, was very moisturizing and melted very quickly with the touch of my hand.

    I made a second bar with the same base, but instead added lavender, sweet orange and lemon oil. I applied the bar to my skin after my bath and my skin was crazy smooth!

    My Cocoa Butter should be arriving today. I enjoyed the consistency of my bars, but I live in Texas and need them to be a bit harder. Would you say using more Cocoa, as opposed to Shea would firm them up a bit?

    Thanks for the ideas. I needed a place to start 🙂

    • May 6, 2017 / 2:01 pm

      Hi Nicole, oh my god…that sounds so lovely what you made!! Yes, use more cocoa butter vs shea butter, it will help make the lotion bar more solid.
      Just one word of advice, lemon essential oil is photosensitive so it’s best not to apply before going under the texas sun!
      Please rate and share my recipes and help me spread the word about making your own lotion bar 🙂

      • Nicole Apple from Austin
        May 24, 2017 / 9:08 pm

        The bars were delightful…until they both melted. I am now using both cocoa and shea butters in all of my recipes. I use avocado oil and Vit E oil as well. I have tried about 6 different variations in an attempt to get a harder texture to no avail. I may have to try adding beeswax afterall, or maybe even arrowroot powder. Nothing is working to keep their texture firm! Any suggestions?

        • May 27, 2017 / 12:43 pm

          Hi Nicole, did you use the exact recipe in my blog above? it would be hard to melt them unless you keep them under the sun at +40C.

          • Diana
            February 2, 2020 / 7:55 pm

            I really want to make a solid bar without beeswax since I realized I dislike the smell a lot. I used 6(!) tbs cocoa butter, 1 tbs shae and 1 tbs apricot seed oil. I realize now I guess I went too crazy with the 1 tbs oil because the bars melt the moment I touch them 🙁

  51. April 12, 2017 / 5:50 am

    Can I use another oil in place of the rose geranium essential oil?

  52. Kelly
    April 5, 2017 / 4:42 am

    I do not care for cocoa butter. Can I subsitute solid coconut oil? Also, if it’s too thin can I add a little almond flour/powder?
    Thank you

    • April 6, 2017 / 2:49 pm

      Hi kelly, You could replace cocoa butter by shea butter or mango butter. You can try to replace with coconut oil but it will not be as solid so you may have to adjust the ratio butter vs oil. Try and pls let me know the result here!!

  53. Donna R.
    March 10, 2017 / 2:15 am

    Hi Eve, can I use olive oil instead of safflower?

    • March 20, 2017 / 2:29 am

      Hi Donna, yes you could but the smell and greasiness could be a problem…I’d rather you stick with saflower, no smell and light texture!

      • Deborah
        February 19, 2018 / 6:27 pm

        Hi Eve, I recently tried this recipe but I substituted EVOO for the Safflower oil. I didn’t have the Safflower oil…. I followed the measurements but when I tried to use it basically crumbled on my skin:( I have since purchased the Safflower oil and will try again. Both the butters were raw unrefined cocoa and shea. I did not add the dried flowers or essential oils as the cocoa butter was very chocolatey smelling.
        Do you have any insight as to why they might have a crumbly texture? I cooled them in the fridge….could that have something to do with it?

        • February 21, 2018 / 1:58 am

          hi deborah, it possible that the EVOO does not mix well/combine with the butter, especially because it changes texture when cold. I would stick to my recipe as it works well.

    • Angela Beazley
      April 4, 2017 / 6:36 pm

      Hi can I use coconut instead of safflower

  54. Fay
    February 23, 2017 / 3:12 am

    Hi, Eve!

    How do you feel about vitamins like vitamin E or others?
    Is there alternatives or can I straight up use vitamins in my recipe? Also which vitamins are best in your opinion?

    • March 20, 2017 / 2:45 am

      Hi Fay, in my opinion, vitamins are not really needed by themselves in homemade beauty recipes. There is already vitamins in the butter and oils you use in the recipes.

  55. Lisa Kaplan
    January 25, 2017 / 4:28 pm

    Can you use organic hemp oil instead of safflower oil?

  56. Ryan
    January 20, 2017 / 2:28 pm

    Just made this lotion bar but I added Oatmeal & honey fragrance oil. smells amazing!

    • January 21, 2017 / 11:27 pm

      Awesome Ryan, just keep in mind that fragrance is a chemical and should be avoided as it is linked to hormone disruption and cancer. I recommend using essential oils instead!

  57. collee
    January 17, 2017 / 12:24 am

    Hi,
    I made the bars, but they are quite greasy. Is this normal?

    • January 21, 2017 / 11:31 pm

      Hi Colleen, this is made of 100% butters and oils so it can feel a bit greasy but you should not apply too must and it adsorbs well into the skin. You could add 1 tsp of arrowroot powder to make the lotion bar feel less greasy on the skin.

      • Leira
        March 21, 2017 / 4:31 am

        Hi Eve, does arrowroot starch/flour work too?

          • EVD
            December 16, 2017 / 6:29 pm

            Could i use cornstarch instead? And how much

  58. Brittany
    January 10, 2017 / 11:40 pm

    Hi. I am wondering why you would use refined shea butter in this recipe? Is it a texture thing or scent thing? Unrefined is completely natural and has better benefits for your skin.

    • January 14, 2017 / 3:07 pm

      Hi Brittany, its a personal choice as I am not a big fan of the raw shea butter smell and I also noticed the texture is not as smooth. But I completely agree that using raw shea butter is much better in terms of benefits for your skin – feel free to use raw instead of refined for this recipe!

  59. Joanna
    January 10, 2017 / 2:52 pm

    Hi – I’m allergic to tree nuts is there anything I can use instead of Shea butter (which comes from the Shea but which is a tree but)?

  60. Ashley
    December 18, 2016 / 4:08 am

    Can you use coconut oil instead of the sun oil…..in additionto the shea and possibly almond oil?

    • December 18, 2016 / 5:22 pm

      Hi Ashley, you can replace sunflower oil with almond oil. Since coconut oil is not the same consistency of sunflower oil, it will change the texture of the lotion bar. Try and let me know how you like it!

  61. Giak Siam
    December 17, 2016 / 3:14 pm

    Hi, can I use non organic oils? Only limited choices of organic oils is available at my place.

    • December 18, 2016 / 5:27 pm

      Hi Giak, yes you can but you will probably end up with pesticides and insecticides if you use non organic oils. At least you are making a step towards a more natural beauty lifestyle by making your own products and it is the best way to know what are the ingredients.

  62. Amy Hawksworth
    December 6, 2016 / 4:35 pm

    Just made these as gifts for my friends. Thank you for the recipe! They smell lovely, and I’ve made an extra one for myself haha.

  63. Amanda
    November 11, 2016 / 4:58 am

    Do you have recipes for retail purposes? 🙂

    • December 18, 2016 / 5:50 pm

      Hi Amanda, you can sell any of the products you make but the goal of this blog is to empower people to make their own products for a more natural lifestyle and to be able to control the ingredients you put on your skin – pls share the love 🙂

  64. Ziya
    November 9, 2016 / 3:29 pm

    Hi Eve!
    Can I swap the amount of cocoa butter to shea butter, and shea to cocoa? Will this melt in an place like where I stay, tropical country

    • December 18, 2016 / 5:52 pm

      Hi ziya, yes you can try swapping cocoa butter to shea butter but it wil be a harder lotion bar since the consistency is not the same. It should not melt at room temperature 25C to 30C but do not leave it in the sun!

      • Ziya
        January 25, 2017 / 3:22 pm

        I made them but my bar came out too soft.. I didnt change any measurement. Followed your exactly except I used grapeseed oil. Is that why?

          • JoAnne
            July 18, 2017 / 3:31 am

            Hello Eve, I don’t care for cocoa butter or mango butter, and I am allergic to coconut… Can I use Shea butter apricot oil, and thicken it up with a little starch?

          • July 19, 2017 / 6:45 pm

            HI Joanne, yes you can use shea butter and apricot oil but that will change the texture and recipe entirely.
            I would not thicken up the cream with starch but with 1 teaspoon of beeswax instead. Let me know how it goes!

  65. Shirley Woodward
    October 2, 2016 / 1:00 am

    Hi

    Ilove this, but instead of useing shea butter can I UShea butter can I usemango butter.

  66. clara
    September 12, 2016 / 7:58 pm

    Hello,

    this recipe seems awesome 🙂 can’t wait to try it but I would love to put it in a stick like containers (aroma zone have some by the way). Do you think it will work ?
    because as you say bees wax is ok in lip care but not so much on the rest of the body 🙂

    • September 25, 2016 / 11:11 pm

      Hi Clara,
      Yes, thats a great idea to use a stick like container! You should not need beeswax if you stick to this recipe.
      Let me know how it works out for you 🙂
      Eve

  67. Christine
    July 27, 2016 / 11:33 pm

    Hi,

    Can I use another oil in place of the safflower oil?

    Thank you

  68. Claire
    June 16, 2016 / 4:55 pm

    Thanks for the great recipe! I too dislike the waxy feeling left by beeswax and I also like to pour my lotion bar mix into twist up deodorant bar containers! Less mess!
    I would like to enter a correction to the article, though. Lush Cosmetics is still owned and operated by Mark and Mo Constantine from their headquarters in Poole, England.
    You are thinking of The Body Shop which Anita Roddick sold to L’oreal after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The Constantine’s and Roddick had already parted ways before then.

    • May 30, 2017 / 3:44 am

      Lush is not all
      Natural, she is right.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please rate this recipe!