Nourishing Carrier Oil Archives - Live Simply https://livesimply.me/category/natural-body-care/body-care-ingredients/nourishing-carrier-oil/ Embracing the simplicity of natural living and real food Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:01:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://livesimply.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cropped-Live-Simply-Site-Icon-clear-96x96.png Nourishing Carrier Oil Archives - Live Simply https://livesimply.me/category/natural-body-care/body-care-ingredients/nourishing-carrier-oil/ 32 32 Exfoliating Homemade Lip Scrub Recipe (2 Ingredients) https://livesimply.me/french-toast-lip-scrub/ https://livesimply.me/french-toast-lip-scrub/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2024 01:16:13 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=8747 The dry winter months are harsh on the skin and lips! This DIY lip scrub is the perfect addition to your beauty routine. It exfoliates winter lips, scrubbing away dead skin and leaving smoother, healthy lips. After use, apply your favorite lip balm (I love this homemade lip balm recipe) or lipstick. Here’s how to...

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The dry winter months are harsh on the skin and lips! This DIY lip scrub is the perfect addition to your beauty routine. It exfoliates winter lips, scrubbing away dead skin and leaving smoother, healthy lips.

After use, apply your favorite lip balm (I love this homemade lip balm recipe) or lipstick. Here’s how to make the best homemade lip balm with just 2 natural ingredients.

Homemade lip scrub in a bowl with sugar.

Key Takeaways

  • Natural Ingredients – No more buying that expensive lip scrub at the store. This natural lip scrub only takes 2 minutes and is made with simple ingredients: cane sugar (or brown sugar), honey, and oil (olive oil or coconut oil). 
  • Smoother Skin – Exfoliation is the key to keeping healthy, smooth lips during winter. Exfoliating weekly scrubs away dead skin cells living behind softer, kissable lips.  
  • How Much This Recipe Makes – This recipe makes 4 ounces of lip balm. You can divide this between four 1-ounce lip balm containers or make one 4-ounce jar. 
  • Flavor Options – Why not make a lip scrub that also tastes amazing? Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or peppermint essential oil for a delicious and natural flavoring. 
  • Shelf Life – This simple recipe makes a minimal amount of scrub. Make small batches (per the recipe) or a larger batch (tripling the recipe) and store at room temperature in a small container for up to 3 months. 
Ingredients to make lip scrub: sugar and oil.
Just 2 ingredients: sugar (brown or cane sugar) and oil.

Before you get started: What You’ll Need

  • 1 teaspoon cane sugar or brown sugar Sugar is the perfect natural scrub texture for lips, dry hands, or body scrub. Brown sugar is super soft, perfect for sensitive skin, and easier to apply as a scrub. Cane sugar is coarser (than brown sugar) and is fantastic for exfoliation. 
  • 1/4 teaspoon honey – Honey is a natural nourishing agent that hydrates the skin and exfoliates. Honey contains antioxidants and natural healing properties and may help repair chapped lips and stressed-out skin (source). I also use honey to make a soothing lip balm. 
  • 1/4 teaspoon carrier oil – Oil is used as a moisturizing and main ingredient to make the product scrubbable. Use organic coconut oil (in the cooking section), jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil. 

Optional Extras for Flavoring

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 2 drops pure vanilla extract
  • 1 drop peppermint or lavender essential oil

How to make a DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

  • Step 1 Combine Ingredients – Stir the sugar, honey, oil, and desired flavorings in a small bowl. At first, it’ll seem like there’s not enough moisture to get everything to combine, but keep mashing—you’ll end up with a thick paste. If you’re using coconut oil, melt it first in the microwave so it’s liquid. 
  • Step 2 Apply on Lips or Store – The scrub is ready to use as soon it’s made. Use it immediately (my recipe makes enough for 1 application). Or triple the recipe and spoon into an airtight container. Store at room temperature and use once a week. 

How to Use This Natural Lip Scrub for Soft Lips 

Now that you have a homemade lip scrub, it’s time to use it. Here’s how to use this lip exfoliator to create the healthiest, softest lips.

  • Step 1 Spoon on Fingers – Take a small amount of the scrub onto your finger. While leaning over a sink (to catch the fall out), massage the sugary mixture into your lips, buffing off any dry skin.
  • Step 2 Rinse – Once your lips feel sufficiently scrubbed, rinse away the scrub remnants with some warm water. 
  • Step 3 Moisturize – Follow up with some lip balm (like this shea butter lip balm, easy-to-customize lip balm, honey lip balm, or lanolin lip balm) and enjoy your freshly polished lips!

What to Avoid Doing

  • Don’t Over Exfoliate – While this recipe is popular during the cooler months, you may also use it in the warmer months. Just be careful not to overuse it. 1-2 times a week is a great way to keep lips healthy and smooth.
  • Don’t Use Coarse Sugar – Choose a soft sugar, like granulated sugar, brown sugar, or cane sugar. Do NOT use coarse sugar granules like Sugar in the Raw or coconut sugar.
  • Don’t Use on Broken Skin – If your lips are severely chapped with broken skin, don’t use this easy recipe. This will only cause pain and can cause more damage to your dry lips. Allow your lips to heal before using sugar scrubs or any exfoliator. 
Holding jars of homemade lip scrub.

FAQS

  • Can I use any oil to make this recipe? ​Yes, just about. Any skin-friendly oil will work. If the oil is solid, like coconut oil, melt it before mixing it with sugar. 
  • Can I double or triple this recipe? Yes, you can. This recipe makes a tiny batch, enough for one use. If you’d like to make a larger batch and store it, triple or even quadruple the recipe. Store in an airtight container. 
  • How long does this recipe last? It is up to 3 months at room temperature in an airtight container. Always be safe and avoid if the scrub develops a funky odor or shows signs of mold growth. Learn how to make homemade beauty products safely. 
  • Can I add essential oils? Yes, you can. You’ll need a drop. Peppermint and lavender are my favorite essential oils. Remember, some oils may be more irritating when applied to the skin. Always research before adding an essential oil to your skincare products, particularly something that comes in contact with your mouth. 
Combine the sugar and oil in a bowl.
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Exfoliating DIY Homemade Lip Scrub

This delightful lip scrub combines two simple ingredients to make an exfoliating scrub for soft, hydrated lips.
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Keyword diy exfoliating lip scrub, exfoliating lip scrub homemade, lip scrub recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 tablespoon (double or triple recipe if desired)
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $1

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl for mixing the scrub
  • 1 small airtight container only if storing for later

Ingredients

Extra Flavor Ideas

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 2 drops pure vanilla extract
  • 1 drop essential oil such as: peppermint or lavender essential oil

Instructions

  • Combine Ingredients – Stir the sugar, honey, oil, and any flavorings desired in a small bowl. At first it'll seem like there's not enough moisture to get everything to combine, but keep mashing—you'll end up with a thick paste. If you're using coconut oil, melt it first in the microwave so it's liquid. 
  • Apply on Lips or Store – The scrub is ready to use as soon it's made. Use it immeadiately (my recipe makes enough for 1 application). Or triple the recipe and spoon into an airtight container. Store at room temperature and use once a week. The recipe will keep for up to 3 months.

How to Use:

  • Take a small amount of the scrub onto your finger. While leaning over a sink (to catch the fall out), massage the sugary mixture into your lips, buffing off any dry skin. Once your lips feel sufficiently scrubbed, rinse away the scrub remnants with some warm water. 
  • Follow up with some lip balm (like this shea butter lip balm, easy-to-customize lip balm, honey lip balm, or lanolin lip balm) and enjoy your freshly polished lips.

Notes

Sugar Note: Choose a soft sugar, like granulated sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar. Do NOT use a coarse sugar granules like Sugar in the Raw or coconut sugar.
This recipe makes enough for a one-time use. You may also double or triple the recipe and store in a container for up to 3 months if desired. 

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

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Moisturizing Lanolin Lip Balm Recipe https://livesimply.me/diy-homemade-peppermint-lip-balm/ https://livesimply.me/diy-homemade-peppermint-lip-balm/#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2023 23:27:41 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=9226 Enjoy soft lips with this simple lanolin lip balm recipe. It’s perfect for the harsh winter when dry lips need extra moisture. And bonus: it’s easy to make, better than commercial lip balms, and 100% natural!  I’ve been making lip balm for over 11 years. I love this homemade lip balm recipe, honey lip balm, and shea...

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Enjoy soft lips with this simple lanolin lip balm recipe. It’s perfect for the harsh winter when dry lips need extra moisture. And bonus: it’s easy to make, better than commercial lip balms, and 100% natural! 

Lanolin lip balm in small clear containers.

I’ve been making lip balm for over 11 years. I love this homemade lip balm recipe, honey lip balm, and shea butter lip balm. But when I want something extra moisturizing for chapped lips, lanolin is a great way to do that and always provides immediate relief.

Today, I’ll show you how to use lanolin to make a beautiful balm. 

Key Takeaways

  • Best Ingredients – To make this recipe, you’ll need beeswax, shea butter (or mango butter or cocoa butter), oil of choice (like olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil), and lanolin. 
  • Minimal Equipment – You’ll need lip balm tubes or metal tins, a small saucepan, a heat-safe bowl, and a stovetop. 
  • How Much This Recipe Makes – This recipe makes 4 ounces of lip balm. You can divide this between four 1-ounce lip balm containers or make one 4-ounce jar. 
  • Flavor Options – Personalize this natural lip balm recipe by adding your favorite essential oils, like peppermint or lavender essential oil. 
  • Shelf Life – Homemade lip balm lasts for up to 12 months!
  • Great Gift – Like my other lip balm recipes, the finished product is a great gift. 

Before You Get Started: What You’ll Need

You’ll also find the full recipe, instructions, and links for my favorite ingredient brands in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons shea butter – provides the critical moisturizing relief my lips crave in the drier months. Rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and ultra-moisturizing properties. Alternatively, cocoa butter (hydrating and rich in vitamin E, chocolatey scent) or mango butter (rich in fatty acids, ultra-moisturizing) are great substitutes. 
  • 2 tablespoons carrier oil – nourishes and provides extra moisture for the skin. My favorite oil options are sweet almond, olive, sunflower, avocado, jojoba, and coconut oil. 
  • 2-3 teaspoons beeswax pellets – the glue that holds the oil and body butter together and creates a solid product. The wax also provides a protective barrier to the skin and may also help to soothe the skin.
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid lanolin – This natural ingredient is extracted from sheep’s wool. It protects the skin’s natural barrier and locks in moisture. Lanolin may also be substituted with vitamin E oil. 
  • 5-10 drops of essential oils (optional) – peppermint or lavender are great choices for lip balm. The essential oil adds a lovely scent and flavor.

Equipment

  • Small saucepan – creates a double boiler by adding water to the saucepan and placing a heat-safe bowl on top to protect the oil and butter from burning. 
  • Small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup (glass or metal)- to create a double boiler and melt the ingredients. I’ve found that a glass measuring cup that can sit in the small saucepan (above) works best as it has a spout for pouring the melted wax into lip balm tubes. Other options include a glass bowl or metal mixing bowl; however, they are more challenging to use if you’re making lip balm tubes, as they need a spout for pouring. 
  • Lip balm containers – This recipe will make four 1-ounce tubes or tins or one 4-ounce jar. You’re welcome to use tins, tubes, or cosmetic jars for this recipe. 
Lanolin lip balm ingredients on a cutting board.
Made with moisturizing ingredients: shea butter, lanolin, carrier oil, and beeswax.

How to Make Lanolin Lip Balm: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Step 1 Combine Shea Butter & Beeswax – Combine the shea butter and beeswax in a glass bowl.
  • Step 2 Melt Ingredients – Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 3 Add Oil, Lanolin, and Essential Oil – Turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the pot. Add the carrier oil, lanolin, and essential oil.
  • Step 4 Pour – Place a towel on a surface, then place the lip balm container on the towel (this will protect your surface). Pour the mixture into lip balm containers and sit for a few minutes until formed. The lip balm will set as the mixture cools, so working quickly during this step is essential. 

Application Tip: Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

How Long Will This Lip Balm Last? 

Homemade lip balm will last about 12 months—store at temperature. 

How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes 4 ounces of the final product. Divide the lip balm between four 1-oz small jars or tubes, two 2-oz tins or small jars, or one larger 4-ounce tin. 

Applying lip balm on my lips using my finger from a tin.

How to Make Moisturizing Vegan Lip Balm 

To make this basic lip balm vegan, you must substitute two animal-based ingredients: beeswax and lanolin. 

  • Beeswax Substitute: Instead, use a plant-based wax, like soy wax, carnauba wax, or candelilla. 
  • Lanolin Substitute: Instead, vitamin E oil. 

What to Avoid Doing

  • Don’t Use “Hot” Essential Oils – Some essential oils can irritate the skin and cause the skin to feel an uncomfortable burning sensation. Avoid “hot oils” such as cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, and lemongrass.
  • Citrus Oils – ​ Citrus oils, like sweet orange or lemon essential oil, are photosensitive and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Skip these oils if you’ll be in the sun a lot.
  • Don’t Add the Essential Oils When Melting The Ingredients – Essential oils quickly evaporate when exposed to high temperatures. Wait until the ingredients have melted and are away from the heat source before adding the essential oil. 
Lip balm in tubes ready to be used.

How to Prevent Grainy Lip Balm 

Lip balm made with shea butter can (on some occasions) turn gritty or grainy. While the lip balm is still usable, the final product can feel funny on your lips when applied. Here’s how to prevent a grainy final product, which is particularly of concern during the warmer months (since your home isn’t as cold): 

  1. Cool in Fridge – Place the lip balm in the fridge after pouring it into your tins or tubes. 
  2. Slow Melt – If you find this issue still occurs, next time, melt the shea butter first over low heat in the glass bowl (double boiler set up) before adding the other ingredients for 15-20 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and proceed with the steps. This slower, longer melt can also help reduce the grainy texture issue.

FAQs

  • How can I add a pop of color to this recipe? I’ve experimented with different natural colorings, like beetroot powder, hibiscus powder, and even cocoa powder, but I have yet to succeed with any of these ingredients. The best way to color organic lip balm is to use colored mica powder (about 3/4 teaspoon). Here’s a tutorial on how to do that.
  • Can I add honey to this recipe? You can add honey to lip balm, but this recipe is different. Instead, follow this honey lip balm recipe for the exact measurements and steps.
  • Will the lip balm melt when it’s hot outside? The lip balm shouldn’t melt when hot outside, even if kept in your car. It will soften in high temperatures (like the car in the summer), but it shouldn’t melt. 
  • How can I make this recipe harder or softer? If you add too much wax, you’ll end up with a very hard lip balm; too little wax and you’ll get a very soft lip balm. If this issue occurs, next time, add more wax if the lip balm is too soft for your liking. Add more oil if the lip balm is too hard for your liking.

Extra Ingredients? Ideas for Your Next DIY Project

Lip balm in tubes ready to be used.
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Lanolin Lip Balm

Enjoy soft lips with this simple lanolin lip balm recipe. It's perfect for the harsh winter when dry lips need extra moisture. Makes 4 ounces.
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty, Body
Keyword lanolin lip balm
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 ounces
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $3 for 4 ounces

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine Shea Butter & Beeswax – Combine the shea butter and beeswax in a glass bowl.
  • Melt Ingredients – Place the glass bowl on top of a saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 3 Add Oil, Lanolin, and Essential Oil – Turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the pot. Add the carrier oil, lanolin, and essential oil.
  • Step 4 Pour – Place a towel on a surface, then place the lip balm container on the towel (this will protect your surface). Pour the mixture into lip balm containers and sit for a few minutes until formed. The lip balm will set as the mixture cools, so working quickly during this step is essential. 

How to Use:

  • Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

Video

Notes

How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make? This recipe makes 4 ounces of the final product. Divide the lip balm between four 1-oz small jars or tubes, two 2-oz tins or small jars, or one larger 4-ounce tin. 
How Long Does This Recipe Make? Store at room temperature for up to 12 months.

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

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DIY honey lip balm Recipe (Just 4 Ingredients) https://livesimply.me/cooling-honey-lip-balm/ https://livesimply.me/cooling-honey-lip-balm/#comments Wed, 20 Dec 2023 03:38:44 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=21922 Soothe dry lips with this simple and luxurious honey lip balm recipe. Made with just 4 natural ingredients: raw honey, shea butter, oil, and beeswax. And, optional, add your favorite essential oil for a delicious scent and natural flavor. I’ve been making this moisturizing recipe for over 11 years, and I love how it feels...

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Soothe dry lips with this simple and luxurious honey lip balm recipe. Made with just 4 natural ingredients: raw honey, shea butter, oil, and beeswax. And, optional, add your favorite essential oil for a delicious scent and natural flavor.

Honey lip balm on a plate with honey and beeswax

I’ve been making this moisturizing recipe for over 11 years, and I love how it feels on my lips. It reminds me of my favorite Burt’s Bees lip balm.

In this blog, I outline the steps to make this easy recipe. 

Key Takeaways

  • Simple Ingredients – To make your own lip balm, you’ll need honey, shea butter, carrier oil, and natural beeswax to make this recipe. 
  • Equipment – You’ll also need small lip balm containers (metal tins or an old tin used for mints work best), a saucepan, a heat-safe bowl, and a stovetop. 
  • How Much This Recipe Makes – This recipe makes 1 container or 1 ounce. 
  • Adding Essential Oils – Add your favorite essential for a scent. Peppermint essential oil is perfect for this lip balm. 
  • Shelf Life – Keep the lip balm for 6-8 months!
  • Great Gifts – This recipe makes a beautiful gift, particularly during winter.  ​
Applying lip balm to lips.

Before you get started: What You’ll Need

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoons carrier oil – nourishes and moisturizes the skin. My favorite oil options are sweet almond, olive, sunflower, avocado, jojoba, and virgin coconut oil. 
  • 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets – the glue that holds the oil and shea butter together and creates a solid product. Beeswax, a natural ingredient thanks to hard-working bees, provides a protective barrier to the skin and may help soothe it. 
  • 1/2 teaspoon shea butter – provides the moisturizing relief my lips crave in the drier fall and winter months.
  • 1/4 teaspoon honey – Honey is a natural humectant (hydrating for the skin). Honey also contains antioxidants, which may help repair chapped lips and stressed-out skin.
  • (OPTIONAL) 3 drops of essential oils – I like peppermint oil, which adds a warm scent and flavor. Another great option is a warm vanilla essential oil.  

Equipment  

  • small saucepan – used to create a double boiler with a bowl to melt the ingredients. 
  • small heat-safe bowl – this can be glass or metal and should be large enough to rest on the saucepan to melt the ingredients. I’ve found that a glass measuring cup that sits in the saucepan (and the water added to the saucepan) works best as it has a spout for pouring the melted wax into lip balm tubes. 
  • large bowl – partially filled with cold water. You’ll use this bowl to cool the lip balm ingredients after melting and before adding the honey. 
  • 1 ounce lip balm container
Ingredients needed to make honey lip balm.
Ingredients: carrier oil, shea butter, beeswax pellets, and honey

How to Make Honey Lip Balm: Step By Step Guide

  • Step 1 Combine Ingredients – Combine the oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a small heat-safe bowl. 
  • Step 2 Melt Ingredients – Now place the bowl on top of the saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally. Fill a larger bowl with cold water. I place a few ice cubes (3-4) in the water. Set this bowl aside for later. While the ingredients melt, fill a large bowl 1/4 of the way full with ice water. Set this bowl aside for step 4. 
  • Step 3Remove Ingredients From Heat – Remove the mixture from the heat once the ingredients melt. Let the bowl rest away from the heat for just a minute. I place a hot pad holder on the counter to create a heat-safe surface for the bowl to rest. 
  • Step 4: Cool the Lip Balm Rapidly – Place the bowl with the melted lip balm mixture in the bowl, in a more giant bowl filled half a 1/4 way full with ice water. This step rapidly cools the mixture so the honey may be added without separating from the other ingredients. The rapid cooling will also prevent a gritty lip balm, which can happen to shea butter. The mixture will begin to solidify as it cools. Pour in the honey, add the essential oil (if using), and stir to combine.
  • Step 4 Spoon into a Container – Spoon the solidified mixture into a container. I used a 1-ounce metal container. Alternatively, you could use a mini Altoids container. This recipe will make about 1 ounce. The result will be a smooth, soft, spreadable lip product with the most gorgeous yellow color. 

Application Tip: Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

Watch My Step-By-Step Recipe Video

How Long Will This Lip Balm Last?

  • Shelf Life – This recipe will last for 6-8 months. My other lip balm recipes last 12 months (like this shea butter lip balm and this 3-ingredient recipe). 
  • Shorter Life Span – This honey lip balm could also last 12 months; however, since it’s stored in a tin and you’ll use your finger to apply it (dipping it in the container), I’ve shortened the shelf life.

How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make? 

This recipe makes 1 ounce of lip balm. You’re welcome to make a larger amount (4 ounces or more), and I share how to do this in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

What to Avoid Doing

  • Don’t Use “Hot” Essential Oils – Some essential oils can irritate the skin and cause the skin to feel an uncomfortable burning sensation. Avoid “hot oils” such as cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, and lemongrass.
  • Citrus Oils – ​ Citrus oils, like sweet orange or lemon essential oil, are photosensitive and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Skip these oils if you’ll be in the sun a lot.
  • Don’t Add the Honey When Melting The Ingredients – Honey is added at the end, along with the essential oil (if using), to retain all its natural properties. We don’t want the heat destroying anything of its benefits. 
  • Don’t Add the Essential Oils When Melting The Ingredients – Essential oils quickly evaporate when exposed to high temperatures. Wait until the ingredients have melted and are away from the heat source before adding the essential oil.

How to Prevent Gritty Lip Balm 

  • The Problem – I also shared about this issue in my shea butter lip balm recipe, as it’s a common issue with shea butter products. While there’s nothing wrong with this, and the lip balm is still usable, the final product can feel funny on your lips. Grittiness is a common issue with a shea butter lip balm if it’s not cooled rapidly after melting.
  • The Solution – The rapid cooling performed in step 4 of my recipe helps to prevent a gritty lip balm. 
Spooning lip balm from the container with finger.

FAQs

  • Can I use other butters, like mango or cocoa butter, instead of shea butter? Yes, you can. Mango butter is an excellent substitute for shea butter, as it’s soft and spreadable. Natural cocoa butter is a hard butter that melts easily but can produce a firm final product. 
  • Will this work in lip tubes vs. jars? No, it won’t due to the softer nature of the lip balm. The best options are cute little jars or a small mint tin (like an Altoids tin). If you want to make lip balm in a tube, try my other DIY lip balm recipes: shea butter lip balm recipe or customizable 3-ingredient lip balm
  • Can I double or triple this recipe? Yes, you can! I provide the exact measurements to make a larger quantity in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

Benefits of Using Honey on Your Lips

  • rich in antioxidants
  • has antibacterial properties (check out this article from the National Institutes of Health)
  • a natural preservative
  • a humectant, which means it has moisturizing properties 
  • is soothing
  • doesn’t strip the skin (like many commercial face washes and soaps) and works to regulate the pH of the skin, which is essential for healthy skin function
  • it’s relatively cheap, considering the multi-purpose nature of this ingredient

More Homemade Products Made With Honey

Honey is a beautiful skincare ingredient. Here are more ways to use it in your skincare routine. 

Spooning lip balm from the container with finger.
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DIY honey lip balm Recipe

This lip balm goes on smooth, and, thanks to the peppermint essential oil, has a cooling sensation that feels and tastes amazing!
Course How To
Cuisine Body
Keyword honey lip balm, honey lip balm recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 ounce
Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine Ingredients – Combine the oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a small heat-safe bowl. 
  • Melt Ingredients – Now place the bowl on top of the saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally. Fill a larger bowl with cold water. I place a few ice cubes (3-4) in the water. Set this bowl aside for later. While the ingredients melt, fill a large bowl 1/4 of the way full with ice water. Set this bowl aside for step 4. 
  • Remove Ingredients From Heat – Remove the mixture from the heat once the ingredients melt. Let the bowl rest away from the heat for just a minute. I place a hot pad holder on the counter to create a heat-safe surface for the bowl to rest. 
  • Spoon into a Container – Spoon the solidified mixture into a container. Alternatively, you could use a mini Altoids container. This recipe will make about 1 ounce. The result will be a smooth, soft, spreadable lip product with the most gorgeous yellow color. 
  • Storage – Store the lip balm at room temperature for up to 6-8 months.

How to Use:

  • Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

Video

Notes

To make a larger quantity for gifts:
This amount fills 24 of the 1 ounce containers
  • 3/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 cup beeswax, pellets or grated
  • 1/3 cup shea butter
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey
  • 36 drops essential oil (optional)
This amount makes 4 ounces–
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets or grated 
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon shea butter
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon raw honey
  • 12 drops peppermint essential oil

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

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How to Make DIY Lip Balm (3 Ingredient Recipe) https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-a-simple-ingredient-lip-balm/ https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-a-simple-ingredient-lip-balm/#comments Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:45:50 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=21624 Say goodbye to chapped lips with this DIY lip balm recipe. It’s natural, easy to make, and saves money. I’ve been making lip balm for over 11 years, particularly during winter, when dry lips are inevitable. Today, I’m sharing my soothing, hydrating recipe with simple ingredients: beeswax, shea butter, and oil.  This blog outlines the...

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Say goodbye to chapped lips with this DIY lip balm recipe. It’s natural, easy to make, and saves money.

I’ve been making lip balm for over 11 years, particularly during winter, when dry lips are inevitable. Today, I’m sharing my soothing, hydrating recipe with simple ingredients: beeswax, shea butter, and oil. 

How to Make a Simple 3-Ingredient Lip Balm

This blog outlines the steps to make my favorite easy homemade lip balm recipe.

Key Takeaways

  • Natural Ingredients – To make the best lip balm, you’ll need a few natural ingredients (easy to find online): beeswax, shea butter (or use mango butter or cocoa butter), and oil of choice (like olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil). 
  • Minimal Equipment – You’ll also need lip balm tubes, metal tins, a saucepan, a heat-safe bowl, and a stovetop. 
  • Cost – My recipe makes 7-8 lip balm tubes, costing just $0.60 a tube- enough to last all winter or share as a great gift! 
  • Flavor Options – Personalize the lip balm by adding your favorite essential oils, like peppermint or lavender essential oil. 
  • Shelf Life – Homemade lip balm lasts for up to 12 months!
Applying lip balm to lips.

Before you get started: What You’ll Need

You’ll also find the full recipe, instructions, and links for my favorite ingredient brands in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of body butter – provides much of the moisturizing relief my lips crave in the drier months. Choose one of these options for the body butter: cocoa butter (hydrating and rich in vitamin E, chocolatey scent), shea butter (rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, ultra-moisturizing), or mango butter (rich in fatty acids, ultra-moisturizing).
  • 2 tablespoons carrier oil – nourishes and moisturizes the skin. My favorite oil options are sweet almond, olive, sunflower, avocado, jojoba, and coconut oil. 
  • 2-3 teaspoons beeswax pellets – the glue that holds the oil and body butter together and creates a solid product. The wax also provides a protective moisture barrier to the skin and may also help to soothe the skin.
  • 5 drops essential oil (optional) peppermint or lavender are personal favorites. The essential oil adds a lovely scent.

Equipment

  • Small saucepan – used to create a double boiler by adding water to the saucepan and placing a heat-safe bowl on top. This method protects the fragile ingredients from burning.
  • Small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup (glass or metal)- to melt the ingredients. I’ve found that a glass measuring cup that can sit in the small saucepan (above) works best as it has a spout for pouring the melted wax into lip balm tubes. Other options include a glass or metal mixing bowl; however, they are more challenging to use if you’re making lip balm tubes, as they don’t have a spout for pouring. 
  • Lip balm containers – Either lip balm tubes or metal tins. This recipe makes 7-8 regular-sized tubes (or 4 ounces).
Ingredients needed to make lip balm: body butter, wax, and oil.

How to Make Lip Balm: Step By Step Guide

  • Step 1 Combine Ingredients – Place the body butter, oil, and beeswax pellets in a small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup. 
  • Step 2 Melt Ingredients – Place the glass bowl on top (or sitting inside) of a saucepan partially filled with water (about 1/4 way full) over medium heat (this creates a double boiler to protect the fragile ingredients from burning). Heat until the wax and butter melts, stirring occasionally. While doing this, place a disposable plate or paper towel under the lip balm containers to prevent wax from dripping onto your countertop when you reach step 4.
  • Step 3 Remove Ingredients From Heat – Remove the bowl from the saucepan and place it on an oven mitt or towel. Add the essential oil drops of choice (if using). 
  • Step 4 Pour Into Lip Balm Containers –  Use an oven mitt to pour the liquid mixture into lip balm containers (tubes or tins). Allow the balm to rest for a few minutes until formed and solid. It’s ready to use once set (firm). 

Application Tip: Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

How Long Will This Kind of Lip Balm last? 

Homemade lip balm will last for the life of the ingredients, about 12 months—store at temperature. 

How Much Lip Balm Does This Recipe Make? 

This recipe makes 4 ounces, or about 7-8 standard-size lip balm tubes. 

How to Make Vegan Lip Balm

To make this basic recipe vegan, you must substitute beeswax for plant-based wax, like soy wax, carnauba wax, or candelilla. 

The other ingredients used are all plant-based.

 What to Avoid Doing

  • Don’t Use “Hot” Essential Oils – Some essential oils can irritate the skin and cause the skin to feel an uncomfortable burning sensation. Avoid “hot oils” such as cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, and lemongrass.
  • Citrus Oils – ​ Citrus oils, like sweet orange essential oil or lemon essential oil, are photosensitive and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Skip these oils if you’ll be in the sun a lot.
  • Don’t Add the Essential Oils When Melting The Ingredients – Essential oils quickly evaporate when exposed to high temperatures. Wait until the ingredients have melted and are away from the heat source before adding the essential oil. 

How to Prevent Natural Lip Balm Recipe Problems

  • Grainy Lip Balm – Lip balm made with shea butter can (on some occasions) turn gritty or grainy. While the lip balm is still usable, the final product can feel funny on your lips when applied. To prevent a grainy texture:
  1. Cool in Fridge – Place the lip balm in the fridge to cool after pouring it into your tins or tubes. 
  2. Slow Melt – If you find this issue still occurs, next time, melt the shea butter first over low heat in the glass bowl (double boiler set up) before adding the other ingredients for 15-20 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and proceed with the steps. This slower, longer melt can also help reduce the grainy texture issue.
  • ​Lip Balm is Too Hard or Soft – Too much wax, and you’ll end up with a very hard lip balm; too little wax, and you’ll get a very soft lip balm. If this issue occurs, next time, add more wax if the lip balm is too soft for your liking. Add more oil if the lip balm is too hard for your liking. Either way, the lip balm is still usable but can be tweaked as desired next time. 
Holding a metal tin with lip balm inside.

​FAQs

  • Can I make lip balm without beeswax? A good lip balm is made with some wax. This wax protects the skin (a moisture barrier) and helps solidify the final product. You can’t skip the wax, but you don’t have to use beeswax. Instead, use soy wax, carnauba wax, or candelilla to make your natural lip balm. Fun note: You can use beeswax and soy wax to make homemade candles! 
  • Will the lip balm melt when it’s hot outside? The lip balm shouldn’t melt when it’s hot outside, even if kept in your car. It will soften in high temperatures (like the car in the summer), but it shouldn’t melt. 
  • How can I make the lip balm more glossy? Coconut and castor oil are the best for creating a glossier lip balm recipe. 
  • How can I add color to my lip balm? I’ve experimented with different natural colorings, like beetroot powder, hibiscus powder, and even cocoa powder, but I have not succeeded with any of these ingredients. The best way to color organic lip balm is to use colored mica powder (about 3/4 teaspoon). Here’s a tutorial on how to do that. 
  • Can I add honey to this recipe? You can add honey to lip balm. Follow this honey lip balm recipe for the exact measurements and steps.

Extra Ingredients? Ideas for Your Next DIY Project

How to Make a Simple 3-Ingredient Lip Balm
Print

How to Make DIY Lip Balm (3 Ingredients!)

This recipe is a great basic recipe that you can easily customize. It nourishes and soothes dry, chapped lips with moisturizing body butter, oil, and wax.
Course How To
Cuisine Body
Keyword beeswax lip balm recipe, DIY lip balm, homemade lip balm, how to make lip balm
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 ounces; 7-8 lip balm tubes
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $.60 per tube

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the body butter, oil, and beeswax pellets in a small or medium heat-safe bowl or tall measuring cup. 
  • Place the glass bowl on top (or sitting inside) of a saucepan partially filled with water (about 1/4 way full) over medium heat (this creates a double boiler to protect the fragile ingredients from burning).
  • Heat until the wax and butter melts, stirring occasionally. While doing this, place a disposable plate or paper towel under the lip balm containers to prevent wax from dripping onto your countertop later.
  • Remove the bowl from the saucepan and place it on an oven mitt or towel. Add the essential oil drops of choice (if using). 
  • Use an oven mitt to pour the liquid mixture into lip balm containers (tubes or tins). Allow the balm to rest for a few minutes until formed and solid. It’s ready to use once set (firm). 

How to Use:

  • Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

Notes

Shelf Life: Store at room temperature for up 12 months.
How much does this recipe make? This recipe makes 4 ounces or 7-8 regular-sized tubes.

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

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DIY Homemade Honey Face Wash https://livesimply.me/diy-homemade-honey-face-wash/ https://livesimply.me/diy-homemade-honey-face-wash/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2023 01:54:00 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=10658 Four simple ingredients make this the best homemade honey face wash. The soothing ingredients will leave your skin clean and glowing, without the harsh chemicals. I’ll show you how to make an easy honey face cleanser and how to use it in your everyday skincare routine. What Readers Say “I made this about 8 weeks...

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Four simple ingredients make this the best homemade honey face wash. The soothing ingredients will leave your skin clean and glowing, without the harsh chemicals. I’ll show you how to make an easy honey face cleanser and how to use it in your everyday skincare routine.

Honey face wash in a glass soap dispenser.
Frugal, soothing, and easy to make! Add this cleanser to your natural skincare routine.

What Readers Say

“I made this about 8 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I have older skin prone to blemishes on occasion and I find this cleanser has really jazzed up my skin a lot. I use it twice a day. It rinses well and cleanses well.” 

NIKKI

  • ANCIENT ROOTS – Honey (and milk) is believed to have been used by Cleopatra as a face wash. The Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used honey as a treatment for wounds, burns, and other skin disorders.
  • MODERN DAY USES – Today, honey is used all over the world as a skincare ingredient and to cleanse the skin and treat skin conditions (like eczema).
  • SOOTHING – Honey is soothing and rich in antioxidants with antibacterial properties (National Institutes of Health).
  • MOISTURIZES – Honey is a humectant; it has incredible moisturizing properties.
  • PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN FUNCTION – Honey as a facial wash doesn’t strip the skin (like many commercial face washes and soaps) and works to regulate the pH of the skin, which is essential for healthy skin function.
  • CHEAP & NATURAL Honey is cheap, considering the multi-purpose nature of this natural, powerhouse ingredient.
Honeycomb on a plate.
Honeycomb and honey: a natural, soothing ingredient for your skin.

The best part about making your own face wash with honey is that you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals. And the cost savings of making your own cleanser is quite significant!

A few concerning ingredients found in commercial face wash

  • Fragrance: may contain up to 3,000 different chemicals to make a single fragrance, including phthalates to make the scent last longer, which producers don’t have to disclose due to trade secret laws.
  • Parabens: Used to extend the shelf-life of face wash, but with reproductive health concerns.
  • Sulfates: Used to create suds in face wash, but also strips the skin of natural oils, which could even cause the skin to overproduce oils and breakout.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Natural Cleanser With Honey

These powerhouse ingredients come together to create the best DIY face wash.

Ingredients to make this face wash: castile soap, honey, and water.
Ingredients needed: liquid castile soap, honey, a nourishing oil, and water.

Ingredient Spotlight

Raw Honey: Due to the lack of pasteurization (heating), raw honey is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is gentle for sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities. Learn more about the benefits of washing your face with honey. If you can’t find raw honey, use what you can find; just make sure it’s pure honey. Some folks swear by using raw manuka honey for skincare uses, which you’re welcome to use.

Castile Soap: A concentrated vegetable-based soap. I use castile soap for everything from homemade laundry detergent to body wash and foaming hand soap. Use either Baby Mild Castile Soap or Tea Tree Castile Soap for facial cleansing. A 32-ounce bottle of liquid castile soap costs about $17, and one bottle will make about 10 homemade face washes. Explore other natural ways to use castile soap.

Distilled Water: Added to dilute the concentrated soap. Distilled water has all impurities removed, so it’s the safest water to use when making body and cleaning products.

Nourishing Skin Oil: Since oil dissolves oil, it’s only natural to add a nourishing oil to DIY face wash recipes. Jojoba or sweet almond oil work best for all skin types. Avocado oil and olive oil are also options, but can be heavier on the skin.

How to Add Essential Oils

Essential oils may irritate sensitive skin, so I’ve skipped using essential oils in this DIY honey face wash.

If you prefer a scented face cleanser, add an essential oil that is soothing and less likely to irritate the skin, like lavender, and only use a few drops.

I avoid citrus oils, like lemon essential oil and orange essential oils, when making body products, as they can cause irritation with sunlight exposure.

How to safely use essential oils to create your own products.

How to Make: Instructions & Video

To make this homemade honey face wash recipe, you’ll need a soap dispenser (like this). You’ll find this at any home store, like Target or Walmart, in the bath section.

Step 1: Combine all Ingredients

In a soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap, honey, and oil. Shake the ingredients together until the honey is fully dissolved.

Step 2: Use Immeadiately or Store For Later

The cleanser is ready to use immeadiately after making. You may use it right away, or store in a cool place (like a bathroom cabinet) for later use.

Storage Tips

Store the soap in a cool place for up to 1 month. It’s important to use distilled water, as tap water will quickly grow mold and bacteria within a few days.

How to safely make and use DIY body products.

Soap suds on hands after pumping the soap into palms of hands.

How to Use

First, shake the bottle before use (separation is normal).

Next…

  • Wet your hands with water.
  • Add a squirt of face wash to the palm of your hand.
  • Rub your hands together to create suds with the soap.
  • Use your palms to massage the soap over your entire face and down your neck. I usually spend about 30-60 seconds massaging my face with the cleanser. As you massage the skin, you’ll loosen dead skin cells, dirt, oils, and makeup.
  • Wet a clean washcloth with warm water.
  • Use the washcloth to rinse the face wash from the skin, rinsing the washcloth and repeating as needed. This will remove makeup, dead skin cells, etc. and should leave the skin with a glowing complexion.

After Cleansing Your Face…

Use a spritz of toner (I love rosewater), any serums you may like (I use this A+ serum for hormonal breakouts), and a moisturizer (the best 8 natural face moisturizers).

Massaging the face wash on the face.
Massage the cleanser on the face, then rinse with water.

Is this cleanser safe for all skin types?

  • My Personal Experience: I have sensitive skin that is more on the oily side and acne-prone. I have seen a noticeable difference in the appearance of my skin when using this face wash and honey in my skincare routine.
  • Will it Work for Others? Since sharing this recipe, over 7 years ago, many people have made and used this cleanser with great success. Everyone’s skin is different and finding what works for you, even if it works for someone else, takes patience and exploration. The great thing about this recipe is that it costs very little to make and you can use the ingredients (like castile soap and oil) to make other products as well (like natural cleaners and moisturizer).
  • Dry Skin Types: If you have dry skin, the castile soap in this natural face wash may be drying for your skin, which could cause the skin to produce excess oil and breakout. This is true of other soap cleansers as well. In this case, I love this aloe vera and honey face cleanser made without soap. If you want suds, which you’ll only get from soap, you could also reduce the amount of castile soap in this recipe.

4 More Ways to Cleanse Your Face & Body With Honey

Beyond this cleanser, here are my favorite ways to use honey in my skincare routine.

  • Sugar Scrubs: Combine honey and sugar to make this soothing and exfoliating body scrub.
  • Straight Up Honey: Use 100% honey, straight from the bottle, as a face wash. No extra ingredients needed.
  • Honey & Aloe Facial Cleanser: For an ultra-gentle cleanser, without soap, combine aloe and honey. Great for very sensitive skin or dry skin.
  • Acne Soothing Face Mask: Combine clay, honey, and aloe to make this soothing, pimple-fighting face mask.
Face wash sitting on a platter with honey to the side.
Honey face wash in a glass soap dispenser.
Print

DIY Homemade Honey Face Wash

Four simple ingredients make this the best homemade honey face wash. The soothing ingredients will leave your skin clean and glowing, without the harsh chemicals.
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty, Body
Keyword Honey Face Wash
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 ounces
Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap, honey, and oil.
  • Shake the ingredients together until the honey is fully dissolved.

To Use:

  • Wet your hands with water.
  • Add a squirt of face wash to the palm of your hand.
  • Rub your hands together to create suds with the soap.
  • Use your palms to massage the soap over your entire face and down your neck. I usually spend about 30-60 seconds massaging my face with the cleanser. As you massage the skin, you'll loosen dead skin cells, dirt, oils, and makeup.
  • Wet a clean washcloth with warm water. Use the washcloth to rinse the face wash from the skin, rinsing the washcloth and repeating as needed.
  • After cleansing, use a spritz of facial toner (I love rosewater), any serums you may use (I use this A+ serum for hormonal breakouts), and a moisturizer (the best 8 natural face moisturizers).

Video

Notes

When you introduce water into a product without a preservative you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so use water-based products quickly. Using distilled water is always the safest option.
Reader Feedback: A few readers have shared that this face wash has an interesting smell when the honey and castile soap are mixed together. A smell they don’t particularly enjoy. If this is the case with your face wash,  but you still want the skin benefits of honey, I recommend trying a simple honey and aloe cleanser. If you don’t want to use the honey, try a simple blend of castile soap and water. The scent some readers experience may be coming from the tea tree castile soap, so stick with an unscented version if this is a concern.

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

FAQs

Yes, you can. Honey is soothing and gentle, and safe for everyday use. If you find the cleanser irritates or drys out your skin, it’s most likely due to the soap. In this case, use straight-up honey or this aloe and honey cleanser. Or, check out all my favorite natural cleansers.

Yes, I’ve found it to be very beneficial and safe to use on my acne-prone skin. Honey will not strip the skin of natural oils and is very soothing.

No, honey does not clog pores. Rinse the honey from the skin after cleansing.

This recipe is just one option for a natural facial cleanser. Back when I originally shared this recipe (in 2015), there weren’t store-bought options made with nourishing, non-toxic ingredients. Today, there are great companies that have stepped up to make incredible non-toxic, natural, botanical skincare products. Check out my article, Best Natural Face Cleaners and Face Wash, for a round-up of the best homemade and store-bought face washes.

The recipe is about as 100% natural as you’ll find. Other DIY face wash options that are 100% natural: honey and aloe face wash (just honey and aloe), cleanse your face with honey alone, and basic face wash made with castile soapA few of my favorite natural store-bought face washes: OSEA Ocean Cleanser (use code livesimply for $10 off any $90 order), True BotanicalsEvan Healy Milk Cleanser or Tea Tree CleanserOne Love Organics, and Blissoma Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser. That said, I challenge you to focus on using safe and nourishing skincare products rather than focusing on 100% natural. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s the solution you’re looking for. Poison Ivy is 100% natural and none of us are spreading that stuff on our faces. Just food for thought. Synthetic ingredients aren’t bad, as long as they are proven to be safe.

I’m not an esthetician (listen to my podcast with an esthetician about natural skincare), but I personally struggled with acne for a number of years as an adult. Today, my skin has cleared along with much of the scarring. From my research, honey and aloe are some of the best DIY natural face wash ingredients for acne-prone skin. Honey is antibacterial and hydrating (learn more about using honey to cleanse the face), and both are gentle on the skin and soothing. Aloe and honey don’t strip the skin of natural and beneficial oils, which could cause breakouts and inflammation. I also love this Ocean Cleanser from OSEA for a store-bought option that exfoliates and cleanses the skin without stripping the skin of its natural and beneficial oils (use code livesimply for $10 off any $90 order).

SKINCARE

Free Natural Skincare Starter Guide

How to create your own natural skincare with essential skincare swaps that nourish the skin and give you a healthy glow without toxins.

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How to Make Body Butter (Homemade, Non Greasy) https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-easy-body-butter/ https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-easy-body-butter/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=21944 How to make the best homemade body butter with 2 simple, natural ingredients. This DIY whipped body butter feels luxurious and delivers maximum moisture to the skin. Let me show you how to make non-greasy body butter that works for any skin type. Body butters are no strangers to Live Simply. First, we made this ultra-moisturizing shea...

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How to make the best homemade body butter with 2 simple, natural ingredients. This DIY whipped body butter feels luxurious and delivers maximum moisture to the skin. Let me show you how to make non-greasy body butter that works for any skin type.

Spooning whipped body butter into a jar
Making your own body butter is easy, you just need 2 main ingredients!

Body butters are no strangers to Live Simply. First, we made this ultra-moisturizing shea butter lotion. Then we made a simple lip balm and shea butter cream facial moisturizer.

Today, we’re making silky smooth body butter for the whole body: face, arms, legs, wherever you need moisture.

In this post, I’ll guide you through making homemade body butter via photos and a video.

Key Takeaways

  • Simple Ingredients – You’ll need skincare butter (shea butter, mango butter, or cocoa butter), carrier oil, and two optional ingredients- arrowroot starch/flour (to reduce the greasy feel) and essential oil.
  •  Easy to Make – Melt the ingredients, chill in the fridge, then use a fork or hand mixer to whip. That’s it!
  •  Inexpensive – Body butter can cost a fortune if you buy it at the store, particularly from a natural company. Making body products, like body butter, is usually cheaper. Buying the ingredients is an extra cost, but once you have them, you can create multiple jars of your whipped body butter (and other products).
  •  Non-Toxic and Natural – No synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or other unwanted ingredients. Just nourishing ingredients that are good for your skin.
  •  Shelf Life – 6 months

What is Body Butter?

  • Moisturizing – Body butter is a rich, moisturizing skincare product made with skincare butter like shea butter and cocoa butter.
  •  Lotion Alternative – Body butter can be used as an alternative to lotion since its primary job is to moisturize the skin.
  •  Full Body Use – It may be used on the entire body, from the face to the feet.

Lotion vs. Body Butter: What’s the Difference?

  • Lotion is made with water and oil (and possibly butters) so it’s light, airy, and silky smooth. Homemade lotion needs to be used within a short time or a preservative should be used (due to the water and bacterial growth). It also requires an emulsifier to properly blend the oil and water.
  • Body butter is made exclusively with butter(s) and oil(s), so it’s thick and dense. Homemade body butter will last for up to 6 months without a preservative.

Both body butter and lotion are used in the same way: to moisturize the skin. Body butter does deliver more moisture since it’s not cut with water. So it’s ideal for all skin types, particularly dry skin or during the winter months.

Hands holding a glass jar with white, homemade whipped body body butter inside.
This natural product nourishes the skin with its ultra-moisturizing properties.

Before You Get Started: Ingredients & Equipment

DIY body butter is easy to customize to your liking. You’ll need just 2 natural ingredients.

From there, you’re welcome to add 2 additional ingredients, if desired, to make a non-greasy product or add a custom scent.

  • 1/2 cup skincare butter provides much of the moisturizing relief. Choose one of these options for the body butter: cocoa butter (hydrating and rich in vitamin E, chocolatey scent), shea butter (rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, ultra-moisturizing), or mango butter (rich in fatty acids, ultra-moisturizing).
  • 1/4 cup carrier oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin. My favorite oil options are sweet almond, olive, sunflower, avocado, jojoba, grapeseed, and coconut oil. 
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons arrowroot flour starch (optional) – a natural starch that helps to reduce the oily/greasy feel by absorbing.
  • 36 drops favorite essential oils (optional) – add an essential oil of choice for the amazing scent.

The ingredients may be found online, some craft stores, or health food stores.

Equipment

  • small saucepan – used to create a double boiler by adding water to the saucepan and placing a heat-safe bowl on top. This method protects the fragile ingredients from burning.
  • glass or metal bowl (large enough to fit on top of the saucepan) –  to melt the ingredients, used with the saucepan to create a double boiler.
  • fork or hand-mixer – use to whip the ingredients into a spreadable butter.
  • fridge – to cool the ingredients once melted.
  • glass storage jar for storing the final product.

Learn More About Each Ingredient

Shea butter bottles lined up in a row.
Butter makes up the base of any good body butter recipe.

1. Butter

Homemade body butter starts with a moisturizing skincare butter. Shea butter is the perfect base butter since it’s soft, easy to work with, and melts into your skin. My recipe calls for at least a 1/4 cup of shea butter.

From there, it’s up to you, the maker, to customize the body butter. You’ll need a total of 1/2 cup of butter. So use all shea butter (for a total of 1/2 cup shea butter), or mix the shea with a different butter: 1/4 cup of cocoa butter or 1/4 cup of mango butter.


Best Butters

  • Shea Butter: Shea butter comes from the “nut” (or pit) of the fruit found on the Karite Tree. It has a strong scent when it’s purchased in an unrefined state. I use unrefined shea butter in recipes (including body butter). If you don’t care for the strong scent, use refined shea butter instead. Since shea butter is naturally soft, it makes a wonderfully soft whipped body butter. It may be used on its own with a carrier oil, or combined with another butter like cocoa butter or mango butter. See all the ways you can use shea butter to make your own body products.
  • Cocoa Butter: Cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans, so it has a strong scent and smells like chocolate. Cocoa butter is hard at room temperature, and it melts easily. Cocoa butter is naturally hard and dense, so if you use it, mix it with shea butter or mango butter to make a softer body butter. See other ways to use cocoa butter to make your own body products.
  • Mango Butter: Mango butter comes from the seed of mango fruit. It’s naturally soft, similar to shea butter, and can have a gritty texture before melting. It yields a soft, airy body butter when mixed with shea butter. If you don’t want to use shea butter (due to allergies) in my recipe, then mango butter is the best replacement.
Carrier oil bottles lined up in a row.
Carrier oil choices. The carrier oil is mixed with a butter(s) to make a soft body butter that melts into the skin.

2. Carrier Oil

A liquid oil is the second main ingredient used to make body butter. The oils used in skincare recipes are known as carrier oils, although I usually call them nourishing oils. The oil used is entirely up to you.

See all the ways to use carrier oils to make your own body products.


Best Carrier Oils

  • Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil are best for making a non-greasy body butter that is easily absorbed by the skin. Great for all skin types.
  • Virgin coconut oil may be used, but it can be very greasy and clog pores. Avoid if you have body acne or sensitive skin.
  • Olive oil is another option; however, olive oil can be extremely heavy and feel greasy. Just like with coconut oil, this is not an option for all skin types and you may not love the results.

3. (Optional) Arrowroot Powder

Whipped body butter recipes can be very greasy!

The good news is that there’s a simple solution for this issue: add arrowroot flour/starch. Arrowroot is a natural starch (used in cooking to thicken soups, sauces, and stir-fry) that will absorb the greasy feel of the butters and oils, without drying out your skin.

Substitution: Some folks use tapioca starch and cornstarch (which are similar to arrowroot starch); however, I haven’t used these ingredients so I can’t speak to their success.

4. (Optional) Essential Oils of Your Choice

An essential oil may be added for scent and additional skincare benefits. Use just one essential oil, mix a few essential oils to create different scents, or an essential oil blend (a pre-blended bottle of essential oils). Currently, my favorite essential oils for body butter are lavender, geranium, and frankincense (carteri).

I use a 1% dilution in my body butter recipe. Before using any essential oil, read the back of the bottle for specific dilution recommendations.

Recipe Tutorial Video

How to Make Whipped Body Butter: Step By Step Guide

  • Step 1: Melt the Butter in a Double Boiler. Partially fill a saucepan with water (about 1/4 of the way full). Then, place a glass (or metal) bowl on the saucepan. Place the butter(s) in the glass bowl. Turn the stovetop to medium heat, placing the double boiler on top of the heat. Allow the butter(s) to melt (about 3-5 minutes) fully.
  •  Step 2 Combine Oil & Carrier Oil – If you plan to use arrowroot flour, whisk the flour into the carrier oil in a small bowl. Set the mixture aside. If you’re not using arrowroot flour, skip this step. 
  •  Step 3 Combine the Melted Butter & Oil – Carefully remove the bowl (with the melted butter inside) from the double boiler setup. Add the oil (with the arrowroot flour, if using) to the melted butter, and use a spoon to stir and combine the ingredients. 
  •  Step 4 Chill – At this point, the oil mixture should be cooler (along with the glass bowl). If not, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, place the mixture in the fridge and allow it to solidify (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). 
  •  Step 5 Add Essential Oil – Once the mixture is opaque and a bit firm (not solid as a rock), remove the bowl from the fridge. Add the essential oil of choice if desired. The essential oils must be added when the mixture is cool, as heat will cause the fragile essential oils to evaporate.
  •  Step 6 Whip – If you used cocoa butter, whisk the mixture with a fork until it appears “whipped.” If you used shea and/or mango butter, you can use the same technique with a fork or a hand mixer to “whip” the body butter. Just be careful not to over-whip the mixture.
  •  Step 7 Spoon Into a Jar – Scoop the mixture into a jar and place the lid on the jar. Now it’s ready to use!
Spooning whipped body butter into a jar
Spoon the mixture into a jar for storage. Store up to 6 months.

Storage: How Long Will It Last?

Store at room temperature (out of direct sunlight) in a sealed jar for up to 6 months.

What to Avoid Doing

  • Don’t Use Hot Essential Oils – Some essential oils can irritate the skin and cause the skin to have a burning sensation. Avoid these “hot oils” such as cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, and lemongrass.
  •  Citrus Oils –  Citrus oils, like sweet orange or lemon essential oil, are photosensitive and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. 
  •  Use Only a Little – If the body butter feels too oily, you’re most likely using too much. Body butter is much denser and richer than lotion (cut with water), so you don’t need much to moisturize the skin. Use a small amount, and it will absorb into the skin beautifully.

How to Prevent Hard Body Butter

If you want to create a soft, fluffier body butter, here are a few tips.

  • Don’t Overwhip – When “whipping” the cooled ingredients, you only need a quick whip to create the body butter. Use a fork and whisk for 10-20 seconds for cocoa butter. For shea butter and mango butter, about 30 seconds with a hand mixer is plenty of time.
  •  Texture Depends on Ingredients & Temperatures – The outside temperature will affect the texture of the texture and softness of the final product. Cocoa butter will create a denser body butter. Shea butter and mango butter will create a softer final product.
  •  The Fluffiest Combo – Coconut oil and shea butter usually produce the fluffiest body butter.

How to Use This Product In Your Skincare Routine

Use this product anytime your skin needs moisturizing.

  • Use a Small Amount – Scoop a small amount from the jar, then massage onto the skin. As you rub, the butter will melt into your skin. You only need a small amount at a time.
  •  Use When Skin is Damp – The best time to use this body butter is after showering when the skin is damp. Apply a small amount of product to your fingertips, then massage on the skin: arms, legs, feet, neck, and chest.
  • Facial Moisturizer – This product may also be used as a moisturizer on your face. Avoid using coconut or olive oil in your formula if you plan to use it on your face. Or check out my homemade shea butter facial cream recipe.

How to Soften Body Butter Before Use: The body butter will soften or harden depending on the temperature in your home. To soften a hard body butter (which is normal and happens), place the butter in the bathroom while showering (not in direct contact with water). The hot steam of the shower will soften the body butter and make it easier to scoop out and spread on your skin.

Two glass jars of body butter on a marble board.
Use this beautiful butter on your whole body: arms, legs, feet, face, neck, and/or chest.

FAQs

  • Do I need to use a preservative? Since water is not used to make this product, you don’t need to worry about mold or bacterial growth. Do not incorporate water into the product when scooping the butter from the jar with your hands (i.e., after a shower, washing your hands, etc.)
  • You say $4-6 per jar. What size jar are you referring to? This recipe makes one 6-ounce jar. The cost will depend on the ingredients purchased.
  • Can I multiply the recipe without affecting the final product? Yes, you can! You can easily double, triple, or quadruple the recipe to make multiple jars.
  •  Would vitamin E oil work as the carrier oil? No, vitamin E isn’t a carrier oil. You’re welcome to add a small amount of vitamin E oil if desired, but you’ll still need carrier oil.
  •  How long do you mix the product to avoid “over-whipping”? The answer depends on the ingredients used. For cocoa powder, just a few seconds. About 30 seconds should be enough time for shea butter and mango butter.

4 More DIY Recipes With Shea Butter

  • Shea Butter Lip Balm Use shea butter, beeswax, and oil to make a nourishing balm for chapped lips.
  • Custom Lip Balm – Use any body butter of choice or oil to make this natural lip balm recipe.
  • Lotion Bars – Moisturizing lotion in a solid bar, made with shea butter and beeswax.
  • Face Moisturizer – Combine shea butter and oil to make an all-natural face moisturizer.
Spooning whipped body butter into a jar
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How to Make Homemade Body Butter (Non-Greasy)

This whipped body butter feels luxurious and delivers maximum moisture to the skin. Here's how to make body butter that's non-greasy and works for any skin type.
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Keyword homemade body butter, how to make body butter, whipped body butter recipe non greasy
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 ounce jar
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $4-6 per jar (depending on butter and oil used)

Equipment

  • 1 small-medium saucepan to create a double boiler and melt the butter(s)
  • 1 medium glass or metal bowl big enough to rest on top of the saucepan to create a double boiler and melt the butter(s)
  • 1 small bowl if using arrowroot starch to mix with the carrier oil
  • 1 fork or hand-mixer to whip the body butter
  • 1 glass storage jar to store the final product

Ingredients

Instructions

  • First, make a double boiler: Partially fill a saucepan with water (about 1/4 the way full). Then place a glass (or metal) bowl on top of the saucepan. Place the butter(s) in the glass bowl. Turn the stove-top to medium heat, placing the double boiler on top of the heat. Allow the butter(s) to fully melt (about 3-5 minutes).
  • If you're planning to use arrowroot starch/flour, in a small bowl, whisk the starch into the carrier oil of choice. Set the mixture aside. If you're not using arrowroot flour, skip this step. 
  • Carefully remove the glass bowl (and melted butters) from the heat source. Add the oil (with the arrowroot flour mixed in, if using), and stir to combine the ingredients. 
  • At this point, the mixture should be cooler (along with the bowl). If not, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then place the bowl in the fridge and allow the mixture to solidify (about 30-60 minutes, depending on location in the fridge and fridge temperature). 
  • Once the mixture is opaque and a bit firm (not solid as a rock), remove the bowl from the fridge. Add the essential oil of choice, if desired. 
  • If you used cocoa butter, whisk the mixture with a fork until it appears "whipped." If you used shea and/or mango butters, you can use the same technique with a fork, or use a hand-mixer to "whip" the mixture. Don't over-whip!
  • Spoon the whipped body butter into a glass storage jar with a lid. Place the lid on the jar. It's now ready to use. Store at room temperature (out of sunlight) for up to 6 months.

How to Use:

  • Use this product anytime your skin needs moisturizing. Scoop a small amount from the jar, then massage onto the skin. As you massage, the butter will melt into your skin. You only need a small amount at a time.
  • I love to use this product after bathing when my skin is still moist. I apply a small amount of product to my fingertips, then massage on my skin: arms, legs, feet, neck, chest.

Video

Notes

Which Butter Should You Use? Mango butter will yield a softer body butter, when mixed with the shea butter. Cocoa butter will yield a thicker, denser body butter that smells like chocolate, when mixed with the shea butter. Or use 100% shea butter, without mixing in other butters. Unrefined shea butter has a strong scent, so refined shea butter may be better to use if you’re sensitive to scents.
Which carrier oil should you use? I like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil as they work for all skin types and are light and easily absorb into the skin. Coconut oil and olive oil are also options, but they can be very heavy and clog pores if used on the face.
Why use arrowroot starch? The arrowroot cuts through the greasy feel that’s often associated with body butter. It’s optional.
How much essential oil should you add? I use a 1% dilution in my recipe. Before using any essential oil, read the back of the bottle for specific dilution recommendations. This is also optional.

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

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Homemade Shea Butter Lotion (Non Greasy Without Coconut Oil) https://livesimply.me/homemade-moisturizing-lotion-recipe-no-coconut-oil/ https://livesimply.me/homemade-moisturizing-lotion-recipe-no-coconut-oil/#comments Wed, 11 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=6010 This simple DIY shea butter lotion recipe (made with just 3 ingredients) is the perfect moisturizer for the whole body, face included, and may be used for acne-prone and aging skin. I’ll guide you, step-by-step, through how to make shea butter lotion, using shea butter and no coconut oil (because coconut oil can and will...

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This simple DIY shea butter lotion recipe (made with just 3 ingredients) is the perfect moisturizer for the whole body, face included, and may be used for acne-prone and aging skin.

Scooping shea butter lotion from a clear glass jar using pointer finger.
Shea Butter Lotion: Use on hands, feet, face, arms, and legs,

I’ll guide you, step-by-step, through how to make shea butter lotion, using shea butter and no coconut oil (because coconut oil can and will clog pores). The final product is a non-greasy, 100% natural moisturizer, with a creamy consistency and skin-soothing properties.

This recipe is used just like store-bought body lotions: to moisturize the face, hands, feet, legs, arms. Technically, this is more of a homemade body butter recipe: a thick moisturizing cream versus a pumpable lotion. (Make pumpable lotion recipe here.)

But whatever you call it, it’s one thing: AMAZING!

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter comes from the “nut” (or pit) of the fruit found on the Karite Tree. It is soft, compared to cocoa butter, and has a strong scent when it’s purchased in an unrefined state.

I use unrefined shea butter in body-care recipes, but if you don’t care for the (natural) fragrance, I recommend using refined shea butter. Shea butter softens and moisturizes the skin, making it perfect for homemade lotion, shaving cream, and lip balm.

Homemade shea butter lotion in a clear glass jar on a bathroom counter.
Shea butter has many skin care benefits.

Benefits of Shea Butter

Shea butter is the main ingredient used to make homemade body lotion and many other skin care products.

  • It’s naturally rich in vitamins and fatty acids, like vitamin A and vitamin E.
  • It contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and as an anti-aging product. There’s even evidence that shea butter could help with wrinkles.
  • Shea butter helps to combat dry skin. It’s an emollient: traps moisture on the skin without clogging pores. There’s also some evidence to suggest that it may help to alleviate eczema symptoms and soften scar tissue. Source: Medical News Today
  • Shea butter contains stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid, that allows the butter to spread smoothly on skin without tension. This makes it ideal for a body and face moisturizer since it will melt right into the skin!

I personally use shea butter moisturizer every night before bed. And I’ve seen the texture and softness of my skin improve.

Before You Get Started: Ingredients & Tools

The natural ingredients can be found at most health food stores or online via Amazon. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its natural moisturizing properties.

  • 1/2 cup unrefined raw shea butter
  • (optional) 15 drops essential oil
  • 2 tablespoons nourishing carrier oil (sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil)
  • (optional) 1 teaspoon arrowroot starch
  • 4 ounce glass jar for storage
  • medium-size heat-safe mixing bowl
  • electric mixer: stand mixer with whisk attachment, hand mixer, or fork
  • medium-size sauce pan

Video Recipe Tutorial

How to Make Shea Butter Lotion: Step-By-Step Instructions

Here’s the best way to make shea butter lotion, step by step.

Melt the shea butter in a glass bowl over a saucepan filled with water.
Step 1: Melt shea butter in a DIY double boiler.

Step 1: Melt Shea Butter

Heat the shea butter to melt it, don’t burn it. To avoid burning the shea butter, create a DIY double boiler. This will allow you to melt the shea butter without it directly touching the heat.

Place a medium-size glass bowl  over a sauce pan filled 1/4 the way full with water. The glass bowl should sit just on top of the saucepan, without touching the water in the pan.

Over medium heat, allow the water in the saucepan to simmer. Then add the shea butter and melt.

Once the shea butter has fully melted (about 2-3 minutes), turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the heat.

Add carrier oil to the shea butter in the double boiler.
Step 2: Add nourishing carrier oil to the shea butter.

Step 2: Add Nourishing Carrier Oil

Stir 1 teaspoon of arrowroot starch into the liquid oil of choice (grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, OR jojoba oil) and whisk to combine. Pour the oil (and arrowroot starch whisked in, if using) into the shea butter.

You can skip the arrowroot starch and add the oil directly to the shea butter at this step. The arrowroot creates a non-greasy lotion.

How do you make non-greasy shea butter lotion? Adding arrowroot starch, which is similar to cornstarch, is the best option. You’ll find this ingredient in the baking section at most grocery stores or online. This ingredient may also be used in cooking: make almond flour cookies and waffles or thicken stir-fry sauce.

Step 3: Cool in the Fridge

At this point, the shea butter and oil mixture should be cooler (along with the bowl).

If not, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then place the mixture in the fridge and allow it to solidify (about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on location in the fridge and temperature). 

Alternatively, speed up the process by placing the bowl in the freezer.

Adding drops of essential oil to the cooled shea butter and carrier oil mixture.
Step 4: Add essential oils to the cooled shea butter and carrier oil.

Step 4: Add Essential Oils

Once the mixture is opaque and firm (not solid as a rock), remove the bowl from the fridge.

Add the essential oil (or a combination of essential oils) of choice, if desired. Add up to 15 drops of skin-safe essential oils to this mixture. A few of my favorite essential oils to add are listed in the recipe below.

Whipping the lotion mixture with a fork.
Step 5: Whip the cooled shea butter mixture with a fork or electric mixer.

Step 5: Whip the Shea Butter

Use the whisk attachment and an electric mixer, hand mixer, or a fork to whisk the mixture until it appears “whipped.” This doesn’t take very long, just a few seconds using a mixer and a bit longer with a fork.

Spooning lotion into a glass jar.
Step 6: Spoon the lotion into a storage jar.

Step 6: Spoon Lotion into a Jar

Now you get to enjoy this amazing homemade lotion recipe and all its benefits (we’ll talk about the awesome benefits in a minute). Or, share the lotion as a gift.

Choose a beautiful glass jar and spoon your creation into the jar. Add a label, if desired. And store the lotion at room temperature in a cool place (like a bathroom cabinet) for up to 6 months.

Carrier oils: grapeseed oil, jojoba, and sweet almond oil.
Carrier oils: sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil.

How to Choose a Carrier Oil

You can use shea butter alone as a body and face moisturizer, or you can mix it with a carrier oil to make a whipped body butter recipe or lotion (like this recipe).

Here’s what I recommend for a nourishing carrier oil to mix with the shea butter. The options absorb easily in the skin, making them the best options for a non-greasy lotion.

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is made from a shrub that grows in Northern Mexico and the Southeast US. Jojoba is an emollient: a natural moisturizer that softens and moisturizes skin. Jojoba is the closest to our skin’s natural oil, making it ideal for all skin types.

Grapeseed Oil: This oil comes from pressed grape seeds. It has high amounts of fatty acids, vitamin E, and antibacterial properties. Grapeseed oil may be a great option for aging skin and for those with acne-prone skin.

Sweet Almond Oil: Made from sweet almonds and rich in vitamin A & E, fatty acids, and proteins.

Virgin Coconut oil is also an option, but as I’ll share in a minute, I don’t care for using coconut oil on my face. If you’re just using this lotion on your body, coconut oil may be a good option.

Spreading lotion on hands.
Scoop lotion from jar and use your hands to warm the lotion and spread it on your body and face.

How to Use

Scoop a small amount of shea butter lotion out of the jar using your finger, then rub between your hands. The heat from your hands will soften the shea butter. Massage into your skin: face, arms, legs, feet, dry patches, etc.

A little goes a long way.

For the face, apply this moisturizer after cleansing (my favorite natural face cleansers) and toning (a spritz of rose water is my favorite). If you use any serums, apply a facial serum before applying the lotion.

Lotion in glass jars on a cutting board.
Store the shea butter lotion in a glass jar, at room temperature, for up to 6 months.

What’s the Shelf Life?

This natural lotion recipe doesn’t use any preservatives. Store-bought lotions add preservatives to formulas out of necessity. Without a preservative, mold and other bacteria will grow in a water-based lotion.

This recipe doesn’t need a preservative because it doesn’t use water in the formula. This means you can make a long lasting moisturizing lotion, without using any preservatives and don’t need to worry about mold growth. Woohoo!

Store the final product at room temperature, in a cool dry place, for up to 6 months. I recommend keeping homemade shea butter lotion away from heat, like a hot steamy shower, since it will melt slightly. This recipe is intended for home use; not to be sold commercially.

Essential oils being held in the palm of a hand over a jar of lotion.
Add essential oils for their scent and beneficial properties.

How to Add Essential Oils

If you want to scent your own lotion, essential oils are the best way to do this! Along with their scent, essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin for nourishment, and provide antibacterial and soothing properties.

Add one essential oil or a combination of essential oils, totally 15 drops, to this lotion recipe. The best essential oils for homemade lotion are…

  • Roman Chamomile 
  • Frankincense
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Jasmine
  • Carrot Seed
  • Rose 
  • Lavender
  • Tea tree 
  • Sandalwood 
  • Geranium   

Essential Oils to Avoid: Avoid citrus essential oils (like lemon or orange essential oil) if you plan to wear this lotion during the day when exposed to the sun. Citrus essential oils are photosensitive and can cause your skin to develop a rash or sunburn.

White homeamde moisturizing lotion in a jar on a bed of white towels in a basket.
This lotion is made without coconut oil so it doesn’t clog pores!

Lotion Without Coconut Oil, Here’s Why

You’ll notice that this recipe doesn’t use any coconut oil. A lot of lotion and homemade whipped body butter recipes rely heavily on coconut oil.

Coconut oil is not the cure-all. Gasp, I know. That statement is practically heresy in the natural living community. Toothpaste? Coconut oil. Smoothies? Yep, coconut oil. A boo-boo? More coconut oil. We use it for everything! I’ve learned the magical oil isn’t always suitable for every need.

Many years ago, I decided it was time to ditch the toxins found in our bathroom. From lotions to body wash to makeup, the amounts of toxins I put on my body was astounding. With the urge for simplicity and natural living, I started developing my own replacements for things like foundation powder and lotion.

One of my very first DIYs was a simple homemade moisturizer using coconut oil. After a few weeks of using this moisturizer on my face, I experienced multiple break outs, daily peeling, and dry skin patches. Here’s why…

There’s nothing wrong with coconut oil, but from a skin care perspective, it’s not the best moisturizer option for the face. If you use it on your face, it’s likely to clog pores and cause breakouts due to its chemical composition.

Shea butter does not clog pores and is the best moisturizer option. So skip the coconut oil on your face and instead turn to shea butter and a non-clogging carrier oil!

FAQs

The best way to make a non-greasy lotion with shea butter is to add arrowroot starch. Add 1 teaspoon of arrowroot starch to the carrier oil, then add the mixture to melted shea butter and stir. If you’ve already made the lotion and didn’t add arrowroot, melt the lotion again and add arrowroot to the liquid, then chill and whip.

Store the lotion in a cool, dry place, like a bathroom cabinet. Storing in a warm, humid place (like a shower) may cause the lotion to melt slightly, but shouldn’t cause the lotion to melt entirely. It would take a very hot environment to melt the entire jar of lotion.

As long as water isn’t added to the homemade lotion, you don’t need to add a preservative. The addition of water causes mold and bacteria to grow. Use the lotion/body butter within 6 months. Learn about the safety of making homemade products here.

Yes! You can use a combination of mango butter, shea butter, and cocoa butter in this recipe. Use a total of 1/2 cup of butters. This body butter guide will help you combine different butter and oils to make a customized body butter/lotion.

I don’t recommend adding beeswax to this recipe as it will make it too hard to scoop and spread on the skin. Instead, you can make homemade lotion bars using beeswax.

6 More Ways to Use Shea Butter

White homeamde moisturizing lotion in a jar on a bed of white towels in a basket.
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Homemade Moisturizing Shea Butter Lotion Recipe (Without Coconut Oil)

A non-greasy homemade ultra-moisturizing lotion perfect for the body and face, made with shea butter and no coconut oil. All natural!
Course DIY, Homemade
Cuisine Beauty
Keyword how to make shea butter lotion, Moisturizing Lotion, shea butter lotion
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 ounce jar
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $10

Equipment

  • 1 electric mixer or fork
  • 1 medium-size heat safe bowl
  • 1 medium-size sauce pan
  • 1 4-ounce glass storage jar (or larger)

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Melt Shea Butter

  • To melt the shea butter, make a DIY double boiler. This will allow you to melt the shea butter without it directly touching the heat.
  • Place a medium-size glass bowl over a sauce pan filled 1/4 the way full with water. The glass bowl should sit just on top of the saucepan, without touching the water in the pan.
    Making a double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a sauce pan.
  • Over medium heat, allow the water in the saucepan to simmer. Then add the shea butter and melt.
    Melt the shea butter in a glass bowl over a saucepan filled with water.
  • Once the shea butter has fully melted (about 2-3 minutes), turn off the heat and remove the bowl from the heat.

Step 2: Add Nourishing Carrier Oil

  • Stir 1 teaspoon of arrowroot starch into the liquid oil of choice (grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, OR jojoba oil) and whisk to combine. Pour the oil (and arrowroot starch whisked in, if using) into the shea butter.
    Adding arrowroot powder to a bowl of carrier bowl.
  • NOTE: You can skip the arrowroot starch and add the oil directly to the shea butter at this step. The arrowroot creates a non-greasy lotion.

Step 3: Cool

  • At this point, the shea butter and oil mixture should be cooler (along with the bowl). If not, allow it to rest for a few minutes.
  • Place the mixture in the fridge and allow it to solidify (about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on location in the fridge and temperature). Alternatively, speed up the process by placing the bowl in the freezer.

Step 4: Add Essential Oils

  • Once the mixture is opaque and firm (not solid as a rock), remove the bowl from the fridge.
  • Add the essential oil (or a combination of essential oils) of choice, if desired. Add up to 15 drops of skin-safe essential oils to this mixture. A few of my favorite essential oils to add are listed in the recipe above. You can add your favorite essential oil or oils, not the ones listed above (if desired).
    Adding drops of essential oil to the cooled shea butter and carrier oil mixture.

Step 5: Whip

  • Use the whisk attachment and an electric mixer, hand mixer, or a fork to whisk the mixture until it appears "whipped." This doesn't take very long, just a few seconds using a mixer and a bit longer with a fork.
    Whipping the lotion mixture with a fork.

Step 6: Store

  • Choose a beautiful glass jar (4 ounces or larger) and spoon your creation into the jar. Add a label, if desired. And store the lotion at room temperature in a cool place (like a bathroom cabinet) for up to 6 months.
    Spooning lotion into a glass jar.

Video

Notes

*The essential oils listed are what I originally played around with and used. Feel free to use other skin-friendly essential oils. You can also make this lotion without using any essential oils. Other options: 
  • Roman Chamomile 
  • Frankincense
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Jasmine
  • Carrot Seed
  • Rose 
  • Lavender
  • Tea tree 
  • Sandalwood 
  • Geranium 
Rushed for time? Try This: Skip the melting stage in this particular recipe. Simply whip the nourishing oil and shea butter together, adding more oil if needed. I’ve done this before when I didn’t have any time to melt and cool the ingredients.

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

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Homemade Bug Spray Mosquito Repellent (Essential Oils) https://livesimply.me/homemade-bug-spray-repellent/ https://livesimply.me/homemade-bug-spray-repellent/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:26:00 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=12696 Say hello to a DIY homemade bug spray that repels mosquitoes and other annoying insects. The easy recipe is budget-friendly, simple to make, and includes only 3 ingredients: witch hazel, oil or glycerin, and a done-for-you blend of essential oils (no need to buy multiple essential oils). Our family spends a lot of time outdoors...

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Say hello to a DIY homemade bug spray that repels mosquitoes and other annoying insects. The easy recipe is budget-friendly, simple to make, and includes only 3 ingredients: witch hazel, oil or glycerin, and a done-for-you blend of essential oils (no need to buy multiple essential oils).

DIY Homemade Bug Spray Repellent
Homemade bug spray with essential oils, a natural way to deter bugs like mosquitoes

Our family spends a lot of time outdoors during the summer. The late summer sun and hot weather is an invitation to stay up later and enjoy meals on the grill, summer snack boards, homemade popsicles, and evenings in the backyard. And with summer comes one thing none of us love: bugs and mosquitoes.

What are safe and natural bug repellents?

There are several safe and natural alternatives that work as bug repellents, even repelling summer’s most hated and annoying visitor: mosquitoes.

Natural bug repellents work by using scents (like herbs) that deter mosquitoes, flies, gnats, ticks, and lice away from the skin.

These options aren’t as powerful or long-lasting as picaridin or DEET (common chemicals used in commercial repellents), but they can be a great alternative if you want to go all natural.

Top Natural Ingredients for Insect Repellent

  • Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: One of the most recognized natural options and approved by the CDC for repelling mosquitoes. This is the longest-lasting natural option. Works to deter ticks, lice, and mosquitoes.
  • Citronella: Derived from lemongrass and lemon eucalyptus. This is a commonly recognized ingredient for repelling mosquitoes, aphids, fleas, and flies. Citronella is only effective as a bug repellent if the formulation is correct. The essential oil blend in today’s bug spray recipe is from Plant Therapy and uses citronella essential oil, which contains citronellol and geraniol content. Works to deter mosquitos.
  • Lavender: This is a great option to grow in your yard during the summer, particularly around gathering areas like patios. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other bugs hate the fragrant smell of lavender.
  • Peppermint and Rosemary: Flies dislike herbs like mint and mosquitoes dislike the scent of rosemary (yes, mosquitoes have a complex sense of smell). Both of these herbs are lovely to add to summer meals, so why not add herb plantings to your summer patio to deter bugs?
  • Catnip: This herb has been getting a lot of buzz lately for its ability to fend off mosquitoes. Another herb you can easily plant during the summer or use to make a natural bug spray (with an essential oil).
A super easy homemade bug spray that only requires 4 ingredients! This effective DIY bug spray repellent is safe for the whole family.
To make homemade bug spray repellent you’ll need: essential oils, vodka or witch hazel, and oil or glycerin.

How to Make Homemade Bug Spray Repellent

There are many different homemade bug spray recipes online. Some recipes call for making a tea with herb leaves (like lavender and thyme) by boiling the ingredients and straining them to make a DIY bug spray.

Others call for ingredients like apple cider vinegar, which, to me, feels like spritzing a bottle of vinaigrette salad dressing on your skin.

Today’s recipe is a fast and easy way to make your own bug spray!

To make it fast and easy, use a done-for-you blend of essential oils. A blend that is specifically mixed together with individual essential oils, like citronella and catnip, to deter and repel bugs.

This way you save money and time!

To make homemade bug repellent, add the essential oil blend to a spray bottle along with witch hazel or high-proof vodka. Then add oil (olive oil, fractionated coconut oil, or jojoba oil), vegetable glycerin, OR aloe vera gel.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Ingredients

1. Witch Hazel or High-Proof Vodka

Either a high-proof vodka or witch hazel may be used in this recipe as the carrier (to the skin) for the bug-repelling essential oils. When using witch hazel, make sure it contains a preservative on the ingredient list (most do).

If you end up with a small bug bite, vodka (or any high-proof alcohol) can also aid in taking the sting away.

2. Glycerin or Oil

Vegetable glycerin or oil is also added to dilute and disperse the essential oils. Glycerin also adds nourishing moisture without weighing down the light spray.

If you don’t have vegetable glycerin, oil will work: fractionated coconut oil (a liquid form of coconut oil), olive oil, or jojoba oil. Another option is aloe vera gel.

If you use aloe vera gel, make sure it contains a preservative. Don’t use fresh gel from the plant as it will spoil quickly.

3. Shield Me Or Nature Shield Essential Oil Blend 

A done-for-you blend of essential oils is a cost effective way to use multiple essential oils without buying the individual oils.

This is the beauty of using a blend specifically created for keeping bugs away, like Plant Therapy’s kid-safe Shield Me Blend or Nature Shield Blend.

The kid-safe blend, Shield Me, is specifically formulated using five bug-repelling essential oils that are safe to use on children 2-10+ (adults can use it, too): Citronella, Grapefruit, Geranium Bourbon, Rosalina, Patchouli.

The Nature Shield Blend should NOT be used on or around young children, but is safe for adults and uses the following essential oils to keep your skin free of mosquito bites: Citronella, Geranium Egyptian, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus Globulus, Lavender, Tea Tree, and Patchouli, Cedarwood Virginian and Catnip.

Essential oils need to be diluted before applying on the skin. Here we’re using glycerin (or oil) and witch hazel or vodka as the dilution carrier to the skin.

I use 72 drops, as seen in this recipe from Plant Therapy, which is a 2% dilution.

4. Optional: Vanilla Extract

There is some evidence to suggest that vanilla extract may deter bugs (mosquitoes, gnats, etc.) because they hate its scent. If you want to add vanilla extract to this recipe, make sure it’s pure with no added sugars or flavorings. The only ingredients for pure vanilla extra should be: vanilla beans and alcohol. I suggest adding about 1/2 tablespoon for the scent.

A super easy homemade bug spray that only requires 4 ingredients! This effective DIY bug spray repellent is safe for the whole family.
It’s important to dilute the essential oil blend before applying and spray often for effectiveness.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely & Effectively

Use This Spray Often: Essential oils are 100% natural and volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly. While a commercial bug spray will last hours on the skin, one made with essential oils will only last 30-60 minutes. This means you must reapply for it to be effective. This spray is best for short bursts outside, or when reapplication is practical.

Dilute Essential Oils: Always dilute essential oils before use. In this recipe, modeled after Plant Therapy’s recipe, we’re diluting the essential oils about 2% with the witch hazel and oil.

Be Careful Around Pets: If you have pets, always use caution with essential oils. Here’s a list of the essential oils that should NOT be used around dogs and cats.

Other ways to protect yourself from bug bites: wear long-sleeve clothing, get rid of standing water around your home, and burn herbs in a campfire.

Other Natural Ways to Protect Against Bug Bites

Beyond using a bug spray on your skin and clothes, you can also take other natural precautions to protect yourself during the summer months from bug bites.

Wear Long-Sleeve Clothing: I know, it’s summer. Who wants to wear long sleeves? You don’t have to wear anything heavy, a linen long sleeve shirt is perfect to wear in the early morning or evening when mosquitoes are most active. Lightweight joggers are also a great way to protect your legs versus leaving them bare to bugs when wearing shorts.

Get Rid of Standing Water: Check around your home for areas of standing water, like flower pots, buckets, etc. Standing water attracts mosquitoes where they lay their eggs.

Burn Herbs in the Campfire: I love this idea! In the evening, when you’re enjoying a campfire and roasting marshmallows, add herbs to your campfire to deter bugs with their potent scent.

Plant Herbs Like Catnip, Rosemary, and Mint: Plant herbs in abundance around your patio and gathering areas during the summer months to deter bugs with their fragrance.

DIY Homemade Bug Spray Repellent
Homemade bug spray in a 4-ounce spray bottle.
Clear glass bottle with a tag on it saying "no bugs" to label the solution.
Print

DIY Homemade Bug Spray Mosquito Repellent (Essential Oils)

Say hello to a homemade bug spray that repels mosquitoes and other annoying insects. The easy recipe is budget-friendly, simple to make, and includes only 3 ingredients: witch hazel, oil or glycerin, & a done-for-you blend of essential oils (no need to buy multiple essential oils).
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Keyword Bug Spray Repellent, Homemade Bug Spray
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 ounces
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $5

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour the witch hazel (or vodka) and essential oil blend of choice (either Sheild Me OR Nature Shield) into a 4-ounce or larger spray bottle. Add vanilla extract if using.
  • Add the glycerin (or oil or aloe vera gel). Secure the lid on the bottle and shake to incorporate the ingredients.

To Use:

  • Shake the bottle before each application. Spray the bug repellent on the skin, rubbing on the skin if needed. As with any homemade remedy, I highly recommend testing this spray first on a small area of the skin. Make sure your skin doesn't react to the essential oils before applying liberally.
  • Store away from sunlight and use within 3 weeks.

Video

Notes

This is NOT a sponsored post with Plant Therapy. I’m a happy customer and love their oils. If you know of a similar essential oil blend by a different brand, feel free to use that. The key is to use a blend specifically created to deter mosquitoes and other bugs. 
Optional Vanilla Extract: There is some evidence to suggest that vanilla extract may deter bugs since mosquitoes, gnats, and other bugs hate its scent. If you want to add vanilla extract to this recipe, make sure it’s pure with no added sugars or flavorings. The only ingredients of pure vanilla extra are: vanilla beans and alcohol. I suggest adding about 1/2 tablespoon. 
Pregnancy: Citronella and eucalyptus are NOT recommended while pregnant. Always check with a professional before using any essential oils during pregnancy.

Easy Roll-On Recipe Variation

 If you’re short on time or ingredients the essential oil blend can easily be diluted with fractionated coconut oil (or another oil) and then applied directly to the skin. Use the recommendation on the Plant Therapy bottle for dilution and this dilution chart to figure out how many drops of essential oil per tablespoon of oil should be used. OR, you can buy a pre-diluted roll-on bottle of Shield Me or Nature Shield.

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How to Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap in 2 Easy Steps https://livesimply.me/diy-foaming-hand-soap-homemade/ https://livesimply.me/diy-foaming-hand-soap-homemade/#comments Tue, 03 Nov 2020 21:18:10 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=41820 Do you want to know how to make foaming hand soap? It’s easier than you think, and you’ll save money in the process. You only need 2 ingredients and 2 minutes, following 2 easy steps. (We’re going with the 2 theme today, because who has time for complicated natural living.)  Back in 2014, I shared...

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Do you want to know how to make foaming hand soap? It’s easier than you think, and you’ll save money in the process. You only need 2 ingredients and 2 minutes, following 2 easy steps. (We’re going with the 2 theme today, because who has time for complicated natural living.) 

Back in 2014, I shared a DIY liquid hand soap recipe. Today, that post has over 290 comments and is internet famous. One of the most asked questions is “How do you make foaming soap out of liquid soap?” Today, I’ll show you just how easy it is to turn a liquid soap into your very own DIY foaming hand soap! 

Using the hand soap to wash hands

Why make your own foaming hand soap?

If you want to ditch toxins and use natural products, the first place to start is with the products you use every single day. Make changes to the products touching your skin and circulating in your home the most often. (11 natural cleaning swaps anyone can make…)

One of the top ingredients to avoid in cleaning and skincare products is “fragrance.” This sneaky word isn’t a single ingredient; rather, “fragrance” can be made up of thousands of different chemicals, some of which are of known concern, like phthalates. What makes fragrance so tricky is that companies are not required to disclose the ingredients that make their “fragrance” due to trade secret laws. This is why you’ll only find the word “parfum” or “fragrance” listed on the ingredient list. Fragrance can be found in most store-bought hand soaps.

Another concern, particularly with hand soap is the use of triclosan. According to a release by the FDA, Antibacterial Soap, You Can Skip It, Use Plain Water, “Many liquid soaps labeled antibacterial contain triclosan, an ingredient of concern to many environmental, academic and regulatory groups. Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters the way some hormones work in the body and raises potential concerns for the effects of use in humans. We don’t yet know how triclosan affects humans and more research is needed.”

I’m going to use caution and avoid the use of commercial soaps for hand washing in our home. 

An easy way to ditch toxins, like fragrance and triclosan, is to pick up a bottle of castile soap. What is castile soap? 

Castile soap isn’t a new fad. It’s been around since the 11th century and was first made in the Aleppo of the Levant region (modern day Syria). The Crusaders learned about this soap which was, eventually, duplicated in Europe without success. That is, until a region in Spain (called Castile) was able to get the recipe right and successfully made what we know today as “castile soap.” The soap became popular with Spanish royalty and eventually by the 1500’s made its way to England. 

Castile soap is…

  • Super Versatile: Castile soap is super versatile. You can make both cleaning and body products with castile soap. Explore 7 money-saving ways to use castile soap.
  • Inexpensive: You can purchase a 32-ounce bottle of castile soap for about $17. Yes, this is more expensive than a bottle of foaming hand soap, but it will last you for months and make multiple refills of foaming hand soap! Castile soap is highly concentrated so a little bit goes a long way and it’s designed to be diluted. 
  • Non-Toxic: Castile soap is made with easy to recognize, simple, non-toxic ingredients. This is why you can use it on your skin and home surfaces.

There are many different brands of liquid castile soap available. I personally use Dr. Bronner’s unscented castile soap for making foaming hand soap and liquid hand soap.

Adding castile soap to hand soap dispenser

How do you make homemade foaming hand soap?

It’s incredibly easy to make your own foaming hand soap. If you’re new to natural cleaners and skincare products, this DIY recipe is a great place to start because it’s so easy to make and only requires 2 simple ingredients. 

Foaming Hand Soap Ingredients

  • Foaming hand soap pump container: Reuse a foaming hand soap container or purchase a new reusable foaming hand soap bottle from Amazon or your favorite home store, like this. Look for an 8 ounce, 12 ounce, or 16 ounce bottle. 
  • 1 cup liquid castile soap: Any scent variety. I personally use unscented. 
  • 1 Tablespoon nourishing carrier oil: Any kind of nourishing skincare oil: olive oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. This is optional. Castile soap can dry out hands on its own so I like to add a nourishing carrier oil for the moisturizing benefits. Stay away from virgin coconut oil (the stuff used for cooking) since it will clog a soap dispenser. Alternatively, you can use vitamin E oil or vegetable glycerin.
  • Few drops of essential oil (optional): Choose your favorite essential oil, like Lavender, tea tree, peppermint, citrus, etc. if you’d like to add a natural scent that also adds beneficial cleaning properties. (Benefits of using essential oils for cleaning.) 
  • 1 cup water: Distilled water is best for longevity and safety. Distilled water (or water that’s been boiled for 15 minutes and cooled) removes bacteria, impurities, and contaminants. If you choose to use tap water, you’ll need to use the soap very quickly, within a week or two. For this reason, I recommend going with distilled water as the soap will safely keep for about a month.

Adding oil to hand soap dispenser

Instructions

  • Add water to a foaming hand soap pump, followed by the liquid castile soap, carrier oil of choice, and essential oil. 
  • Place the lid on the foaming hand soap bottle and shake to combine the ingredients. 
  • Pump the soap on your hands and lather. (Yes, this hand soap will lather thanks to the foaming hand soap dispenser!)

Using the hand soap to wash hands

How do you make foaming soap out of liquid soap?

If you have a natural hand soap that you just love, but would like to convert that liquid soap to a foaming hand soap, you’ll simply need to purchase a foaming hand soap container. Add the liquid soap to the foaming hand soap dispenser and you now have your own foaming hand wash! If the soap is super thick, you may need to dilute it with water.

DIY Foaming Hand Soap

What makes foaming soap foam?

If you’ve read my post on how to make hand soap, you’ll notice the ingredients are the same. The only difference between liquid hand soap and foaming hand soap is the bottled used to dispense the soap.

The soap container is what takes a liquid soap to foaming and even increases the lather for a natural hand soap like castile soap. You can also make DIY foaming body wash using liquid castile soap and a foaming soap dispenser container. 

DIY Foaming Hand Soap

Favorite refillable foaming hand soap bottles:

  • Mason Jar Glass Dispenser: If you love the mason jar look and you’re looking for a glass bottle, this is the best option. Try this 16-ounce dispenser with labels or this 16-ounce dispenser.
  • Plastic Dispenser: If you have kids using this hand soap in the bathroom or kitchen, a plastic container may work best. Try this 12-ounce dispenser or this 8-ounce dispenser. I’ve seen people drop a couple of Lego pieces at the bottom of the container for a fun “kid touch.” 
  • Mason Jar Foaming Dispenser Tops: If you have extra mason jars sitting in your pantry, turn one of those mason jars into a soap dispenser by adding a foaming top like this.
Print

DIY Foaming Hand Soap

Can you make your own DIY foaming hand soap? Yes and you only need a couple of ingredients to do so! Easy, non-toxic, and super effective!
Keyword DIY hand soap, foaming hand soap, homemade hand soap
Servings 16 ounces
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water distilled water is the best
  • 1 cup liquid castile soap any variety of castile soap, scented or unscented
  • 1 TB olive oil almond oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable glycerin, or jojoba oil (optional)
  • essential oil (optional for scent), just a few drops of your favorite essential oil: lavender, citrus, peppermint, etc.

Special Equipment

Instructions

  • To a foaming soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap followed by the oil. Shake the ingredients together.
  • Shake the soap dispenser before using, then squirt a small amount on your hands as needed, rinsing with water.
  • If you use distilled water, the soap will last at least a month. If you use tap water, use quickly within a week or two.

Notes

The idea is equal parts water and castile soap. Adjust the amounts according to the size soap dispenser you're using, reducing the oil as needed. 

What type of soap dispenser should you use? 

A foaming soap dispenser must be used. You can refill an old foaming hand soap dispenser, like a Mrs. Meyers bottle, or buy a new bottle off Amazon or a home store. Either option works, just be sure it's a foaming soap dispenser. My favorite foaming hand soap dispensers:

4 More Ways to Use Liquid Castile Soap

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Spirulina and Honey Face Mask (The Glow Mask) https://livesimply.me/spirulina-honey-face-mask/ https://livesimply.me/spirulina-honey-face-mask/#comments Fri, 20 Sep 2019 19:19:26 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=38405 I’ve become quite the skincare product junkie over the past few years. Turning 30, a few years ago, has fueled this obsession. Today, I’m going to share one of my favorite homemade face masks. It’s made with just two kitchen ingredients (spirulina and honey). Think of this face mask as a nutrient-rich green smoothie for...

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I’ve become quite the skincare product junkie over the past few years. Turning 30, a few years ago, has fueled this obsession.

Today, I’m going to share one of my favorite homemade face masks. It’s made with just two kitchen ingredients (spirulina and honey). Think of this face mask as a nutrient-rich green smoothie for the skin.

Homemade Spirulina Face Mask

In my late 20 years, after having two babies and starting this blog (a time of tremendous stress on my body, some being natural stress and some self-induced stress), my hormones went crazy. Crazy as in everything was out of balance and my stress levels were through the roof (not sleeping much and working way too hard on a passion project while also nursing a baby and raising a toddler will do that).

Natural Skincare Products

All of this brought about adult acne, weight gain, and constant fatigue. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been learning how to take care of myself, starting with prioritizing sleep and learning to say no to doing “all the things.” As my body has healed, my skin has healed as well.

This is where my deep love for skincare products comes from. Over the past few years, I’ve made the switch to non-toxic products. At first, this switch was all about using safer ingredients, but, now, it’s about so much more.

I’ve come to love non-toxic skincare products because of how they’ve transformed my skin. Most of these products are rich in botanical ingredients that are active and potent, and, when used on the skin, they nourish and give to the skin which results in healthy and happy skin.

Natural facial masks

One of the products I’ve been obsessed with recently is the Mermaid Mask from Leahlani Skincare.

First, Leah’s products are amazing! I use her Ambrosia Elixir as a makeup primer (under my foundation) and love her HoneyLove Exfoliator. Her products are made with potent ingredients that give to and nourish the skin.

The Mermaid Mask is a rich green facial mask made with spirulina. It’s literally like a green smoothie for your face!

Leahlani Mermaid Mask

A few months ago, I ran out of the Mermaid Mask and, at the same time, was on a spending freeze. Darn budget goals! Since I couldn’t just hop on the internet and order another jar of the Mermaid Mask, I decided to go to my kitchen cabinet and see what I could make at home.

spirulina in a bowl

With some spirulina powder and raw honey, I whisked together a quick face mask. This simple mask felt luxurious and after 10 minutes it also proved to be effective. The end result was a kind of glow that comes about after feeding your skin with nutrient-rich ingredients. In this case, those ingredients were spirulina and honey.

Before sharing this incredibly simple “glow mask,” let’s talk about the ingredients and why they work.

The Benefits of Using Honey on The Face


The first ingredient in this face mask is honey. Honey is one of my favorite skincare ingredients. You can use honey to create various masks and as an effective and gentle face cleanser.

Adding spirulina to a bowl

Honey is a wonderful food to apply to the skin because it’s rich in antioxidants as well as antibacterial and hydration properties. This in turns leaves the skin nourished, hydrated, and glowing. It’s also super gentle so it doesn’t strip the skin.

Honey is particularly great for acne-prone, dry, and aging skin.

When it comes to using honey on the skin, I recommend going with raw honey. This kind of honey is going to be the best choice as it hasn’t been heated so its full of beneficial properties.

The Benefits of Using Spirulina on The Face


Spirulina is an edible bacteria that is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals. All of this is amazing for cell turn over, fighting free radicals, and giving the skin a healthy glow. Spirulina has a ton of benefits, which you can read about here. Spirulina has been used by cultures all over the world for various purposes, including by the Aztecs, in Asian cuisine, and even to treat radiation sickness in Russia (source).

adding spirulina to honey

Beyond using spirulina on the skin, you can also add it to smoothies as it is edible and a great source of nutrients. You can find spirulina online and in most health food stores (look in the supplement or bulk spice section).

How to Make a Spirulina and Honey Face Mask


This is the easiest mask you’ll ever make! Seriously, if you can scoop, pour, and whisk your finger around in a bowl, you can make this homemade mask.

mixing the spirulina and honey together to create a face mask

To make the mask, simply add honey and spirulina to a small bowl, then stir. You can use your finger or a small spoon. It’s your choice. If you need something extra to thin down the mixture, you can add a few splashes of filtered water and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

Spirulina and honey face mask

This mask makes enough for a one-time use. The mask is intended to be used all over your face and neck and, if you want, chest. This mixture isn’t meant to be bottled and saved.

How to Use This Face Mask


Once you’ve made the face mask, it’s time to apply it. Before applying the mask, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and spritz your favorite toner over the skin as a primer. You can read about my favorites in this post.

To apply the mask, I like to use my fingers but if you’d prefer a less messy option, a face mask brush is the best option. Either way, massage the mask all over your face (avoiding the eyes, eyebrows, and eyelids), as well as the neck and, if desired, the chest. If you just apply the mask to the face and neck, you’ll be able to wash it off at the sink. If you go down to the chest, you’ll need to rinse it off in the shower.

applying the face mask

Let the mask rest on the skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with water and enjoy that post-mask glow!

Homemade Spirulina Face Mask
Print

Spirulina and Honey Face Mask

A spirulina and honey face mask that leaves the skin with a healthy, youthful glow. Great for acne-prone, aging, and dry skin.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 face mask
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together the honey and spirulina powder. Add a splash of water (or a few splashes) to reach a thinner consistency (if desired).

To Use:

  • Start with a clean face that's been washed with a gentle cleanser. Then apply your toner mist. Now, it's time to apply the mask. I like to use my fingers, but if you'd prefer a less messy route, a face mask brush is the best option. Either way, massage the mask all over your face (avoiding the eyes, eyebrows, and eyelids), as well as the neck and, if desired, the chest. If you just apply the mask to the face and neck, you'll be able to wash it off at the sink. If you go down to the chest, you'll need to rinse it off in the shower.
  • Let the mask rest on the skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with water and enjoy that post-mask glow! Follow-up with your moisturizer. You can read about my favorite skincare products in this post.

applying the face mask

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How to Make Homemade Bath Salts https://livesimply.me/homemade-bath-salts-how-to-make/ https://livesimply.me/homemade-bath-salts-how-to-make/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2019 11:00:47 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=36430 I’ve never been a bath person, but I’ve always wanted to be. I blame Instagram. The pictures of gorgeous bathrooms with greenery hanging all around, and a bathtub filled with what you can only imagine to be the most aromatic bath salts, makes me want to be a bath person. Last year, we finally had...

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I’ve never been a bath person, but I’ve always wanted to be. I blame Instagram. The pictures of gorgeous bathrooms with greenery hanging all around, and a bathtub filled with what you can only imagine to be the most aromatic bath salts, makes me want to be a bath person.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Last year, we finally had the chance to remodel our bathroom. I’m talking about a total demo and rehab of the space, but we couldn’t change the actual size of the bathroom, which is incredibly tiny. We had to work with the space provided due to the layout of our home. I remember spending hours online looking at all the soaking tubs and trying my hardest to make something like that fit in our tiny space. Each time I found the perfect tub, our contractor would look at me and shake his head, “Sorry, that’s not going to fit.”

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

I never did find the perfect soaking tub to fit in our new space, but that hasn’t stopped me from becoming a bath person.

In the past couple of months, I’ve suddenly had the urge to soak. There’s something about putting the kids to bed, filling up the tub (even if it’s on the smaller side), adding bath salts, pouring a glass of wine, and dipping my toes in the warm bath water. It’s just the relaxation this mom needs in life.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Truth be told, my love for baths started after I bought some bath salts from Pursoma. This company makes a variety of lovely bath salts with super clean ingredients: salt, herbs and/or essential oils, and clay. I absolutely loved the experience of their bath salts (and I highly recommend this brand if you want a store-bought option).

Since the ingredients are simple, and I already owned most of them, I decided that going forward I would create my own bath salts experience. The following week, I did exactly that.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

I’ve been making my own bath salts ever since and enjoying a weekly bath. I actually look forward to this time. Maybe it’s more the quietness of the 20 minutes spent in the bath that I crave. Maybe it’s the lack of technology (phone + bathtub = no bueno). Maybe it’s the bath itself with the aromatic essential oil and tension-relieving salt? Whatever it is, let me introduce you to my latest love…

Let’s make some homemade bath salts!

What are Bath Salts?


I decided to Google this very question just to see what’s out there. Turns out, bath salts can be a drug that people take to get high. I know…what?! So, just to get it out there, this post isn’t about that type of “bath salts.” What I’m talking about is a mixture of salt and (optional) an essential oil. This mixture, referred to as bath salts, is added to warm bath water with the goal of soaking your body for a set period of time.

This is the world wide web and people search for some crazy stuff, so I’m just putting that out there. We’re all on the same page now, right?!

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Why Take a Bath with Salt?


Bath salts are incredibly easy to make and cost-effective. At this point, I choose to purchase most of my skincare products versus making products (you can read the details of my skincare routine, here). Bath salts are one product that I can’t help but make myself. It only takes a couple of minutes to make a quart-size jar. They’re also a great gift to make and give out during the holidays. Pair the salts with a bottle of wine and you have the perfect teacher gift.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Soaking in bath salts can be incredibly beneficial from a wellness perspective.

First and foremost, bath salts are a vehicle to help you relax and disconnect from the world and your phone, which means saying good-bye to stress (at least for 20-30 minutes). In a time when we’re constantly stimulated, taking 20-30 minutes for a bath is incredibly relaxing. Try it, just once. I think you’ll find this benefit alone is worth a soak in the tub.

Beyond the relaxation aspect, bath salts may also help to relieve tension and muscle soreness, aid in detoxing the body, soften the skin (not a health benefit per say, but it’s worth mentioning), calm itchy skin, improve sleep, and fight off a cold. (Read more about the benefits)

What Do I Need to Make Bath Salts?

Salt

You can use either epsom salt or sea salt to make to bath salts, or you can use a combo of both. Epsom salt is not technically a salt like sea salt; rather, it’s a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Epsom salt is commonly used to ease muscle soreness and calm tension. Epsom salt is easy to find at most stores. Bags or boxes are usually sold in the supplement section or near the pharmacy.

Sea salt (not table salt) is rich in naturally-occurring minerals. Bathing in sea salt may help restore drained minerals that are essential to the body. Sea salt can be found in most stores.

Personally, I usually go with epsom salt to make my bath salts. But I’ve also experimented with half sea salt and half epsom salt, or just 100% sea salt. The choice is up to you. Go with the option that you enjoy the most–this may take some experimenting, or you may want to go with both.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Aromatherapy (Optional) 

Along with epsom salt and/or sea salt, you can add an aromatic experience with essential oils. You can also create this experience with dried herbs, but I’ve found herbs to be an annoying addition because the tiny bits stick to the bathtub after draining the water. Leftover bits mean that I have to now clean my bathtub, after a relaxing bath. See the irony in this?

You can go with one single essential oil, a combo of essential oils, or a blend of oils (such as the blends from Plant Therapy or your favorite essential oil company). I usually go with a single essential oil, like lavender essential oil (relaxing and promotes restful sleep). Other single essential oil options: orange, frankincense, bergamot, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Avoid essential oils that can irritate or burn the skin, such as: cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, and clove.

If you’re going to use the bath salts around a child (or for a child’s bath), keep in mind that some essential oils are not safe for kids (this chart is handy for reference). It’s best to err on the side of caution. Plant Therapy labels essential oils that can be used around children as “kid-safe.” I find this incredibly helpful and it’s one of the reasons I love this particular company (they aren’t an MLM and I don’t work with them–it’s just my personal preference when using an essential oil).

It’s important to dilute the essential oils used in your bath salts. It doesn’t matter what brand you use, you need to dilute, dilute, dilute. We’re talking about very potent substances. Natural, but also potent. So let’s talk about what you need to dilute the essential oil(s) for safe usage.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Carrier or Nourishing Oil (Optional) 

If you want to add the aromatic benefit of essential oils, which just takes the bath to the next level, mix the essential oil(s) with a carrier/nourishing oil, such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil. This step helps the oils disperse evenly throughout the bath water (once you take a bath).

The carrier oil shouldn’t make your bathtub slippery since we’re talking about a small amount mixed with a large amount of salts, but if it does, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over your tub once you’re done with the bath and the water drains. Use your hands to rub the baking soda over the surface, or a sponge, and then rise it away with water. (PS: I use this method to clean our bathtub each week. No special cleaning formulas needed. Read more about how I use baking soda to clean my home, here.)

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Once you have your ingredients: salt of choice, essential oil (if using), and a carrier oil (if using an essential oil), it’s time to mix everything together in a jar. Use a glass jar with an air-tight lid as the bath salts will keep for a year. Of course, you’ll most likely use your salts much sooner. The recipe shared today makes 4 cups of bath salts (1 quart-size jar). That’s enough for 2-4 baths.

How to Use Bath Salts


To take a bath using your homemade bath salts, fill a bathtub with very warm water. Of course, use common sense when it comes to the temperature of the water. I love a very warm bath, but go with the temperature that feels most appropriate for you and your skin. While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they’re still worth adding to the bath salts.)

I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath.  You might need to use your hands to help swish the salts around until fully dissolved.

When using bath salts, try to soak in the tub for about 20-30 minutes. That said, do what works for you. The goal is relaxation and stressing out about timing isn’t going to help you get in the zen zone.

For my children, I always make sure the salt has fully dissolved before they’re allowed to get in the bath. And I only use 1 cup of bath salts per bath.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

I find that evenings are the best time for a soak in the tub. After all, the goal is relaxation and nothing says relaxation quite like slipping into bed after a bath. I love taking a bath once a week,  but that could all change. Do what feels good–maybe that’s once a year, maybe that’s never, or maybe that’s twice a week.

Once the bath is over, I don’t rinse off. I go from bath to robe (I became a robe person this year, thanks to the hotel rooms in Europe being stocked with robes) to pajamas to bed. If you want to rinse off in the shower after the bath, more power to ya!

Now that we’ve talked about the specifics of making and using homemade bath salts (that was quite the long chat about something so incredibly simple), let’s make some homemade bath salts. I think you’ll love them!

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts
Print

Homemade Bath Salts

How to make your own custom bath salts and use them to create a relaxing bath experience. 
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty, Body
Keyword homemade bath salts
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

  • 4 cups epsom salt or sea salt, or a combination of both epsom salt and sea salt to equal 4 total cups
  • 1 TB nourishing oil such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil
  • 5-20 drops essential oil of choice, see recommendations below

Special Equipment:

Instructions

  • Pour the salt of choice into the storage jar. 
  • In a small bowl, combine the nourishing oil of choice and essential oil of choice (between 5-20 drops, depending on aroma desired). 
  • Pour the oil blend into the bath salts and carefully stir to blend everything together. Seal the jar and store away from direct sunlight. 

To Use:

  • To take a bath using your homemade bath salts, fill a bathtub with very warm water. Of course, use common sense when it comes to the temperature of the water. While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they're still worth adding to the bath salts.) I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath. You might need to use your hands to swish the salts around until fully dissolved. 

Notes

Essential Oil Notes
I usually go with a single essential oil, like lavender essential oil. Other single essential oil options: orange, frankincense, bergamot, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Avoid essential oils that can irritate or burn the skin, such as: cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, and clove.
If you're going to use the bath salts around a child (or for a child's bath), keep in mind that some essential oils are not safe for kids under certain ages. It's best to err on the side of caution. This post/chart is a handy reference

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

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Coconut Oil Hair Mask: A Simple, Natural, Affordable Hair Mask https://livesimply.me/coconut-oil-hair-mask-a-simple-natural-affordable-hair-mask/ https://livesimply.me/coconut-oil-hair-mask-a-simple-natural-affordable-hair-mask/#comments Fri, 22 Jun 2018 17:54:34 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=31004 A few months ago, our family was invaded by a dreaded pest: lice. If you’re a mom you probably just groaned. Because we all know just how irritating a case of head lice can be. That was my exact reaction when I got the call from the kids’ school, informing me that Londyn had lice...

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A few months ago, our family was invaded by a dreaded pest: lice. If you’re a mom you probably just groaned. Because we all know just how irritating a case of head lice can be.

That was my exact reaction when I got the call from the kids’ school, informing me that Londyn had lice and nits. After my initial shock and groan, I raced to the school to pick her up. On the way, I called the pediatrician to ask about the best treatment options. The pediatrician recommended calling a lice service.

A lice service?

I can’t be the only person to not know about such a service. I was intrigued.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

A quick google searched revealed several lice treatment services in the area. I called around and hired the one with the best rate, highest ratings, and a website that boasted “natural treatment methods.”

Long, long story short, the sweet owner came out to our house that evening, checked each of our heads, and determined that Londyn and I had lice. Not exactly what I envisioned for a Monday evening.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

The treatment was so incredibly simple. Jen, our lice expert for the evening, sectioned off Londyn’s hair and smothered each section in coconut conditioner to suffocate the live bugs and easily remove the nits. She then combed strands of hair with a professional lice comb (you can find them on Amazon) to remove lice and nits (the latter is so important to avoid a revisit). She repeated the same treatment on my hair.

Once the lice and nits were fully removed, Jen provided us with information for treating the house (bedding, couch, etc.) and keeping the bugs away in the future.

Her recommendation for avoiding future occurrences was simple and completely natural: coconut oil and regular head checks. She also added that a tea tree essential oil spray will work to keep the pests away; however, some folks don’t like the smell of tea tree oil or may have a reaction to this oil.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

Since our lice episode, I’ve been consistent with regular coconut oil hair masks and head checks.

Not only is a coconut oil hair mask a great way to keep lice away (lice hate the scent of coconut and the coconut oil will suffocate and kill live lice), but it’s also improved the condition of my hair. Coconut oil naturally adds moisture, hydrates, and may even strengthen hair thanks to the fatty acids. Plus, using a coconut oil hair mask reminds me to slow down and take care of myself–similar to using a face mask or enjoying a nightly facial routine. SLOW IT DOWN, MAMA! 

The most important thing for me is results. If a product doesn’t work for me, I’m not going to continue using it.

Coconut oil leaves my hair feeling hydrated, moisturized, silky smooth, vibrant, and healthy. At this point, I’ve determined that a twice-a-month coconut oil hair mask works best for my hair.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

While coconut oil has worked well for my hair, I have read that some people experience dryness after using coconut oil. You guys, just like with makeup or skincare products, there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. While a particular oil, serum, or makeup may be the perfect solution one person, it may be less-than-satisfactory for another. We are all unique. Personally, I don’t like coconut oil on my face (and my face breaks out when I use it), but I love using it in my hair. I know people who swear by using coconut oil on their face.

See, we’re all different and unique. Here’s what I recommend…

Try using a coconut oil hair mask if you’re looking for a natural and affordable hair mask option. Most likely you already have a jar of coconut oil sitting in your pantry. It doesn’t hurt to try it. If you love it, like I do, awesome. Find a routine that works for you. Maybe that’s using the hair mask once a month. Maybe that’s once a week. If you find coconut oil makes your hair dry, try mixing it with argan oil, or use argan oil by itself.

How to Make a Coconut Oil Hair Mask


All you need is one ingredient…virgin coconut oil. The same stuff you may already use for cooking and baking. In my case, I also put a dollop of coconut oil in my coffee each morning before blending it with an immersion blender (along with unsalted, grass-fed butter). If you end up going with argan oil (as discussed above), you’ll simply need argan oil. The argan oil will be used and applied just as the coconut oil.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

The coconut oil should be soft, or liquid, so it’s easy to work through your hair. If your coconut oil is solid, warm it in the microwave or on the stove-top for just a few seconds. Another option is to rub the coconut oil in the palm of your hand before applying to your hair. Your body heat will automatically melt the coconut oil. The amount of coconut oil needed will depend on the length of your hair. I’ve found that a little bit goes a long way. I use a max of 2-3 tablespoons worth for my hair. Once you have your coconut oil, it’s time to apply it as a hair mask.

How to Apply and Use a Coconut Oil Hair Mask


Using your fingers, apply the coconut oil to dry hair, working the coconut oil through your hair. Avoid applying coconut oil on your scalp. I like to focus on my ends and then add a small amount towards the middle-top section of my hair. If you have a lot of hair, use a comb (not a hair brush) to work the coconut oil through your hair after application. Remember, a little bit of oil goes a long, long way.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

If you have long hair, twist your hair into a bun, and secure the bun with a ponytail holder or anything that will be comfortable to sleep in. I’ve heard of people placing shower caps over their hair at this point, but that would annoy me. I’ve found it’s best to leave the coconut oil hair mask in my hair overnight, but this is completely up to you. I place a hand towel on my pillow to prevent the coconut oil from staining my pillow or leaving behind any grease marks. I like to use this mask twice a month, but you can definitely use it weekly.

Experiment to see what time frame works best for your hair.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

After your set time, remove your hair from the bun and shower/shampoo. Since I have so much hair, I’ve found it’s best to shampoo in sections; separating my hair in half and shampooing each section. I’ve also found it’s best to scrub and massage my hair and scalp with the shampoo to ensure all the coconut oil is out. This is also why a little bit of coconut oil goes a long way. My favorite shampoo is from True Botanicals. (I also use their conditioner.) You can read more about non-toxic shampoo and conditioner options, here.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

Once the coconut oil has been removed, and your hair feels clean, you don’t need to do much else. I personally don’t condition my hair with conditioner after treatment, but, again, see what works best for your hair. After a coconut oil hair treatment, I usually blow dry and style my hair. This extra step allows me to go a few days without needing to shampoo again. Over the next week, I usually wash my hair 1-2 times, and apply dry shampoo (this homemade version or this Innersense product) as needed.

A simple, natural, easy, affordable homemade hair mask option: coconut oil. Learn how to use coconut in your hair for shiny, smooth hair.

Have you tried using coconut oil as a hair mask? What did you think?

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