Upstairs, behind a door that leads to our heating system, lies a not-so-secret stash of non-flammable toiletries purchased during my mega-couponing days. (Which I have since quit and now save more money.)
Shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions, razors, contact solution, cotton swabs, feminine care items, dental floss, toothbrushes… you get the picture.
It’s been about a year since I last cleared out the excess from that closet and while we’re still good on several items, stock is starting to run low on others. One of the items that is nearing the end of the pile is face lotion.
In the past year, (since cleaning out the closet), our family has made significant progress in the kitchen. There’s no doubt about that.
However, our progress outside of the kitchen has been rather…. um… slow.
We made one step in May when we tried Earthpaste for the first time. We’re now committed to making our own clay toothpaste that’s just like Earthpaste (for 60% less!) and tossing out the conventional toothpaste in the house. Even the small samples you get in the mail are gone! Unfortunately, that one step in toothpaste is about all we’ve done as family in the health and beauty department.
Although, without my mentioning nor nudging, Mr. Crumbs switched to a more natural lotion for his face and body. And I’ve even noticed myself NOT using certain face lotions because of the ingredients.
So if the both of us were switching to more natural products without saying anything to one another, or without really making a big to-do about it, then obviously we knew better than to keep using health products that contained ingredients we knew nothing about.
We don’t do that in the kitchen, so why would we do that in the rest of the house? After going back and forth about making my own face wash or face soap or toothpaste or shaving cream, I decided to take make my own face lotion bar.
Who knew making your own lotion could be so easy?! I mean, I know you can use coconut oil by itself as lotion, but I have issues with sticking my fingers in the same jar that I cook from. (Scooping some into a separate container is obviously an option and why I hadn’t thought of that sooner than RIGHT THIS MOMENT, I have no idea!).
The whole process took a super easy 20 minutes, and I didn’t even have to be there for the first 10 if I didn’t want to (since you’re essentially waiting on water to boil). The kids were painting nearby and since making lotion doesn’t come to a critical point like homemade salted caramel does, stepping away for a few seconds to see Ms. Future Van Gogh’s creation wasn’t an issue.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, and it’ll likely happen very soon. Mr. Crumbs has grown particular about his lotion and the bottle he’s using is rapidly getting lighter. I’ve got a few essential oils on hand, so once Mr. Crumbs chooses what scent he prefers, I’ll make him his own face lotion bars too.
These homemade lotion bars will likely be Christmas gifts for the ladies in my family too since they only cost $1 per piece to make! Check this out:
- 54oz of coconut oil from Costco = $17 (makes approx 27 bars)
- 16oz bar of beeswax from Michael’s (using 40% off coupon) = $9 (makes approx 32 bars)
- 16oz vanilla extract from Costco = $8 (makes approx 96 bars)
A few math calculations later and it costs only 99¢ to make one 2oz bar. Do you know how much money that would save you over time?! Name-brand anti-aging lotions on the market cost over $20 for less than 2 ounces! And who knows what that stuff is made of! Coconut oil has AMAZING health benefits and finding ways to incorporate more of it into our lives is a good thing.
Plus cutting costs on making my own skin care and bath products gives me a little more wiggle room in my grocery budget. I don’t combine my toiletry and grocery budget but a little savings in one area always helps out another. You can learn more about that principle in Grocery Budget Bootcamp!
Here are a few more benefits to making your own lotion bars that I learned in the process:
- These are REALLY easy to make.
- It’s fun to make your own lotion.
- I know exactly what is in the bar, scents and all.
- Excellent for sensitive skin (like me and The Girl).
- I can make it smell like whatever I want.
- A little bit goes a long way.
- If I run out, I can make more.
- I can make bars for unique, homemade gifts for CHEAP.
- I can find the ingredients locally.
- The ingredients are items I can easily keep in the house.
- The ingredients are often on sale. (BONUS!)
- The bars can be made to how I like them (firmer/softer/stronger scents/lighter scent).
- Natural scents eliminate the need for perfume.
- Can incorporate essential oils into our routine as needed/desired.
Here’s the recipe I came up with to make my homemade face lotion bars. Feel free to use it as-is or tailor it to suit your preferences!
DIY: Homemade All-Natural Face Lotion Bar
Supplies
- 8 ounces coconut oil
- 2 ounces beeswax
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 15-20 drop essential oils**
- medium saucepan
- glass bowl
- silicone muffin cups
**Note: I know there are a lot of essential oil companies out there and I’ve certainly tried my fair share of brands. But after testing and researching and more testing, only one is worth spending money on (in my opinion). For a couple years now I’ve been committed to Young Living oils, and you can read more about their oils and my decision HERE.
Method
Create a double boiler with a medium saucepan and a glass bowl. Melt the coconut oil and beeswax together in the glass bowl.
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and essential oils (if using). Pour into silicone muffin molds and allow to cool to set.
To use, simply apply bar to your face and rub around gently. It make take a moment for the coconut oil to warm up on your skin to spread easily.
What healthy and/or beauty item would YOU like to make?
More DIY Beauty Recipes
- DIY clay-based toothpaste (just like Earthpaste)
- DIY tinted facial moisturizer
- Homemade powdered foundation
- Homemade facial cleanser
- Handcrafted shampoo bar
- DIY liquid herbal shampoo
- Homemade lip balm and lip scrub
- DIY Shaving Cream
- 10 DIY Beauty Products from 6 Ingredients
- Natural Makeup Remover
Where can you find the vanilla bean flakes?
You know Rose, I have no idea. I got them from my step-mom who got them from a neighbor. They’re completely optional though and when I make these again, I’ll probably omit since I don’t think they added any more scent.
You can find them on amazon or make your own. Dry vanilla beans and toss them in your food processor or search for vanilla powder on amazon. It’s expensive, but worth it.
Thanks Crystal!
I use straight coconut oil on my face, but only at night since it makes my makeup “slide off” if I use it during the day. What is the consistency/feel like on the skin with the addition of the beeswax? Also, what about beeswax for skin prone to breakouts? Ok, and one more question- how do you use it? Just melt a little onto fingertips? It looks lovely, can’t wait to try it. 🙂
It feels a bit less “oily” with the beeswax. My skin is prone to breakouts, but I haven’t noticed anything yet. I’ve used it under big makeup (for church) and little makeup (just powder on other days) and nothing slid off, but actually made it stick a bit better… weird! I use it for 2 days on, one day off, b/c my skin doesn’t feel dry on that day. I rub it directly onto my face, avoiding the T-zone (so temples and from side of chin up to hair line under the cheek bone). Then I massage it in really well, about a whole minute. I also wait a little bit to dry, although it doesn’t feel wet, lol. I hope this helps!!
Hi, just came across your lotion bar recipe…I’ve been searching for diy face lotions that don’t require water and many steps and preservatives etc etc. How do you “use” this? Just rub your fingers on the bar, then rub on your face?
Thank you!!
Hi Rachel! First, my apologies for the long time in replying. Your comment got buried amongst others!
I hold the bar in my hand, swipe my cheeks (below the cheekbone) twice on each side, then rub a little extra in the palms of my hand. I then apply my hands to my forehead and rub in everything that’s left in my hands and cheeks. Your body heat will make the bar melt fast, so you don’t have to hold it for very long or use much. You could rub your fingers on the bar, and then your face if you’d like. It all just depends on your personal preference and how hot you are! 😉
Thanks for answering this one! 🙂 I had the same question Can’t wait to try it!
It seems that I can not pin this. It takes me someplace else where I can not find it. Please help me find it
Hi Patty! Strange… here’s the original pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/423127327462689484/ Hopefully you can re-pin that and the issue will be resolved. 🙂
I was wondering where you got the ultimate homemaking bundle and the ultimate healthy living bundle. Thanks.
Hi Stephanie! These were both one-time sales that are now over. There will be another bundle this fall though that I plan to promote, so stay tuned!
Can you add anything else to it? Like vitamin e oil? or a different essential oil? I have combination/sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts. How safe is it for that? I have the same skin issues. I am 8 wks preggo right now and my skin is going nuts. I started going to a dermatologist when I was like 6 cause I have a genetic disposition to bad skin. I ended up on accutane in high school .Since having my son 2.5 years ago I have tried to go as natural and whole as possible with eating and cleaning products. I am trying to venture into skin care now too. Glad I found you! 🙂
Hi Mandy! Yes, you can add whatever you want really. The more you add though, the less “bar” it will be since vitamin E oil and other EO’s are liquid at room temperature and not solid. I too have combo/sensitive skin prone to breakouts and I use this in the morning: https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2014/04/homemade-tinted-moisturizer/
The coconut oil with vitamin E and lavender and tea tree oils really helps my skin. Then I use the plain coconut oil at night to soothe. Your struggles sound very similar to mine, so I’m betting you’ll see a huge difference with just a few changes. You can see my full skin care routine as it stands now here: https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2014/08/6-easy-and-frugal-steps-to-healing-acne-naturally/
I think the lavender oil will really help your skin, especially since it came recommended to me from a friend who was dealing with acne during pregnancy too!
I went and bought some goats milk soap w/ essential oils from whole foods yesterday. I used it last night and this morning and I can tell a drastic difference in my skin already! You are so right about the goats milk soap. Thanks for the recipes. I hope to try them out soon!
You’re most welcome!!
Which would you say is your favorite – the tinted moisturizer or the lotion bar? I noticed you said the bar makes your makeup stick (probably because of the beeswax) but that the oils in the tinted moisturizer are beneficial to your face. I suppose you could use lavender EO instead of the vanilla w/o compromising its stability. Love your recipes!
Thanks Karla! I have to choose?! LOL, I use the tinted moisturizer in the morning, and the lotion bar at night. The only reason I don’t use the tinted version at night is the colors, so if I made a variation w/o them, then that would be my preferred option. 🙂
PS How should the extra bars be stored? Can they be frozen? Thanks!
I would store them in the fridge. They’ll be cold and solid enough to last quite a while!
My skin is incredibly sensitive and I still have acne at 65!I tried using coconut oil as a moisturizr to try to save some money, but I developed blackheads everywhere! Just a word of caution…
Hi Gail! Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, but some people find that it doesn’t help them. Keep looking – there are plenty more natural alternatives to the store-bought stuff!!
Hi
did you know if I can use this in my body too?
thank you 🙂
Hi Jacqueline! I’ve used it on my arms and legs too without a problem!
Do you have a recipe for wrinkles and fine lines?
How long this can last before going rancid ?
Thank you
Is there an alternative to the beeswax? I’d love to try this, but I’m allergic to beeswax.
Beeswax is so that it hardens a bit (coconut oil will melt in warm temperatures). Cocoa butter will help with this too, but not as much. But it’s worth a shot!
I live in south florida and we don’t have air condition and want to be able to have product that I don’t have to Lee in frig. What ratio would you recommend to keep coconut oil from melting? Beeswax to Coconut oil? Cocoa butter and coconut oil just melts in the heat here so when I whip it just breaks down:( so if I am understanding everything correctly, beeswax is only ingredient that will keep from melting. Butters/lip balms/scrubs etc… all advice appreciated. Thank you and Happy thanksgiving
Yes Michelle, adding beeswax is the best way to keep the bar stable in warmer temperatures. I would try adding 1-2 Tbsp beeswax pastilles to 1/2 cup oil and start there!
Hello and thank you for this amazing recipe 🙂 I am just preparing for christmas!! So I tried it and the consistency is amazing however to me the smell of beeswax is just odd. I dont like it.. I’ve put vanilla beans AND cinammon sticks in the pan. didnt do much tho. I will try orange essential oil tomorrow instead. How many drops would you recommend for the amount above? thank you 🙂
Hi Sanda! I haven’t tried using essential oils with this recipe, but I’d say start with 10 drops and see how you like it!
Does the vanilla extract color the bars? I really want to have the vanilla smell, but I don’t want the bars to be tinted. Thanks in advance!
If they’re tinted TimAyn, it’s incredibly minimal. They’re still very white to me!