Lotion bars are a solid moisturizer you rub straight onto dry skin. They melt slightly from the warmth of your hands, so a little goes a long way on knuckles, elbows and heels. This version takes five ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time.
Gift tip: Wrap a bar in parchment and tie it with twine, or pop it in a small tin with a label that says what’s inside.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons beeswax (pellets melt fastest)
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 to 4 drops lavender essential oil
- A silicone mold or lined muffin tin
How to make them
- In a double boiler, or in a small bowl in the microwave in short bursts, melt the beeswax and coconut oil together until fully combined.
- Take it off the heat and stir in the olive oil, honey and lavender essential oil. Honey doesn’t blend into oil on its own, so keep stirring for a minute until it’s evenly mixed.
- Pour into a silicone mold or lined muffin tin.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, until firm.
- Pop the bars out of the mold and store in a tin or airtight container.
How to use
Hold the bar for a few seconds to warm it, then glide it over dry skin and rub in. Store it somewhere cool; coconut oil softens around room temperature on warm days, so keep it out of a hot car or sunny windowsill.
Make it your own
- Firmer bar: add a little more beeswax.
- Softer bar: add a little more olive oil.
- Other scents: swap the lavender for Roman chamomile or Serenity, keeping to the same few drops.
Safety tips
- Patch test first. Try a small amount on your inner arm and wait a day, especially if you have sensitive skin or a bee or pollen allergy. Stop using if your skin becomes red or itchy.
- Careful with hot wax. Melted beeswax and oil get very hot. Use an oven mitt and keep kids away from the stove while you work.
- Not for broken skin. Use on dry, intact skin only, and keep away from eyes.
- Check before you share. Use extra care with children, pregnancy and pets, and follow current guidance for each oil.
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