Making Homemade Lotion LIVE and testing new machine

It is very easy to make your own lotion at home, and you can tailor it to suit your own skin type, desired consistency, and preferences as well. Our goal in this post is to address the top 10 questions about making homemade lotion. These questions include what ingredients you need, how to distinguish between antioxidants and preservatives, how to properly mix and emulsify the ingredients, as well as how to store it.

By the end of this post, you will feel confident and excited to start making your own lotion and even have an idea of how to fill your jars.

Ingredient information

When it comes to making your own lotion, there are three key ingredients you will need: oil, water, and an emulsifier. The oil is what will moisturize your skin, while the water will hydrate it. Think of it like a sandwich, the oil is the peanut butter and the water is the jelly, and the emulsifier is what holds it all together like the bread.

When it comes to oils, there are many options to choose from. Some popular choices include coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter. Each oil has its own unique benefits for the skin. For example, coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while sweet almond oil is great for those with sensitive skin.

When choosing your ingredients it’s like picking out a dress, you want to choose one that flatters your body type.

Emulsifiers, like beeswax or emulsifying wax, help to mix the oil and water together so they don’t separate, like how a matchmaker brings two people together. Thickeners, like xanthan gum, can also be added to give the lotion a thicker consistency.

And lastly, preservatives are also important to use in homemade lotions to prevent bacteria or mold growth, like how a guard protects a treasure chest. You can use things like Optiphen or Liquid Germall Plus. 

Preservative versus Antioxidant in lotion

There have been a lot of people who claim their vitamin E or grapefruit extract acts as a preservative in their skincare products. This is not true since these are not true preservatives. It is important to note that antioxidants and preservatives are two different types of ingredients used in skincare and other products that serve different purposes.

In skincare, antioxidants such as vitamins E, C, and green tea extract can be used as anti-oxidants that slow down the process of oxidation and prevent oils and other components from going bad. We often use antioxidants in soap making.

It is important to note that a preservative, on the other hand, prevents bacteria, mold, or other microorganisms from growing in a product, thus extending its shelf life. As water is a breeding ground for microorganisms, preservatives are essential for products containing water. Without preservatives, this product would have a shorter shelf life and would have the potential to become contaminated.

In short, antioxidants are used to prevent oils from going rancid, while preservatives are used to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Measures to stay safe

Although it is relatively safe to make your own lotion at home, there are some precautions that you should take. In order to prevent bacteria or mold from getting into your lotion, it is essential that you sanitize all of your equipment before using it. This ensures that any bacteria or mold won’t get into it. Before you cook anything, you want to make sure that your kitchen is clean and tidy.

In order to do this, you can spray the area and utensils with rubbing alcohol or use a 50/50 solution of water and bleach to spray and wipe down the area.

I would also recommend doing a patch test before you use any new ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin, as it is like trying on a new perfume for the first time. You want to make sure that the scent suits you and that you do not react negatively with it.

Mixing and Emulsifying Techniques

Now that you understand the ingredients, it’s time to start making your lotion. The key to making a smooth and consistent lotion is to properly mix and emulsify the ingredients.

It is in this video that we demonstrate the heat and hold process, which consists of three phases, an oil phase, a water phase, and a cool down phase. As part of the oil phase, our oils and emulsifiers were measured and melted. The water phase we measured and heated to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. The two phases then combined to create a complete emulsion by mixing the two phases together.

Last but not least, once the lotion cooled down to about 115 degrees, we were ready to add our essential oils and preservatives to it. 

One critical aspect of this technique is to use a hand blender. This allows you to blend the ingredients together creating a smooth and consistent lotion. It’s like using a blender to make a smoothie, the ingredients come together to make a delicious treat.

Lotion filling Machine

In this live stream video I used my new Lotion Filling machine. Using a lotion filling machine has several benefits for those who make lotion at home or for small business owners who produce their own personal care products. First, a lotion filling machine can save time and effort. By automating the filling process, it eliminates the need for manual pouring and reduces the risk of spills and waste. Second, it ensures consistency in the product.

With a lotion filling machine, the same amount of product is dispensed every time, resulting in a consistent product with every batch. Third, it increases efficiency and productivity. A lotion filling machine can fill multiple bottles at once, allowing for faster production and less downtime. Fourth, it can improve the overall appearance and quality of the product. A lotion filling machine can dispense products into bottles in a precise and accurate manner, which can improve the overall appearance of the product and make it more appealing to customers.

Overall, a lotion filling machine is a valuable investment for anyone looking to streamline their lotion making process, improve consistency and efficiency, and enhance the overall quality of their products.

Storage and Shelf Life

You should store homemade lotion in a cool, dry place far from direct sunlight if you want it to stay fresh. For this reason, it is crucial to store homemade lotion properly once it is made. 

In general, lotions are expected to last for around 2-3 months. However, this can vary depending on what ingredients you use and how you store it. When using your lotion, always make sure to check for any signs that it might be spoiling before using. For instance, if the texture, color or smell changes. 

Top questions about Lotion Making

What ingredients do I need to make lotion at home?

• There are four main ingredients that you will need Oil, Water, Emulsifier and Preservative
• Other Ingredients that can be added to your recipe are Thickeners, Antioxidants.

What oils are best to use in handmade lotion?

• Coconut oil, sweet almond, shea and cocoa are some of the most popular skin oils.
• Each has its own benefits, research the qualities offered by each and the benefits you are after in your lotion to determine which ones will work best for you.

What is the best way to mix and emulsify the ingredients?

• Heat and hold is the best method for mixing your ingredients and ensuring a stable emulsion 
• Use of a hand blender is also a good option to ensure a uniform consistency. 

What safety precautions should I take when making lotion at home?

• Properly sanitize all equipment before use.
• Do a patch test before using any new ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.

What safety precautions should I take when making lotion at home?

• Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

How long does homemade lotion last?

• Typically 2-3 months or the shortest shelf life of your raw ingredients

How can I tell if my homemade lotion has gone bad?

• Check for any signs of spoilage, such as a change in color or smell, before using your lotion.

Do I have to use a preservative when making lotion?

• Yes, it is necessary to use a preservative prevent bacteria or mold growth.

Can lotion be made without an emulsifier?

• While it is possible to make lotion without an emulsifier, it is not recommended as it will not have a smooth and consistent texture. The emulsifier also helps to ensure that your lotion does not separate over time.

Summing up

Besides being quite simple, you can also customize your lotion to suit your own skin type and preferences if you make your own lotion at home.When you are able to combine the right ingredients, emulsify them properly, and store them properly, you are able to create a lotion that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft. You are able to do this in your own home, just like you would in a spa.

It doesn’t take long for you to make your own lotion at home, so grab your ingredients and get started!

Are you excited to make your own lotion? Have you tried making lotion before? I  would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.