I try to stay hydrated and get enough minerals (including salt water), but sometimes my skin needs more moisture. This aloe vera lotion will help soften dry skin and moisturize it. It’s great as a body lotion or face lotion. Even better, it only contains a few simple ingredients!
This moisturizing lotion combines organic aloe vera gel, rich shea butter, and nourishing almond oil. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, and dimethicone, which are found in many store-bought skin care products.
Aloe Vera Body Lotion
As the weather gets colder, many of us find our skin getting drier. Living in a humid climate, I no longer have this problem, but sometimes my skin needs a little extra hydration. I love lotion bars and this homemade lotion for its intense nourishment, but this aloe lotion is great when you want something lighter.
Aloe has a similar feel to glycerin in skin care recipes, but it doesn’t feel as sticky. It absorbs well into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. If you use fresh aloe from the plant, this lotion will only last 1-2 weeks before it goes bad. Aloe vera gel sold in stores and online is preserved and lasts longer, up to 6 weeks.
Skin benefits of aloe vera
I love aloe so much that I keep it in my home! It’s not only great for treating burns, but also for other skin irritations. You’ve probably used aloe vera gel to soothe a sunburn.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice is rich in nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. It also helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and stimulate collagen production, which keeps the skin elastic and wrinkle-free. Aloe helps the skin to “recover” by becoming more elastic and flexible.
Material Options
This lotion can also be used as a face cream. Depending on the exact ingredients used, it can also be effective for those with acne or eczema. Oils like olive oil or avocado oil are good for dry or mature skin types. If you are acne-prone or want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, adding rosehip seed oil is a good option. I prefer sweet almond (non-greasy) or jojoba, which mimic the sebum of the skin and absorb well into the skin.
I use shea butter for a particularly rich feel, but it’s optional. You can also use cocoa butter or mango butter instead. Cocoa butter provides more intense hydration, while mango butter is very light and absorbs quickly.
Homemade Aloe Vera Lotion
This aloe-based lotion is gentle and lighter than other options. It’s great for all skin types and even for kids!
Produce: 6.5 oz.
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Melt the beeswax, oils, and shea butter (if using) in a double boiler or glass bowl set over a pan of water.
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Remove from heat and pour into a blender or mason jar (if using an immersion blender). You can also use a stand mixer.
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Add vitamin E (if using) and essential oils.
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Let cool to room temperature. It should be room temperature and just starting to harden around the edges. This will help the lotion emulsify properly.
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If using aloe, add Leucidal Complete.
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Using a blender or hand blender, start blending on low speed. Very slowly, add the room temperature aloe vera gel and mix. Use a spatula to clean the sides and blend again a few times until fully combined.
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Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
If your family uses a lot of lotion, you can double the recipe.
Lotion Storage and Preservation
Vitamin E prevents the oil from oxidizing quickly, but it does not preserve the lotion. If you want to use a natural preservative, you can add Leucidal complete to slow down microbial growth. If you use a preservative, it can be stored in the refrigerator for several months.
As always, store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. A damp bathroom counter is not the best place! And apply only with clean fingers.
Make your own non-toxic sunscreen.
Have you ever tried making your own lotion? Let us know by leaving a comment!
