DIY: Coconut Oil Lotion Bars With A Zing Of Ylang-Ylang
DIY: Coconut Oil Lotion Bars With A Zing Of Ylang-Ylang
Why I Choose To Make My Own
This is the first time I have ever made my own lotion bars and I am anxious for it to cure over the next few days so I can start using it. When I removed the lotion bars from the mold (for the picture above) and to set on the drying rack, my fingers felt luxurious! So creamy! OOOHHHH, I can't wait to use it later this week or weekend!
What's In Store Bought Lotions?
According to the Live Strong website, there are ingredients in lotions that should be avoided.
- Phthalates
- Fragrances
- Parabens
- Diethanolamine
And after reading this article from Living Pretty Naturally I was convinced not to use any commercial hand lotion. This website listed even MORE ingredients in store bought health and beauty items that should be avoided. I can't even pronounce most of them!
The things these big corporations and manufacturers put into their products is astounding.
Taking A More Natural Approach
We've all seen the news and commercials about class action lawsuits against talcum powder. A simple (awesome smelling powder we all used on our children or had used on ourselves) is being linked to ovarian cancer. I still don't know how this can be proven medically... but that's neither here nor there at the moment.
But still, this did get me thinking about all the toxins and chemicals we put into our bodies on a daily basis and are clueless. Hence the reason for my present desire to start making my own health, herbal and medicinal soaps, lotions, medicinal remedies and the like.
BONUS: this will be used for some of my homemade Christmas gift ideas as well. So many essential oil scents to work with and customize for each gift receiver!
RECIPE
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 ounce cocoa butter
- 2/3 cup beeswax (either pastilles or a piece chopped off brick)
- Essential oil (Optional) I added about 8 drops of Ylang-Ylang
Combine all ingredients into a glass jar and put into a saucepan of about 2-3 inches of water. Bring to a low simmer/medium to high heat. DO NOT BOIL
Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until all ingredients have melted together/liquefied and the mixture becomes translucent.
Pour into prepared molds and let cool for a minimum of four hours. Preferably overnight then place on a drying rack to allow it to cure properly. Store in a plastic bag or if you can in a soap dish with a cover (ie. travel soap dish). You can also pour into metal tins (easy to find at a dollar store) for a more portable way to use the lotion.
Next time I will be adding some tea tree oil to the mixture for my husband to keep at work and in the truck.
And that's it! Done and ready to use!
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I love ylang ylang. I'd be interested to know how easily these apply? Like if it's cold maybe it won't rub on so easily, and if it's hot maybe they just turn into a puddle or become far too malleable.
They have to be stored in a cool (dark) place from what I have read. With a good temperature being about 65-degrees. So I plan on keeping them in my office which I tend to keep on the cooler side in the winter months because I like my environment cooler rather than warmer.
But I'll keep an eye on it and let you know
I never heard of Ylang Ylang before but I do like the scent. Very pleasing and not too harsh
Ylang ylang is great, an anti-depressant and also aphrodisiac, very sensual!
nice recipe, vary nice post, thanks for sharing following up voted
I just got something similar at a backyard trade. Only, she used beef tallow and it had turmeric and rosemary in it. I love it!! My hands are always messed up.