If you’re one of the many people out there who are disturbed by all of the chemicals that are commonly found in commercial sunscreens, lotions, and bug repellants, this recipe is for you. While you can’t guarantee what SPF a DIY lotion will be, at least you don’t have to worry about whether what’s in it will damage your endocrine system or give you cancer. Depending on what kind of ingredients you buy, lotions like this one will probably be somewhere in the range of SPF 15 to SPF 30.
As a bonus, the ingredients in this recipe are amazing for your skin. You could actually use it as a daily moisturizer any time of the year if you want. Myrrh and geranium both have anti-aging properties, and lavender and carrot seed oil are good at balancing out any skin problems like acne. All of the essential oils used here have a reputation for repelling fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. Plus, they don’t smell weird like bug repellant usually does.
Even though purchasing everything could be an investment at the outset, the ingredients left over will last a long time and can be used for many other DIY projects, household needs, and body care needs. Overall, homemade lotion is much cheaper per ounce than the average natural body care products. Just one more reason to love it, right?
All sunscreens, even the store bought kinds, need to be reapplied after a lot of sweating, after playing in the water, or if it’s been a few hours and you’re staying out in the sun. As with anything, use common sense and don’t count on a sunscreen to completely protect you skin from extended exposure to strong sunlight. Even the chemical ones with fancy labels and big talking claims can’t do that.
Ingredients:
- 6 tbsp. organic coconut oil
- 3 tbsp. organic shea butter
- 3 tbsp. organic jojoba oil
- 1 1/4 tsps. organic almond oil
- 1 1/4 tsps. organic aloe vera gel
- 60 drops organic carrot seed oil
-
15 drops myrrh essential oil
-
40 drops lavender essential oil
-
40 drops geranium essential oil
- 8 oz. jar with tight sealing lid
- Large mason jar
- Stock pot
- Water
Directions:
- Add the coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and shea butter to a clean, large mason jar.
- Stand the jar in a large, deep pot such as a stock pot. Now carefully pour enough water around it to cover the part of the jar with the oil in it. Don’t get any water in the jar. Remember, oil and water don’t mix, so the water would just encourage bacteria growth later on.
- Set the pot on a burner turned on low to medium heat. Stir with a fork until everything is completely melted and mixed very well.
- Turn off the burner. Add the aloe vera gel and essential oils, then stir thoroughly. You want a very smooth, even texture when you’re done.
- Pour the oil mixture into a clean 8 oz. jar, preferably a pretty one with enough room at the mouth to scoop the lotion out with a spoon when you want to use it. Let the lotion cool completely before applying.
- If you want to, you can store it in the fridge when you’re not using it. Also, be aware that the consistency and color of this lotion may change with the temperature.
Resources:
All is Well Health and Inspirations 