Often, I get asked how to reduce the ‘greasiness’ of my balm recipes. I almost always reply with ‘use less, about 1/4 of what you’re used to’. The awesome thing about natural balms and lotions, is that they don’t contain multiple chemical ingredients that enhance penetration and create suffocating barriers. The idea is, usually, to use a little less and massage it in well, allowing those delicious natural butters and oils do their thing!
But, sometimes people aren’t keen to take my advice, or they haven’t seen the light yet, so I’ve created a very simple, three-ingredient lotion that is way less greasy than any other balm or lotion I have made before. Depending on which essential oils you’re using, you could apply this Velvety Moisturising Lotion to your body, face, on children and babies – the possibilities are endless. In fact, I think this could almost be your next ‘everything’ lotion, it’s that versatile and good.
I’ve chosen jojoba oil for this recipe, but I have also made it with olive oil and it worked beautifully. Of course you could make it super luxurious with some rosehip oil and a touch of vitamin E oil too.
So, find yourself 5 minutes, and make this one, you won’t regret it!
Velvety Moisturising Lotion
Makes: 165 g Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
- 100 g carrier oil (jojoba oil and sweet almond oil are popular choices)
- 5 g beeswax
- 60 g arrowroot flour (cornflour doesn’t seem to work as a substitution)
- 25 drops of essential oils
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oil combo for this recipe are ylang ylang, orange, rose geranium, patchouli (ratio of 10, 6, 5 and 4 drops) but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
1. Add carrier oil and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted. (Double boiler method – place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently; Microwave method – heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add arrowroot flour and essential oils and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into a jar (with lid) or bottle (with pump dispenser).
To Use
Add a small amount of lotion to your palm and massage into skin as required.
Recipe Notes
I recommend applying it sparingly as too much can leave behind a powdery finish.
This lotion should work well in a pump dispenser. If you find it is too thick (perhaps you live in a cold climate), add another 20 g of carrier oil and mix in well. This should help the lotion travel up the tube.
21 Comments
Looking forward to making this one. I love the simplicity. My life has changed so much by using these reciipes. I have gifted a number of books as well. ?
This is the second time I have made this. I love how it only needs a few ingredients and is simple and does the job. Thank you!
I have just made this, it was so easy and it feels lovely. My question is about the use of Arrowroot flour… does this have any benefits for the skin or is it a thickener?
BTW I accidentally used Tapioca flour ??♀️… feels ok but not sure if it has the same benefits?
Thanks so much Krissy, love your book!
Hey, thanks for the feedback! The arrowroot can be substituted with tapioca (they’re so similar) or cornflour, no worries. And it’s added to thicken it and make it less greasy 🙂
Could you add zinc oxide to this cream to give it some sunscrean protection?
I haven’t done this myself yet. I don’t knowhow the zinc will distribute through it. You can certainly give it a shot – let me know how you go.
Do you have any suggestions for a vegan-friendly alternative to beeswax?
You can use candelilla wax, just halve the amount as it gives a much firmer result.
Hi, do you think soy wax could also work as a vegan substitute for beeswax? Thanks!
I’ve used candelilla wax, not soy sorry. Halve the amount if you do choose to use candelilla.
Hi I love seeing all your new recipes and this one I am definitely keen to try!!
I have a question as to where you source your Rose Geranium oils from??
Hi Erin, I have had nothing but positive reviews on this recipe, some coming in the day I posted it, so I am sure you’ll love it! I got mine (Springfields brand) from Go Vita x
Is it imparitive to use the essential oils?
Thank you.
Keep safe
Kathy Deschamps
Absolutely not. You can leave them out 🙂
I’m curious, what are the benefits of using beeswax in a moisturiser?
It gives it some structure (so it isn’t too runny) and provides a protective barrier when applied to skin, locking in moisture without suffocating skin.
Hi Krissy, how long will this lotion keep for once bottled? Thanks
Months and months 🙂
Even out of the fridge without vitamin e oil as a preservative?
Can you recommend which vitamin e oil type is good to act as an anti-oxidant please?
Annnnd, have you created a body lotion using water before?
Thank you very much Krissy. Just bought your book!
You can add Vitamin E oil, yes, a tsp or two. This recipe will last a while at room temp. I have a magnesium cream that uses some water, but as soon as water is introduced, shelf life goes down so I prefer to stick with only oils/butters in balms and creams. Thanks for buying my book! x
This recipe sounds great. Can’t wait to make it. Thanks Krissy