Sunday, February 19, 2012

Homemade Coconut Shea Butter Lotion: for dry sky and eczema

After I made my first batch of lotion, I've been experimenting with different ingredients for different aliments.  For example, using colloidal oatmeal as an anti-itch relief.  It's super fun and easy to make your own lotion.  It takes just a few minutes to mix the ingredients together and there you have it.  Today I'm sharing another variation for the dry/eczema prone skin.  I keep everything raw when making lotion.  I never heat the ingredients, which I feel is very important.  This batch includes shea butter as the base, with coconut oil, calendula oil, jojoba oil and a dash of eucalyptus (for its healing properties and fragrance).  Raw shea butter has a very interesting smell, almost smokey, and in the many batches I've purchased (on amazon) they have all varied in color and smell.  This is to be expected.  So have fun and experiment with essential oils!  

Ingredients:
-4.5 ounces raw organic unrefined shea butter here or here
-1/4 cup raw, organic coconut oil
-3 tablespoons jojoba oil
-1 tablespoon calendula oil
-3/4 teaspoon eucalyptus oil* 

Purchase the glass amber jars HERE

How To:
1.  Mix ingredients in bowl, initially by hand, then with electric mixer.
2.  Fill small glass jars and use within 2 months. 
3.  Final product can be stored at room temperature during use, as it has great self life!  Store remaining unused shea butter in the refrigerator, or you could also store leftover lotion in the fridge if you won't be using it right away (it will keep for months in the fridge).  This stuff is resilient and you're good either way, no matter where you keep it. 

Notes
*Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oil that can help control eczema flare-ups.  Eucalyptus oil works by stimulating blood circulation and has a calming and cooling effect on irritated skin.  And like echinacea, eucalyptus also stimulates your immune function.  Before applying eucalyptus oil (or any essential oil) to the skin, the oil should be diluted in a carrier oil (i.e. sweet almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc.) to avoid further irritation and burning.  Eucalyptus can be applied throughout the day as needed for itch relief.  Eucalyptus is also great for treating a baby eczema rash.
*
Use hand mixer OR food processor.  Both work well.  I tend to use a hand mixer with soft ingredients.  When I make lotion with cocoa butter, I always use a food processor.  It's difficult to incorporate cocoa butter with a hand mixer.  Something else that's important to consider is that the heat from the friction (from running the food processor a while) will help melt the small chunks of cocoa butter and incorporate all the ingredients nicely.     

Additional Homemade Lotions from The Tasty Alternative:

1.  Jojoba Shea Butter Lotion
2.  Cocoa and Shea Body Butter  
3.  Shea Cocoa Avocado Oil Body Butter
______________________________________________________________________
{affiliate links in post}
Shared on: Healthy Second Wednesday 

41 comments:

  1. If we could buy these ingredients easily and a bit cheaper in the UK I'd be whipping up a batch today! Sounds amazing!

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  2. Hi There Vicki,

    I've also heard this from a few other readers. Too bad things are so expensive for you in the UK. I can imagine this is very frustrating!!

    Be Well,
    --Amber

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  3. Ahh Amber this lotion sounds heavenly! My hands get dry this time of year in the Rocky Mountains and this lotion sounds perfect for them. I love the combination of coconut and shea butter you used.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Laura!

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  • Does the finished lotion need to be refrigerated? Or can it stay in my bathroom?

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  • Hi Tracy,

    Great question!

    This can stay out at room temp for weeks, perhaps months. It has a great shelf life. We keep a jar in my son's room, one in our bedroom, some in my bag, and a jar in the kitchen.

    Be Well,
    --Amber

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  • Awesome! Thanks for such an awesome recipe! I have been using straight coconut oil on my skin, but wanted something more true to an actual lotion with the great benefits of coconut oil. I will be ordering some shea butter online soon! Any particular brand or site you recommend?

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  • Hi Tracy,

    For sure, I ordered mine from Amazon. It's a great price and goes a long way! You'll get a TON of lotion. If you're making just a little bit, purchase the smallest quantity you can. But this link will get you started and you can browse through different options.

    Have fun and play around with the ingredients. You might want to add in more shea, or more coconut, etc. Either way, this combination of ingredients is very healing and really helps my son's skin!

    link: http://www.amazon.com/100%25-Organic-West-African-Butter/dp/B0009JQFF6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1331919531&sr=8-7

    Let me know how it goes for you.

    P.S. I just bought some raw cocoa butter (from amazon), oh my, it smells soooo good. I'm making some lotion with this next. Recipe coming soon! :-)

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  • I'm not a mixtress...yet, I guess. I'd usually see others mixing shea with just an EO. But never with coconut oil. The benefits for the skin are definitely increased. Great recipe. Thank you for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. My pleasure!

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  • A reader left me a comment on this post, and it came through my email, but it's not showing up here? So here is the question:

    Hi Amber,
    Thanx for your wonderful recipe. One question.., should the lotion be stored in glass containers only?? If yes, why? --Anu

    My Answer:

    Good question, Anu. I firmly believe that glass containers are the best for oily and high fat ingredients (such as coconut oil and shea butter). Fats and oils leach out toxins in plastic, and you just don't want to take the risk. This lotion can last months and months (very long shelf life) so I really recommend storing in a glass container. I use old glass bottles from the store (from previous lotions) or ask friends if they have any around. You can also find little glass lotion containers at most stores. Thanks, --Amber

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  • Hi Amber,

    I saw this recipe and will try it tonight! I have eczema as well and have become more conscious of what I put on my skin. I'm crossing my fingers that this recipe will work for me! Have you ever experimented with Neem? I've done a little research and it seems that neem may be very beneficial for people with eczema. I might try adding a few drops of neem oil into your recipe and see how it works. Thanks for sharing this!

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  • Hello Anonymous,

    Thanks for your note.

    I just want to add a few things about healing and eczema. First, not every lotion is going to work and overtime they seem to sort of lose their benefit. I recommend making different lotions throughout the year and finding which ingredients(s) work the best (overall). It's trial and error. For my husband, currently, the best combo for his eczema is shea butter, cocoa butter, vegetable glycerine, and coconut oil. I mix all three of these together and it heals the cracked, bleeding skin. It's still red, but it's getting better.

    In addition, and this is very important, I recommend modifying any diet with eczema. Food is a big trigger, so lotions aren't going to work as well if skin is always contending with the aggravating affects of food. lastly, add in fish oils and other healing supplements to the diet.

    I truly believe a holistic approach to eating and remedies can dramatically improve eczema. It's been 3 years, but for the FIRST time my son's eczema is in remission! We never gave up on the diet, the supplements and lotions.

    Good luck to you on your healing journey.

    P.S. We've never tried Neem, but I certainly recommend this oil! Very healing and I've heard great things.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Amber,

      Thank you for the response! I was actually just looking through your recipes. I've been trying to adjust my diet but it's been harder than I thought. I think your recipes will give me a great selection to choose from and help with my attempt at a healthier diet.

      I'm so glad to hear that your son's eczema is doing better! That's really great. I hope the trend continues!

      Thanks again, reading your blog has been very inspiring!

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  • Thank you so much. It's nice to see the inflammation finally under control.

    And thank you for your kind words.

    Good luck on your healing journey. Check back and let me know how you're doing!

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  • Thanks for posting this recipe. I'm hoping it will help my dry, peeling fingertips this winter. Question for you: I just made a batch of this for the first time and it is runny, not thick like the lotion looks in your pictures. Any ideas as to why, or how to get it to thicken? I tried putting it in the refrigerator but it just solidified and was hard to get out of the jar.

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  • Hi! I look forward to trying this recipe for winter/dry skin season. I made something similar as a diaper cream for my baby (only difference is it included corn starch and no calendula or eucalyptus oil) I am wondering why it must be used within 2 months. I have been using the same batch on my 5 month old baby since she was born...I am only now running out.

    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ramona,

      Sounds great! Oh I'm sure this lasts forever. I use mine up in about 2 months, so I can't speak for how it holds up after that. As a rule I only recommend what I experience, rather than assuming. So great to hear yours has lasted so long! Thanks for sharing. I'n sure this is helpful for others. :-)

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  • Also! Can I add 2 tsp. Of colloidal oatmeal to this recipe for the anti-itch healing factor?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ramona,

      In my experience, too much is drying, so start by mixing just a small amount with another batch of the lotion (start with like 1 teaspoon). I believe very little is in the store bought variety and it seems to really help with the itching. I made a batch once with too much of the oatmeal and it was not very beneficial. You just need a touch of it in there for the anti-itch factor. Let me know how it works out and what ratios you found helpful. :-)

      Thanks and have a great rest of your week.

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  • Thanks so much for sharing your journey! I've read that putting handmade creams for eczema in jars that you put your hand into and apply to the skin and then put back into the container isn't good as it reintroduces bacteria. Have you heard this? I'd like to try this recipe, but I'm wondering if it would be too thick to try with a pump in order to not be putting your hand into the cream.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jessica,

      Oh wow - I have never heard of this. I suggest to wash hands well before dipping into the jar if you're worried about introducing bacteria. I've been making lotions for years and never encountered any bacterial problems. And yes, far too thick to add into a pump. The lotion turns very solid in cool temps. Good luck and let me know what you end up doing. Thanks.

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  • Hi, thanks for sharing tips on making eczema friendly creams.
    I am about to start making some for my son and myself.
    I am planning to use unrefined coconut oil, jojoba oil according to the recipe.
    But I am wondering if I could add in evening primrose oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E as well in same recipe... Or do you think it is too much oil....
    let me know. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Hi There,

      I would stick with the almond oil, primrose, and vit. E. I don't think it hurts to add in more oils, especially if they are beneficial. This will be mighty oily, so it's good you have the shea butter as a base. Come on back and let us know how it all worked out for you.

      Thanks.

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    2. Hi Amber,

      I just tried it out with jojoba oil, coconut oil and sweet allmond oil. I stay in hot climate country. Maybe I added a bit too much coconut oil... It seems to be in liquid form. Do I need to put it in the fridge to make it solid?

      Delete
  • Hi Amber,

    It solidifies itself overnight. Problem solved. Thanks.

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  • Amber,
    I just wanted to say thank you for posting your recipe. I made this lotion and it turned out fabulous. Every time I use it, I smell it first and it smells so wonderful I almost want to eat it! Must be the coconut/eucalyptus that is so appealing to me :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! You really made my day. I'm so glad you are enjoying the lotion. It's so fun to make. :-

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  • I just made this lotion and I really like it so far. I added lavender oil to it and it smells so good. I also used grape seed oil (most convenient for me to get) instead of the jojoba oil. I have really dry/eczema prone skin in summer and especially in fall and winter, living in Arizona probably doesn't help the fact either, but I really hope this works for me. So far it feels really nice and moisturizing. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jeanette,

      Thank you for your comment! And I'm so glad you are enjoying the lotion. From what I understand it can be quite dry in Arizona! So how wonderful you can lather this on your skin. It really helps my pesky dry winter skin..and my poor son with eczema suffers this time of year, but this lotion really helps keep his skin nice and moisturized. If you feel like the lotion starts to lose it's touch, try a different batch. I rotate lotions, for example, in the summer I make this one and in the fall I make another (usually my lotion with cocoa butter - link can be found at end of post). I also use that lotion (the one with cocoa butter) as my face moisturizer. It's amazing!!! Thanks so much again for your note. Be Well. --Amber

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  • Vitamin E is a natural preserver.Can I use this to extend the life the shel life even more. If so how much more?

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    Replies
    1. Please be more specific on your time frame. I suggest using this lotion after making it rather than letting it sit. It will keep at room temperature for at least 6 months. Keep in fridge to extend life of lotion. I can't speak to how long vitamin E will extend the life of lotion. Hope this helps.

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  • Hi, I make a lotion primarily out of coconut oil, cocoa butter, & mango butter. Is there any natural ingredient you could recommend that I could add to it to help it not melt in the FL heat or in the summer? Thank you it has no water& no wax just oil & butter.

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    Replies
    1. Hi There. I've never heard of Mango butter - that sounds great. So shea butter seems to hold my lotions together very well, even the ones with coconut oil (I live in your climate here in Northern California...100+ during the summer). Look at your ratios too. I usually only use 1/4 cup coconut oil/cocoa butter with 16 ounces of shea butter. I do think a wax is your best bet though. beaswax is actually very healing and will definitely bind your lotion. I would only add a few tablespoons. Melt in a double boiler so you don't burn it or kill it's natural, raw properties. Other than that, you only option would be to store the lotion in the fridge. Good luck - let me know what you try.

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