How to Make Lotion from Coconut Oil

Co-authored by Joanna Kula

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

You don't have to travel far to find good skincare products, and some of the best ones are often found in the kitchen! One excellent example is coconut oil. Moisturizing and healing, coconut oil is great for rashes and dry, flaking skin.^{[1]
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Research source} Instead of shelling out tons of money for store-bought lotion, why not make your own? The process is surprisingly simple and the results delightful. Coconut oil can have the potential to clog pores in some skin types, so make sure it is a good fit for you and talk to your doctor if you are unsure.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Joanna Kula
Skincare Specialist
Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Whipped Lotion

1
Place 1 cup (200 grams) of coconut oil into a mixing bowl. Make sure that the coconut oil is solid, preferably straight from the fridge. If the coconut oil is soft, it will not whip properly.^{[3]
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Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, if desired. If you cannot find vitamin E oil in a bottle, you can use about 4 capsules of the oil instead. Pierce or open up the capsules, and empty the oil into the bowl.^{[4]
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3
Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil, if desired. This is not absolutely necessary, but it will give the lotion a nice fragrance. You can use all one type of oil, or you can combine a few different oils and make your own, unique fragrance.^{[5]
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4
Whip the oil on high for 6 to 7 minutes with a stick blender. From time-to-time, scrap down the sides of the bowl. Continue mixing until the oil turns light, airy, and fluffy.^{[6]
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- Depending on how cold it was to begin with, it may form peaks like buttercream frosting, or it may turn smooth.
5
Transfer the oil into a glass jar. Use a rubber spatula to scoop the oil into an 8-ounce (240-milliliter) glass jar. You can also divide between two 4-ounce (120-milliliter) jars instead. Store the jar at room temperature or in the fridge.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Cooling Lotion

1
Whip ½ cup (100 grams) of coconut oil. Place ½ cup (100 grams) of solid coconut oil into a mixing bowl. Whip it on high for 6 to 9 minutes with a stick blender until it turns light and fluffy.^{[8]
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2
Add 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of aloe vera gel. This will help make the lotion cool and soothing.^{[9]
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Research source} Make sure that you are using plain, 100% aloe vera gel, without too many added ingredients. Some preservatives are fine, but avoid carrageenan, fragrance oils, parabens, polysorbate 20, and retinyl palmitate.^{[10]
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3
Add up to 12 drops of essential oil, if desired. You can use all one fragrance, or you can combine a few different ones to create your own, unique scent!^{[11]
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Research source} If you want to make the lotion even more cooling, try basil, eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, or peppermint.^{[12]
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- Peppermint oil is very potent. Start with just a few drops, then add more if desired.^{[14]
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4
Stir everything together until just combined. You can use a whisk or fork to do this, but don't overdo it, or the coconut oil will soften too much and lose its "fluff." You just want the aloe very gel to be mixed in evenly with the coconut oil, with no streaks or swirls.
5
Use a rubber spatula to transfer the lotion into a glass jar. You can use one 8-ounce (240-milliliter) jar or two 4-ounce (120-milliliter) jars. Store the jars at room temperature. If the lotion starts to get soft, put it into the fridge.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Basic Lotion

1
Microwave the coconut oil and emulsifying wax. Place 4½ ounces (127 grams) of coconut oil and 1½ ounces (42.52 grams) emulsifying wax into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them for 2 minutes, or until they are melted.^{[15]
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- You can also set up a double-boiler and use that instead.
2
Bring the water to a simmer. Fill a small saucepan with 16 ounces (475 milliliters) of distilled water. Bring the water to a simmer, then remove it from heat.^{[16]
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3
Combine the water, oil, wax, and glycerin. Pour the simmered water into the oil/wax mixture, then add 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of glycerin. Stir everything together with a whisk or spoon until the color and texture are consistent.^{[17]
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4
Stir in some essential oil, if desired. Plan on using 10 to 15 drops of essential oil. You can use all one fragrance, or a combination of different ones for something more unique.^{[18]
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5
Pour the lotion into glass jars. Divide the lotion between several 4-ounce (120-milliliter) mason jars, then pour the rest into a larger jar for storage. Store the little jars in your bathroom and the big jar in the fridge.^{[19]
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- If it is very warm where you live, store all of the jars in the fridge.

Expert Q&A

Question

Why is my skin still dry when I apply lotion regularly?

Joanna Kula
Licensed Esthetician
Joanna Kula is a Licensed Esthetician, Owner and Founder of Skin Devotee Facial Studio in Philadelphia. With over 10 years of experience in skincare, Joanna specializes in transformative facial treatments to help clients achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful, and radiant skin. She is also a contributing author for the prestigious Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa magazine and has been featured in a number of magazines including InStyle.

Joanna Kula

Licensed Esthetician

Expert Answer

This is likely due to a buildup of dead skin on the surface that can prevent ingredients from absorbing properly. Regular exfoliation with gentle alpha-hydroxy acids will not only improve your skin texture, but it will also make sure the products you put on are more effective.
Question

How thick does it get?

Community Answer

The consistency is like thin whipped cream. I think it's nice - not too thick, not too thin.
Question

Is it good for winter?

Community Answer

Yes, it's good for winter. It helps hydrate your skin to prevent cracking that caused by cold weather.