Lotion Bar

Lotion Bar Ingredient Summary

Wax - Needed to harden the lotion bar 

  • Beeswax - The standard for lotion bars. Beeswax provides a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture with a melting point of about 144°-147°F.
  • Candelilla Wax - A natural non-animal based wax with a melting point of about 155°-162°F.
  • Carnauba Wax - A natural non-animal based wax with a melting point of about 180°–187°F.

Butters - Used to add protective barriers to skin and add emolliency to lotion bars

  • Cocoa Butter - thought to reduce skin dryness and improve elasticity.  
  • Shea Butter - high in vitamin and mineral content, which is thought to benefit dry skin. 
  • Mango Butter - thought to exhibit excellent moisturizing properties while countering the drying effects of bar soaps and cleansers.

Oils - Offer different results depending on their properties. 

  • Lighter base oils for a more absorbing lotion bar.
    • Sunflower Oil
    • Grapeseed Oil
    • Safflower Oil
    • Meadowfoam Seed Oil
  • Medium oils
  • Heavier oils for a heavy lotion bar.
    • Olive Oil
    • Avocado Oil

Other Add-ins - Only add oil-soluble products as water-based products will separate out of the bar. 

  • Fragrance - You can use both fragrance oils and essential oils. The typical usage rate for both is about 2% of the total lotion bar recipe but double check IFRA guidelines to make sure you comply.
  • Vitamin E - Vitamin E T-50 is an excellent antioxidant for products containing oils. It will help prevent oils from turning brown and going rancid. The usage rate for Vitamin E is 1%.
  • Colorants - You can add color to your lotion bars by using an oil-based colorant such as Oil Locking Mica.

Lotion Bar Formulation

Liquid Oil - 1 Part                                        
Butter - 1 Part                                  
Wax - 1 Part
Fragrance - 2% of total above

Lotion Bar Directions

1. Melt the wax and butter in the microwave or in a double boiler

2. Once melted, add the liquid oil and any additives

3. Pour into tubes or cavity molds

4. If cavity molds were used, unmold and enjoy!