There's something incredibly satisfying about creating your own natural skincare products, especially when they're as versatile and effective as this solid lotion. This lotion bar doubles as an after-sun soother and a post-depilation treatment, thanks to its amazing hydrating, regenerating and calming properties.
If you want to extend your tan or soothe freshly shaved skin, this solid lotion is the perfect solution.
On of its star ingredients, cupuaçu butter, retains over 240% of its weight in water, providing deep, long-lasting hydration that keeps your skin looking radiant.
I spent my summer holidays perfecting this recipe, experimenting with different textures and levels of moisture until I found the perfect balance. Now, I’m excited to share it with you!
Why This Solid Lotion Works
Cocoa Butter & Candelilla Wax: The base of this lotion bar is cocoa butter, known for its rich texture and ability to harden the bar effectively. Paired with candelilla wax, it ensures a smooth, dry finish on the skin.
Cupuaçu Butter: As mentioned earlier, this butter is a powerhouse when it comes to hydration. It’s also excellent at repairing sun-damaged skin. However, because both cocoa and cupuaçu butters are comedogenic, I recommend using this bar on your body rather than your face.
Customizing for Face Use: If you're looking to create a version that’s suitable for both face and body, you can substitute cocoa and cupuaçu butters with kokum butter, which has a drier feel and is non-comedogenic. You might also have a look at my all-in-one solid lotion recipe, suitable for both face and body.
Soothing Ingredients: To calm and soothe the skin, I’ve included Physalis angulata CO2 extract and bisabolol, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Amyris essential oil adds a soothing touch, while raspberry oil offers a light texture and additional soothing benefits. Jojoba oil is included for its regenerative properties and for its light touch.
Essential Oils: For a touch of summer, I’ve chosen a blend of geranium, litsea cubeba and Amyris essential oils. They provide a delightful scent and also offer the added bonus of repelling mosquitoes - perfect for those warm summer nights!
Where to Find Physalis angulata CO2 extract? How to replace it?
A common question I get is where to find Physalis angulata extract. It’s true, it’s not the easiest ingredient to source. I purchase mine from Aroma Zone, where it's sold under the name Phys'apaise. If you’re in Europe, this is a convenient option. Alternatively, you can use other liposoluble soothing actives like Calendula or Chamomile CO2 extract.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, replace jojoba oil with a soothing infused oil, such as calendula or chamomile. You can also increase the amount of bisabolol to 1% for added calming effects.
DIY Solid lotion bar Ingredients
- Cocoa butter: 32 g – 32%
- Cupuaçu butter: 10 g – 10%
- Candelilla wax: 15 g – 15%
- Physalis angulata CO2 extract (Phys'apaise): 0.5 g - 0,5%
- Jojoba oil: 17 g - 17%
- Raspberry oil: 23 g - 23%
- Bisabolol: 0.5 g - 0,5%
- Vitamin E: 0.5 g (0.5%)
- Geranium essential oil: 0.7 g - 0,7%
- Amyris essential oil: 0.6 g - 0,6%
- Litsea cubeba essential oil: 0.2 g - 0,2%
How to make the solid lotion bar
- Melt Ingredients: In a double boiler, gently melt the cocoa butter, cupuaçu butter, jojoba oil, candelilla wax, and Physalis angulata extract until fully liquefied.
- Add Raspberry Oil: Remove the mixture from heat and slowly stir in the raspberry oil. You might have to gently reheat if it gets solid.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add bisabolol, vitamin E and the essential oils, stirring continuously.
- Pour and Set: Pour the mixture into molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Finalize: Once solidified, remove from molds and allow them to sit at room temperature for one day. Your soothing and hydrating solid lotion is now ready to use!
More ideas!
Looking for more ispiration? You might want to have a look at my summer ready DIY cosmetics and travel friendly mini cosmetics blog post.
Also, don't forget to scrub your skin to make your tanning lasting longer and to avoid ingrown hairs ingrown hairs. My gentle sugar scrub paste recipe is perfect for it.