Basic Moisturising Lotion

This moisturising lotion base combines the nourishing properties of jojoba oil, and cocoa butter. This easy-to-make lotion is designed to deeply hydrate and protect your skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Jojoba oil, which closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, ensures optimal hydration without clogging pores, making it ideal for all skin types. Cocoa butter, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, provides intense moisture and helps improve skin elasticity. 

Our simple recipe allows you to create a high-quality moisturising lotion with a few key ingredients, free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives. 

Equipment:

• Heat-resistant glass or stainless steel bowl
• Mixing utensils
• Thermometer
• Double boiler or microwave
• pH strips (optional, for checking pH)
• Sterilized lotion bottles or jars

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure your workspace is clean and sterilised. Sterilisation is crucial to prevent contamination of your lotion.

2. Weigh and Measure Ingredients: Use a kitchen scale to accurately weigh and measure each ingredient according to the percentages listed above. Be precise in your measurements for a consistent final product.

3. Combine Water and Oil Phases: In a heat-resistant bowl, combine the emollients - Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifying Wax and BTMS-25.This mixture is the oil phase of your lotion.

4. Heat and Melt the Oil Phase: Use a double boiler or the microwave to gently heat and melt the oil phase. Be cautious not to overheat; you only need to melt the ingredients, not boil them. Stir the mixture until everything is fully melted and combined.

5. Heat and Prepare the Water Phase: In a separate container, heat the distilled water until it reaches the same temperature as the oil phase (typically around 160°F or 70°C). This helps prevent separation when you combine the two phases.

6. Emulsify the Phases: Slowly pour the hot water phase into the melted oil phase while stirring continuously. Use a stick blender or hand mixer to thoroughly emulsify the two phases. Continue blending until the mixture cools to around 120°F or 48°C.

7. Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, add some vitamin E oil and fragrance or essential oils to the lotion mixture. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

8. Check pH (optional): Use pH strips to check the pH level of your lotion. The ideal pH for a lotion is around 5.5, which is close to the skin's natural pH. Adjust with citric acid or sodium hydroxide if necessary.

9. Cool and Finalise: Allow the lotion mixture to cool to room temperature while stirring occasionally. This step helps prevent any potential separation.

10. Incorporate the Preservative: Once the lotion has cooled to room temperature, add the preservative according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is crucial for preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms in your lotion.

11. Package Your Lotion: Carefully pour your moisturizing lotion into sterilized lotion bottles or jars. Ensure the containers are clean and dry before filling.

12. Label and Store: Label your lotion containers with the date of preparation and any additional information, such as the scent or special properties of your lotion. Store your lotion in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Your basic moisturising lotion is now ready to use! Apply it generously to your skin, especially after showering or washing your hands, for soft and hydrated skin.

To enhance the effectiveness of your moisturiser base, consider adding the following ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid: This powerful humectant draws moisture into the skin, significantly boosting hydration and providing a plumping effect, which helps improve the skin's texture and appearance.

Vitamin E Oil: Known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E oil helps protect the skin from environmental damage while enhancing the moisturising effects of the other ingredients.

Aloe Vera Gel: Adds soothing and hydrating properties, making the moisturiser more suitable for sensitive or irritated skin while providing a light, refreshing feel.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps brighten the skin, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making the moisturiser more effective in addressing various skin concerns.

Essential Oils: Adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or rose can provide additional skin benefits such as soothing, calming, and anti-inflammatory effects, along with a pleasant natural fragrance.

Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, green tea extract helps protect the skin from free radicals and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the skin.