DIY Lotion Bars: Smooth Skin Sans Packaging Waste

Bars are just plain great. And while we enjoy the occasional cocktail out with friends, that's not the type of bar we're referring to. We're talking shampoo bars, soap bars, laundry stain bars, and lotion bars -- relativey recent innovations that eliminate the need for so many plastic bottles that would otherwise be destined for the landfill! Lotion bars are extra special, because they're super easy to make. So we challnge you: go ahead, assemble your ingredients, grab a buddy, and follow this recipe for luxurious homemade moisturizing bars.

For this recipe, you'll need:

• 2 parts beeswax (or sub candelilla wax for a vegan alternative)
• 1 part cocoa butter
• 1 part shea butter
• 1 part coconut oil
• 2 parts almond oil (or other liquid oil)
• 3 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

1. Combine grated beeswax, grated cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil in a glass cup or bowl.
2. Fill a pot with 1 - 2" water and add the bowl.
3. Heat until melted.
4. Remove from heat and add liquid oil and vitamin E.
5. Stir to combine.
6. Pour into mold (a silicone ice cube tray or muffin pan will work great).
7. Let cool overnight, or freeze for one hour.
8. Remove from the mold and enjoy!

To store your lotion bars, keep them in a sealed jar, wrapped in beeswax wrap, or in a cup in your cabinet. These bars can melt in high temperatures, so avoid keeping them in your bag or in your car. If you live in a warmer climate, we'd recommend subbing coconut oil for more shea or cocoa butter, and/or adding extra wax.

Not into the idea of a solid moisturizing bar? We have a recipe for Whipped Body Butter that's pretty wonderful!

If you try this recipe, one similar, or any of the other recipes on our site, we'd love to hear from you! Comment below or reach out to us on Instagram.