Hey, anyone know how to make your own lotion, preferably in the truest of diy senses? Please share any recipes or sites that might have recipes!

the only lotion i use is pure coconut oil, because anything else gives me a rash. i got my bottle of it in Hawaii, where of course it was always liquid, but when i got home i found out that it solidifies at northern california room temp. i transferred it to a tin, but a wide-mouthed, flat jar would be better. a drop of essential oil could be mixed in when it's liquid. i've seen big mayo-type jars of organic coconut oil sold by "spectrum" at the health food store. it's perfect for body and hair, though i wouldnt put it on my face.

stella

this is a very cool message board.....

a good source for diy lotions/potions are books by janice cox. I think one of her books is called Natural Beauty at Home. You can probably get it at any major bookstore. If you're a cheap, you can take a bunch of 3x5 cards to barnes&noble and just write down the recipes that interest you.

Anyhow, the book has recipes for lots of lotions, masks, and assorted bath time stuff.... and even how to grow loofahs, which I thought were from the ocean, but they grow on vines like squash. The book is definitely an interesting read if you like making your own stuff.

Here's one lotion recipe I found:

Melt together 1 part beeswax, 2 parts sunflower (or other) oil, & 1 part cocoa butter. As it cools, stir in a few drops of essential oil & pour into a container.

Also, I have to recommend www.simpleliving101.com & www.luxurylane.com for tons of good recipes for natural beauty things. I started making a book of recipes I've found & adding little drawings & it's so nice to have!

Susan

--oh, and www.from-nature-with-love.com has a lot of ingredients....

I used to be into making soaps and lotions. I was up to my ears in books, nut oils, essential oils, varied bottles and jars, and ingredients that I found difficult to pronounce.
I even had a blender dedicated to the illusive attempt to make a decent lotion. I'm not talking about creams that separate. No, I was trying to attain that drugstore lotion consistency. I could turn out a wonderful vitamin enriched cleanser. I even gave these as gifts. But eventually I lost interest. I don't know what the manufacturer’s secret is on making a good lotion that isn't runny, isn't too thick and doesn't separate but good luck!