Compact DIY Lotion Bar Recipe For Effective Hydration

That’s exactly why we started making our own DIY lotion bar.

We wanted a simple, non-greasy solution that actually works—without the toxins, the greenwashing, or the $20+ price tag. So we crafted a blend of rich, skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.

The result? A firm yet creamy bar that glides on and melts into your skin effortlessly and hydrates deeply, leaving even your hands, heels and elbows soft. It’s super easy to make, totally customizable with your favorite essential oils (or none at all), and perfect for dry skin that needs extra love without the fuss.

For on-the-go moisture, we love solid bars, as they fit in a compact, pocket-sized tin that can be taken anywhere. They’re especially useful for travel, as you don’t need to worry about airline liquid restrictions.

So with a bit (actually a lot) of trial and error we came up with the perfect recipe for a solid moisturizer bar that’s packed with nourishing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated without the mess of a liquid lotion. It melts slightly on contact with skin, making application smooth and effortless. And you can also customize the ingredients so you get the perfect homemade skin care product for your skin.

Ingredients:

• Shea Butter (1 tbsp): Deeply hydrates and soothes dry skin
• Cocoa Butter or Mango Butter (1 tbsp): Provides additional nourishment and a firm texture
• Jojoba or Rosehip Oil (1 tbsp): Lightweight and non-greasy, great for facial hydration
• Beeswax or Candelilla Wax for Vegan Option (1 tbsp): Helps solidify the bar and adds a protective layer on the skin
• Vitamin E Oil (½ tsp): Acts as a natural preservative and nourishes the skin
• Storage tin/mold (~2 oz in capacity)

Customization Options:

If you don’t have cocoa or mango butter, you can substitute with more shea butter or use another firm, nourishing ingredient to maintain the solid consistency. This will still provide a creamy texture but might make the bar slightly softer.

Kokum butter is another alternative with a similar texture to cocoa/mango butter but without any scent.

If you prefer something a little more rich and creamy (but non-greasy), try our homemade body butter recipe for ultra-hydration.

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water), melt the shea butter, cocoa/mango butter, jojoba oil, and beeswax. Stir until fully combined.
2. Remove from heat and add vitamin E oil and essential oils (if using). Stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into a 2 oz tin or silicone mold.
4. Let it cool and harden at room temperature for a few hours or place it in the fridge to speed up the process.
5. To use, rub the bar between your fingers to warm it slightly, then apply directly to your face. You may need to use a butter knife and run it along the edges of the tin to loosen the bar in order to remove.

We love natural beauty products that are effective and affordable—especially when they skip the synthetics and unnecessary packaging. That’s why homemade body moisturizers like this lotion bar aren’t just great for your skin, they’re great for your wallet, too.

With just five natural ingredients (which are customizable and most of which you may already have) it costs under $2 to make a full 2 oz bar. That’s a serious savings compared to the $15 price tag of similar store-bought options from natural skincare brands.

Here’s exactly how the numbers break down:

DIY Moisturizer Bar

• Shea Butter: $8 for an 8 oz tub (~$0.50 for 1 tbsp)
• Cocoa Butter: $20 for a 1 lbs bag (~$0.06 for 1 tbsp)
• Jojoba Oil: $7 for a 4 fl oz bottle (~$0.87 for 1 tbsp)
• Beeswax: $8 for a 15 oz bag (~$0.22 for 1 tbsp)
• Vitamin E Oil: $6 for a 2 fl oz bottle (~$0.25 for ½ tsp)

Cost per batch: ~$1.90 (recipe makes about 2 fl oz)

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$15 for a 2 fl oz tin (e.g., EcoRoots, Honey House Naturals, Burt’s Bees, and similar natural skincare brands)

Savings per Batch: $13.10

Commercial moisturizers all promise glowing healthy skin, but peruse the label and you’ll find a cocktail of synthetic ingredients that do more harm than good—especially for those with sensitive, acne-prone, or eczema-affected skin. Even moisturizers marketed as “gentle” or “natural” can contain hidden irritants and questionable fillers.

Here are some of the common culprits found in conventional moisturizers:

• Parabens: Widely used as preservatives, parabens (like methylparaben or propylparaben) have been linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation (EWG).

• Synthetic Fragrances: A single listed “fragrance” can contain dozens of chemicals, some of which are linked to allergies, dermatitis, and even hormone disruption.

• Mineral Oil: A petroleum-derived ingredient used as a cheap emollient. It can clog pores and interfere with the skin’s natural detox process, especially for acne-prone skin (Healthline).

• Drying Alcohols: Ingredients like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol can quickly dry out the skin, stripping away natural oils and compromising the moisture barrier.

• Dimethicone: This silicone derivative gives moisturizers a smooth feel, but it can form a film on the skin that traps debris and prevents absorption of nutrients.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Though more common in cleansers, SLS occasionally sneaks into moisturizers and can irritate or dry out the skin—especially with repeated use.

That’s why many are turning to simple, DIY face moisturizers and other DIY beauty products. With just a few nourishing ingredients—like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E—you get real hydration without the filler, fragrance, or fluff.