Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bars are a luxurious treat for your skin, combining the emollient properties of natural butters and oils with the soothing scent of vanilla. Perfect for those who prefer a solid moisturizer, these lotion bars are not only practical and easy to use, but they also offer a non-toxic way to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
These DIY lotion bars are great to make for spa-day gifts, especially for Mother’s Day, birthdays and Christmas.
![Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar - A white plate with some squares of soap on it.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vanilla-Homemade-Lotion-Bar-Final-1-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Lotion bars are especially great as travel-size toiletries, too. The solid bars can be packed in your luggage without worrying about bottle sizes.
While these lotion bars are a fabulous zero-waste lotion that is moisturizing for your skin, they are best used as a winter lotion bar. The combination of coconut oil and beeswax can melt easily in high temperatures.
![Diy beeswax and shea butter lotion bar.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DIY-Beeswax-and-Shea-Butter-Lotion-Bar-1-683x1024.png.webp)
How to Make Homemade Lotion Bars
This recipe makes 12 single-use lotion bars.
You will need to weigh these supplies using a kitchen scale and not a measuring cup. A small inexpensive kitchen scale will work great. If you do not have a kitchen scale, try my beeswax lotion bar recipe which uses many of the same ingredients.
Supplies
- 1.5 oz shea butter
- 1.5 oz coconut oil
- 1.5 oz beeswax
- 15 drops vanilla-scented essential oil
- ¼ tsp vanilla bean powder
- Square silicone mold
- Microwave safe measuring cup with spout
- Kitchen scale (I own this one and am really happy with it)
![Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar - A set of bowls with ingredients and a spoon on a marble countertop.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vanilla-Homemade-Lotion-Bar-Supplies-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Directions
Step 1
Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to the microwave-safe measuring cup.
Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each session, until fully melted.
![Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar Step 2 - A bowl filled with whipped cream and a spoon.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vanilla-Homemade-Lotion-Bar-Step-2-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Step 2
One the mixture is a liquid, stir in the essential oil and the vanilla bean powder.
![Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar Step 3 - A person holding an essential oil in a bowl.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vanilla-Homemade-Lotion-Bar-Step-3-768x1024.jpg.webp)
![Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar Step 4 - A glass bowl filled with a mixture of oil and flowers.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vanilla-Homemade-Lotion-Bar-Step-4-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Step 3
Immediately pour the liquid mixture into the silicone mold. Allow to set for at least 2-3 hours or until completely hardened.
![Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar Step 5 - A red tray with ice cubes on it.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vanilla-Homemade-Lotion-Bar-Step-5-768x1024.jpg.webp)
Once the mixture has cooled completely, hardened and turned opaque, remove from the mold.
Store these homemade lotion bars in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Helpful Tips
- Any size or shape of silicone mold can be used. Try hearts, flowers or seasonal molds.
- Use small silicone mold shapes rather than larger shapes. These are single-use lotion bars. You do not want to start melting the bar in your hand and then need to store the rest of the lotion for later.
- A wooden craft stick is the best way to stir the oils together. Otherwise the shea butter and beeswax may stick to a spoon and be hard to remove.
- You can use either yellow or white beeswax, however the yellow beeswax will have a darker color and look more yellow.
- Pure vanilla essential oil can be really expensive. You just need an essential oil that has the fragrance of vanilla, even if it is a blend. Be wary of fragrance oils, though, because they are not pure plant extracts.
Want to save this recipe for later? Be sure to Pin It to Pinterest!
![small homemade lotion bars in a white bowl on a wooden cutting board with Pinterest text overlay](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/How-To-Make-a-Lotion-Bar-1-683x1024.png.webp)
For more DIY lotion recipes, see these ideas next:
- Whipped Coconut Oil Lotion
- Winter Body Balm for Dry Skin
- DIY Beeswax Balm (3 Unique Ways to Make It)
![Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar - A bowl of soap cubes on a wooden cutting board.](https://www.getgreenbewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vanilla-Homemade-Lotion-Bar-Final-2-720x720.jpg.webp)
Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bars
Easy DIY Vanilla Homemade Lotion Bar. Use natural ingredients to make these moisturizing zero-waste lotions perfect for gifts.
Materials
- 1.5 oz shea butter
- 1.5 oz coconut oil
- 1.5 oz beeswax
- 15 drops vanilla-scented essential oil
- ¼ tsp vanilla bean powder
Tools
- Square silicone mold
- Microwave safe measuring cup with spout
- Kitchen scale
Instructions
Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to the microwave-safe measuring cup.
Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each session, until fully melted.
One the mixture is a liquid, stir in the essential oil and the vanilla bean powder.
Immediately pour the liquid mixture into the silicone mold. Allow to set for at least 2-3 hours or until completely hardened.
Once the mixture has cooled completely, hardened and turned opaque, remove from the mold.
Notes
Store these homemade lotion bars in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.