Learn to Make: Lotion Bars

Wax - Lotion bars are hard enough to hold in your hand but melt on contact with skin. Wax is what hardens them up and keeps them solid in warm temperatures. Beeswax is the standard in waxes to use for lotion bars but you could certainly experiment with others, especially if you're looking for something vegan friendly. Here are some wax choices:

• Beeswax - Beeswax provides a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture. Beeswax comes in both yellow and white pastilles. Beeswax has a melt point of about 144°-147°F.
• Candelilla Wax - Candelilla Wax is a natural non-animal based wax. Plants producing Candelilla Wax grow in Mexico, in the North Central Plains, and the Chihuahua Desert. It is a very hard wax with a melt point of about 155°-162°F.
• Carnauba Wax - Carnauba Wax is a natural non-animal based wax. It is known as "queen of waxes" and comes in the form of hard yellow flakes. Carnauba Wax has a melt point of about 180°-187°F.

Butters - Butters add protective barriers to the skin and help to add emolliency to lotion bars. Butters can include Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Mango Butter or any other natural cosmetic based butter or butter blend.

• Cocoa Butter - Pure Cocoa Butter is thought to reduce skin dryness and improve elasticity.
• Shea Butter - Pure Shea Butter is high in vitamin and mineral content, which is thought to benefit dry skin.
• Mango Butter - Pure Mango Butter is thought to exhibit excellent moisturizing properties while countering the drying effects of bar soaps and cleansers.
• Tucuma Butter - Tucuma Butter is considered to have high levels of Lauric, Myristic and Oleoic fatty acids, which are all thought to moisturize the skin.

Base Oils - You will want to choose oils that have a long shelf life. Different oils offer different results in lotion bars based on their properties. Some examples:

• Lighter base oils for a more absorbing lotion bar.
  • Fractionated Coconut Oil
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Meadowfoam Seed Oil
• Medium oils.
  • Rice bran Oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Apricot Kernel Oil
• Heavier oils for a heavy lotion bar.
  • Olive Oil
  • Avocado Oil

Additives in Lotion Bars - Anything that is oil-soluble can be added to lotion bars. Never add anything water-based, as it will separate out from the lotion bar. Some additives include:

• Fragrance - You can fragrance lotions bars using both fragrance oils and essential oils. The typical usage rate for both is about 2% of the total lotion bar recipe but double check IFRA guidelines to make sure you comply.
• Smooth & Creamy Lotion Bar Additive - Lotion Bar Additive helps to create a smooth and creamy lotion bar when shea butter is used. Shea Butter can sometimes be grainy. This helps prevent that. The usage rate is 5%.