Over the years, I've purchased and made a number of different body lotions. Most have had varying levels of success but it's been a rather difficult search to find something soothing and natural while also feeling creamy and not oily. Body balms don't quite have the feel I was looking for and while they're super easy to make they don't quite give me what I needed. I wanted something creamier than a balm and knew I'd need to make something whipped. This Chamomile Lavender Lotion has been just the thing to provide soothing relief to dried skin while also being absorbed quickly without that greasy after feel.
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Why Chamomile & Lavender?
Chamomile has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and when applied topically can help with skin regeneration – which dry skin generally needs.
Lavender has numerous skin soothing properties as well as being generally soothing to the mind and body.
The combination seemed as if it would be quite soothing to the body and once I tried it, I knew it would be perfect for me and probably other folks too.
Begin with an Infused Oil
The first step with this lotion begins with infusing oil. This is the longest step, taking about a month, in this lotion process but is very hands-off. In a clean glass jar, place 3 Tablespoons dried chamomile flowers and 1 Tablespoon dried lavender blossoms. Cover the flowers with 1 inch of oil (any will work, I used olive oil but almond, grapeseed, etc. will be great too). Put a lid on the jar and place in a sunny window for a month. At the end of the month, strain the flowers from the oil. You're now ready to make the rest of the lotion.
Make a Strong Lavender Tea
Bring 1/2 Cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add 2 Tablespoons dried lavender blossoms and cover the pot. Let steep for 20 minutes. Strain the blossoms from the water.
Heat the Ingredients
In a double boiler, add 1/2 Cup of the infused oil and 2 Tablespoons of grated beeswax. Heat just until the beeswax melts.
In a small pot bring the strained lavender tea to a boil.
In a heatproof bowl, sprinkle 1/8 of a teaspoon of borax. Pour the boiling lavender tea over the borax and stir until dissolved.
Whip the Lotion
Using a food processor, whip the oil and beeswax mixture. In a steady stream add the lavender tea, borax mixture. Scrape down the sides occasionally and keep mixing until the lotion is completely emulsified. It is possible to do this with a wire whisk, it'll just take longer but move as fast as possible. If desired, add 10 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil and mix completely.
A note here – if you're new to making body products, it's very difficult to get beeswax completely off of everything. I highly recommend finding something at the thrift store that is only used for body products – a cheap food processor, a few bowls, whisks, etc. so that you're not using the same things you cook with and trying to get to perfectly clean.
Store & Use
Pour the whipped lotion into containers and allow to cool completely. To use, simply rub into skin until absorbed. Use up within 1 year.
This chamomile lavender lotion is quite easy to make once the oil is infused. Make a big batch and use it for some pretty amazing homemade gifts.
Chris says
Do you have to keep it refrigetated? I’ve hesitated to make lotions because I didn’t want to use a germicide.
Homespun Seasonal Living says
You don’t – I’ve read some lotions require refrigeration but I think the general components of lavender and chamomile keep it from molding.
Angel says
Would Hempseed oil be ok for the infusing process?
Homespun Seasonal Living says
I think it would be great. It’s expensive though in my experience so I tend to go more frugal but it would be super healing for dry skin.
Carole says
Why the borax? Is it to help with the emulsifying process?
Homespun Seasonal Living says
Yes, it is for emulsifying the lotion.
lori says
What is the purpose of the borax?
Homespun Seasonal Living says
it is for emulsifying the lotion.
Julia says
If I were to use coconut oil for the infuser, would it need to stay liquid? Currently, its not warm enough in my house to keep it from staying liquid without help, but I need to know if that is necessary? Or would coconut oil not work well? Thanks.
Homespun Seasonal Living says
You’re going to want it to stay liquid for it to infuse well. I’d go with something other than coconut oil in the cold weather.
Meredith says
Could you use something other than the Borax to emulsify?
Homespun Seasonal Living says
There are things like emulsifying waxes you can buy and try but I didn’t test it with anything other than borax so I don’t what amounts would be used or how it would work.
Darleane says
Is Borax safe to use on your skin?
Homespun Seasonal Living says
Yes, It is often used as an emulsifier in body products and it’s such a tiny amount in this overall recipe.
Grandmas House DIY says
This looks absolutely wonderful! Our link party at Grandma’s House just opened today, we would love to have you there!
jr says
I have been making all natural soap for a few years now. What I have learned about Chamomile is that even though it does have a lot of benefits it also has it’s down side. Being a member of the ragweed family it can be toxic to those with allergies or hay-fever. One of my first soaps was a beautiful Chamomile Lavender Soap in which I used both Chamomile oil and the tea and teabag contents. It smelled wonderful but after using it, my legs started becoming very itchy and even swollen and I had no idea what was causing it. I was literally scratching my legs raw until I had a friend tell me that she was allergic to Chamomile and I realized that I was also. Since then I have come across others who have said that they could not tolerate the Chamomile so if you find that you are having the same problem just make your lotion with the Lavender.
Cheryl @ Pasture Deficit Disorder says
Why does the oil need to be in a sunny window? I’m so used to keeping things out of direct sunlight when infusing, so this has me curious.
Homespun Seasonal Living says
It depends on what is being infused… When I do tinctures those are done in the dark. Oils tend to need a little warmth to get everything infused well, so the sunlight helps do that without frying or having to use a double boiler.
Doris says
Instead of the month long process in the sun. Could we use a dounle boiler to infuse
Homespun Seasonal Living says
Absolutely!
Silvia says
If using a double boiler to infuse the oil, how long would i need to keep it in the boiler and at what temp?
Kathie Lapcevic says
Infuse for at least 30 minutes as for an exact temperature, I’ve never really tested it. You want to keep it warm but not frying.
Holly says
Use fractionated coconut oil. Its already in liquid form and stays in liquid form. It does not have any scent either.
DavetteB says
Even if you use distilled water to make the tea infusion, the herbs alone are not enough, you need a preservative. There are several natural ones. If not, make only what you’ll use in a week and keep it refrigerated. HTH
Kathie Lapcevic says
Borax acts as a natural preservative: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/borax-powder/profile
Nicole says
This recipe sounds absolutely divine! However, this is a water based recipe and will only stay fresh for about a month is my understanding? And best refrigerated. By one year (much much sooner!) it would be full of bacteria and mold I think. Have you taken classes in formulating water based lotions? Thanks!
Kathie Lapcevic says
Borax acts as a natural preservative: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/borax-powder/profile
Len says
Is there an alternative for beeswax?
Kathie Lapcevic says
There is a type of soy wax but I haven’t tried so I can’t guarantee results.