Crafting A Simple Lotion with Argan and Babassu Oils

Putting together a few ingredients to craft a simple lotion is one of my favorite things to do. I just love how it all comes together!

When I’m looking for something new to try, I like to research the different oils and butters to find a combination that will be pleasing and will provide the effect I am striving for. Sometimes I want a light, very fluid lotion. Other times, I am drawn toward a deeply moisturizing cream. Often I enjoy just trying a single oil lotion to get to know a certain oil.

Today I’m thinking I’ll put together a couple of liquid oils and see how well they play together. Join me!

Argan Oil is one I have not worked with much before, and it’s intriguing. It is high in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, which offer a longer shelf life and great skincare properties. It is light, penetrating, and non-greasy. It’s a wonderful oil to use in facial products or on problem skin.

I’ve never tried Babassu Oil in a lotion, but I bet it will be a great addition! It is soft, silky, and not too greasy. Babassu is a palm oil, and it has a well-rounded fatty acid profile with a little bit of everything. It’s a common substitute for coconut oil, and it melts upon contact with the skin because its melt point is about the same as our body temperature.

Because we are focusing on simple for this formula, I won’t be adding anything beyond the necessary ingredients to make lotion: water, oils, emulsifier, preservative, and humectant. While the humectant is not totally necessary, I almost always use one in lotions because it helps draw moisture to the skin.

A fragrance oil is also not necessary for a complete lotion recipe, but I love it when things smell good, so I’ll be using Hydrogen Fragrance Oil in this lotion. It’s a bit fruity with great base notes and a clean finish. I really love it!

Argan & Babassu Lotion

Instructions

Weigh water, oils, emulsifying wax, and glycerin into a microwave-safe container or double boiler. Heat gently until everything is melted, stirring frequently.

Use a stick blender to mix the melted ingredients to form the emulsion. Once the mixture is emulsified, set it aside to cool below 120ºF (49ºC). Once mixture has cooled, add the preservative and fragrance, stirring well.

Pour into bottles and allow to cool fully before putting on the lids. Label and enjoy!

Melted ingredients.

Blending to emulsion.

Notes

What a delightful lotion! I love the way it goes on, immediately spreading readily over my skin and beginning to absorb right away. There is a little bit of oily residue, but it’s minimal.

After a half hour, my hands had lost the oily residue and felt well hydrated. After washing dishes by hand, I needed more lotion, but just a tiny dab. This is good stuff!