Here’s the homemade coconut oil lotion recipe that I use on my legs, feet, preggo belly…even my face!  I love this coconut oil lotion so much that I decided to make jars of it for all of the special ladies on my Christmas list this year. Here’s everything you need to know to make some of your own.

I even created free printable gift tags that you can use to label your homemade coconut oil lotions so everyone will know what’s inside.

I mean, really, how cute are these?!

Coconut oil is the perfect base for this simple lotion.  It’s all-natural, and it smells great.  Since it can be used in cooking too, I feel even better about using it on my skin.  No harsh or nasty chemicals inside.

If you’ve never used coconut oil before, it’s solid at room temperature and turns into a liquid oil when heated.  I think the solid oil makes the perfect moisturizer.  You only need a to use a pea-sized amount, and it absorbs quickly into a matte texture.

Add a bit of essential oils and you’re improving your mind and body at the same time.

Essential oils are all-natural, highly concentrated extracts from the aromatic parts of plants.  In a previous blog post, I shared how I use essential oils to make simple, homemade cleaners.

For the special ladies in my life, I chose organic lavender essential oil and organic geranium essential oil from Wyndmere Naturals.  Lavender essential oil is used to calm, soothe, balance, and restore.  Geranium essential oil is said to uplift, balance, and reduce stress and anxiety.  I’m sure all of the women I know could use a little more calm and a little less stress!

This coconut oil lotion recipe makes 18 jars of homemade lotion.  Each one costs less than $5 to make.  (To be exact, they cost $4.47 each.  Let me know if you want a detailed cost break-down.)  If you want to save even more money, you can shop around for deals or use non-organic products.  Personally, I think spending less than $5 on a homemade and thoughtful gift is a steal!

Just make sure to keep at least one jar of each scent for yourself.  You are going to love this stuff!

Coconut Oil “Lotion” Recipe with Essential Oils

Warning: While the final lotions are lightly scented, the concentrated essential oils are highly aromatic so you’ll want to mix your lotions outside.  If working outside isn’t an option, please choose a well-ventilated area and consider wearing a mask over your nose and mouth.  (The scents themselves are non-toxic, but I won’t want you to end up with a headache.)

Materials

• 18, 4oz glass jars (I used Ball 4oz jelly jars)
• 4, 16oz jars of coconut oil (I used Trader Joe’s organic virgin coconut oil)
• 2, 10ml bottles of essential oil (I used organic geranium oil and organic lavender oil)
• 1 paper towel or kitchen towel for messes
• Gift tags for your jars (if you use my free printables, you’ll need elastic thread, scissors, and paper)

{Free Printables for Gift Tags}

• Printable gift tags with info about lavender essential oil
• Printable gift tags with info about geranium essential oil
• Printable gift tags (in case you decide to use a different type of essential oil)

Directions

1. Wash and dry your jars, lids, and screw bands in hot, soapy water and dry.  (If you want to know more about the anatomy of glass canning jars, check out my canning tips for beginners.)

2. If you are using more than one scent of essential oil, label your jars so that you’re able to tell them apart after filling. (I used the stickers that came with the Ball jars.  I labeled half of my jars with stars.)

3. Heat coconut oil to liquid state.  This can be done by storing in a warm room, placing outside in the sun, or heating in the microwave one at a time for 60-90 seconds (lids removed).

(Heating the coconut oil makes it easier to mix with the essential oil and pour into jars.)

4. Remove the lids of your essential oil bottles and remove the dropper tops (if they come with them).

5. Measure 1 teaspoon of essential oil into each jar of coconut oil.

(If you are using different scents of essential oils, wash the measuring spoon in-between scents.)

6. Stir each jar of coconut oil and essential oil mixture.

(I used the handles of two wooden spoons.  One for each scent of essential oil.)

7. Carefully pour the coconut oil and essential oil mixtures into glass jars.  Fill until 1/4 inch from the top of the jar.

If you are using glass jelly jars, you will fill to the top screw line.

(Are you insanely impressed that I can pour and take a photo at the same time?  I got skills!)

8. Top each jar with a lid and screw band.

9. Allow oil to cool to room temp.

10. Label with gift tags.  If you want to use my free printable gift tags, simply print, cut, hole punch, and tie with 17-inch pieces of elastic thread.

11. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to gift.

Nitty-Gritty Directions (without pics)

1. Wash and dry your jars, lids, and screw bands in hot, soapy water and dry.
2. If you are using more than one scent of essential oil, label your jars so that you’re able to tell them apart after filling.
3. Heat coconut oil to liquid state.
4. Remove the lids of your essential oil bottles and remove the dropper tops (if they come with them).
5. Measure 1 teaspoon of essential oil into each jar of coconut oil.
6. Stir each jar of coconut oil and essential oil mixture.
7. Carefully pour the coconut oil and essential oil mixtures into glass jars.  Fill until 1/4 inch from the top of the jar.
8. Top each jar with a lid and screw band.
9. Allow oil to cool to room temp.
10. Label with gift tags.  If you want to use my free printable gift tags, simply print, cut, hole punch, and tie with 17-inch pieces of elastic thread.
11. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to gift.

There’s an exception to Step #11: The jars that you’re going to keep for yourself.  Open those bad boys up and starting using them!

Do you love coconut oil as much as I do? How do you use it?!