Measure all of your ingredients using a digital scale.We prefer to measure the ingredients separately -- it makes it easier to be precise and allows you to remove some if you accidentally add too much of one ingredient.We'd recommend using an eye dropper to measure out the preservative amount. You can also use an eye dropper to top off or remove from the water amount (pouring can get messy!).
Step 2: Combine and melt the oils
Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and emulsifying wax to a glass measuring cup or bowl.Microwave the oils for around 1 minute, or until completely melted. If the oil is not fully melted, put it back in the microwave in 10 second increments until it's completely melted.(You can also use a double boiler, but we found it takes a lot longer and doesn't heat the oils as well as the microwave does.)
Step 3: Mix in the water
Microwave the water for around 40 seconds. You want the water hot, but not boiling.Pour the water into the oil while stirring them together.
Use a milk frother to fully combine the water and oil. Make sure to keep the frother towards the bottom of the cup, introducing the least amount of air possible.Blend the lotion for 20 - 30 seconds. Wait a minute and then blend the lotion for another 20 - 30 seconds. You can then use a spoon to stir out any bubbles from the top.(I've read that you're supposed to keep doing this until you can see the mixture become "lotion-y" -- but for me, personally, it looked combined but definitely still like liquid. It wasn't until the mixture cooled down some that I could see it come together, like lotion. I'd recommend blending a couple times at the beginning, and a couple more times as it cools down.)
Step 4: Add preservative
Cool your lotion to at least 176F before adding your preservative.Different preservatives have different temperature maximums (and amounts to add!), so be sure to check the label of your preservative for the specifics.
Pour in the Optiphen Plus preservative.
Blend in the preservative with the milk frother.
Allow the lotion to cool for 30 minutes - 1 hour. As it cools it will thicken up to a lotion consistency.
Once the lotion has cooled you can spoon it into a jar.
Leave your lotion jar open for at least a few hours to make sure it's completely reached room temperature. This way you won't get condensation on the lid.
Your homemade lotion is complete!
TIP #1:
If you don't have a milk frother you can also use a regular blender on a low speed. Immersion blenders are also popular for making lotion, but we found it added too much air to this small recipe.We don't recommend just whisking it by hand. It doesn't have enough power to create a proper emulsion.
TIP #2:
If you're storing your lotion in a tube or a smaller mouthed bottle, pour it in while it's still liquid to make it easier.