Can you mix essential oils in lotion? Do they work well together? Are they safe to use together?
Can you mix essential oils with lotion?
Yes, you can mix essential oils with lotion!
It is a great way to incorporate the hydrating properties of essential oils into your skincare routine. However, there are a few things to consider before adding essential oils to lotion.
Choosing Your Essential Oil Lotion Base
First, it’s important to choose a natural lotion that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients or synthetic fragrances. Look for an unscented lotion that is made with natural emollients and doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
If you prefer, you can even make your own lotion using a tried and true recipe to ensure its cleanliness and effectiveness.
When creating my essential oil body lotion I usually use this unscented lotion base.
It is made with botanical emollients such as shea butter, avocado oil and jojoba seed oil and helps hydrates and soften dry skin without a heavy or greasy feeling. Aloe, cucumber extract and chamomile soothe and calm skin. It is a 100% vegetarian formula, is hypo-allergenic, and does not contain any parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances. It is also not tested on animals.
I use this lotion when creating essential oil lotion recipes for my clients as well as my family.
Essential Oil Carrier Benefits in Lotion
Here are some of the benefits to the carriers that are included in the lotion base that I use. As well as some additional popular and beneficial carrier oils and ingredients that would be great additions to a lotion!
1. Shea Butter: Shea butter is a rich and moisturizing ingredient that helps nourish and soothe the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in improving the skin’s elasticity.
2. Argan Oil: Argan oil is a lightweight and non-greasy oil that is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It helps moisturize and soften the skin while providing nourishment.
3. Rosehip Seed Oil: Rosehip seed oil is known for its anti-aging properties and ability to promote skin regeneration. It contains vitamin A, C, and essential fatty acids that help improve skin tone and texture.
4. Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is a light and easily absorbed oil that is high in antioxidants. It helps moisturize the skin without clogging pores and can assist in balancing oil production.
5. Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is a deeply nourishing oil that is rich in vitamins A, D, and E. It helps hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, making it suitable for dry or mature skin types.
6. Calendula Extract: Calendula extract is derived from marigold flowers and is known for its soothing and calming properties. It can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the skin.
7. Chamomile Extract: Chamomile extract is derived from chamomile flowers and has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits. It can help calm irritated skin and is suitable for sensitive skin types.
8. Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin. It helps moisturize and soothe dry or sensitive skin.
Remember to consider the specific needs of your skin and any allergies or sensitivities you may have when selecting carrier oils and ingredients for your lotion.
Essential Oils for Skincare
Using essential oils in skincare routines can indeed be beneficial for various skin types and concerns.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain potent compounds with potential therapeutic properties. However, it’s important to note that essential oils should be used with caution, as they can be irritating or sensitizing to some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin.
When using essential oils in skincare, it’s crucial to dilute them properly in carrier oils or other suitable mediums, as their concentrated nature can cause adverse reactions when applied directly to the skin. Additionally, it’s advisable to perform a patch test before applying essential oils to your face or body to ensure that you don’t have any negative reactions.
Essential Oils for Lotion
Here are a few examples of essential oils that are commonly used in skincare:
1. Lavender oil: Known for its calming properties, lavender oil is often used in skincare products for its potential to soothe and reduce skin irritation. It may be beneficial for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
2. Tea tree oil: Recognized for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is often used in products targeting acne-prone skin. It may help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria that can contribute to breakouts.
3. Geranium oil: Geranium oil is believed to have balancing properties that can be beneficial for both dry and oily skin. It may help regulate sebum production, making it potentially useful for combination skin.
4. Chamomile oil: Chamomile oil is often used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help calm irritated or sensitive skin and may be suitable for conditions like eczema or rosacea.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you decide to incorporate essential oils into your skincare routine, it’s a good idea to consult with a skincare professional or aromatherapist to ensure you’re using them safely and effectively.
You can find the essential oils that I personally use as an aromatherapist here: Healing Blends for Life.
The Best Essential Oil Lotion Recipe
My all time favorite essential oil lotion recipe is the Moisturizing Lotion Recipe that I include in the Beauty and Body Care Essential Oil Binder.
I use the lotion base that I link to above in the recipe and between that and the oils it is a very moisturizing, hydrating lotion blend!
I have only ever had positive feedback from this recipe!
Face Lotion
The lotion base that I use is non-greasy and versatile enough to be used on both the body and the face.
My son loves it and finds it hydrating for his facial skin, especially in areas prone to dryness like around the lips and nose. Dry and cracked skin can be uncomfortable, so using a moisturizing lotion can help keep the skin soft and prevent further issues.
I also love using the lotion on my hands, elbows, knees, and feet. These are areas that often require extra moisture and care, so it’s beneficial to have a lotion that works well for them.
Regular moisturization can help prevent dryness, roughness, and flakiness, leaving your skin feeling smooth and nourished.
Remember to follow the instructions provided by the lotion manufacturer and test a small area on your skin before applying it to larger areas or your face, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s always important to choose products that suit your specific skin needs and preferences.
Essential Oil Dilution Ratio
When adding essential oils to lotion, you’ll need to consider the dilution rate.
A recommended dilution is about 25 drops of essential oil per 2 ounces of lotion for adults. However, for more specific dilution ratios based on age and bottle size, you can refer to dilution charts available in resources like the Beauty and Body Care Essential Oil Binder.
Homemade Lotions
It’s also important to consider the appropriate storage containers and mixing techniques to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the final product.
Glass bottles with pump tops or PET plastic bottles with flip tops are the best options for storing essential oil lotions, as they help minimize the risk of harmful ingredients leaching into the blend.
To mix the essential oils and lotion, you can either use a glass bowl to blend them before transferring to a container or follow a method where you add half of the lotion, then the essential oils, and finally the remaining lotion to a bottle.
The second option is the method that I personally use.
Once you add the ingredients shake the bottle well to thoroughly incorporate the oils into the lotion. It may require some effort and shaking, but it’s important to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.
Benefits of Essential Oil Lotion
Adding essential oils to your lotion can provide soothing effects, anti-inflammatory properties, stress reduction, and address various skin issues. It’s a wonderful way to personalize your skincare routine and enjoy the benefits of essential oils in a convenient and moisturizing form.
Remember to always do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any potential allergies or sensitivities before applying the lotion with essential oils to a larger area.
So pamper yourself with some essential oil lotion! You deserve it:)
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