There’s no better scent in the world than that of a freshly bathed and lotioned baby. Nourish your baby’s skin naturally with this easy recipe for Homemade Baby Lotion with Essential Oils.
Babies are born with sensitive skin that needs lots of moisture. They get dry skin at the drop of a hat! This recipe smells heavenly and is free of harmful ingredients. Applying lotion is a great bonding experience for both parents and babies. Bonus: It can help your little one sleep better.
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3 Dangerous Ingredients Found In Drugstore Baby Lotion
Baby lotion should be one of the least harmful products out there. Everyone knows just how delicate a baby’s skin is, and you’d think companies would be concerned with giving them only the best. Sadly, most manufacturers use toxins you’d never expect to see in adult products, let alone lotion meant for infants. Here are a few of the top offenders.
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This toxic ingredient is added to personal care products to improve lather. If your baby has sensitive skin, this toxin will only make it worse! (1) It strips the skin of its natural oil and leaves it dry.
2. Phthalates
Phthalates are used to soften plastic, but you can find them in many beauty products. Exposure to this chemical can cause liver, kidney, lungs, and reproductive system issues. (2)
3. Formaldehyde
Yes, you read that right. Formaldehyde is a common toxin found in baby products! It’s usually used as a preservative, which is ironic considering it does anything but preserve your health! Formaldehyde is linked to cancer and skin irritations. (3)
Learning about the toxins in this everyday product was nerve-wracking. That’s why lotion-making was one of the first skills I mastered as a new Mom!
A Cleaner Option, A Brighter Future
What’s a parent to do? You could search the shelves for a cleaner option. That is possible, though it takes a lot of label reading to ensure you’re not accidentally grabbing a toxin-filled lotion. Been there. Done that!
Or, you could take the time you’d spend researching and make my Homemade Baby Lotion with Essential Oils. This is a lotion you can use with total peace of mind. It’s made with natural moisturizers that will soothe your baby’s skin.
This lotion will also give both Mom and baby a dose of calming aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender.
I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that this DIY doesn’t take a lot of time at all. Natural living gurus in training, this is a significant first step in detoxing your home! By creating a cleaner option for your little one, you’re creating a brighter, healthier future.
This recipe is very similar to my Homemade Diaper Rash Cream. Because this lotion has so many antibacterial properties, it should help alleviate most diaper rashes.
Safe Lotion Ingredients
This lotion calls for a handful of ingredients. The great thing about purchasing these ingredients is that you’ll have enough for multiple batches.
Over time, your natural living ingredient stash will build up, and you’ll be fully stocked for whatever DIY your heart desires.
Organic Coconut Oil: This incredibly moisturizing oil is deceivingly defensive. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that can help protect the skin from bacterial infections. Pro tip: Coconut oil helps with diaper rashes too! (4) You can also use Mama Z’s Essential Oil Base.
Organic Butter: You have the option of using shea, mango, or cocoa butter in this recipe. All are wonderful, safe options. Unrefined shea butter is the best choice if you’re trying my lotion in whipped form. It creates the fluffiest peaks!
Vitamin E Oil: This is an optional ingredient, but if you can add it to your collection, do! Vitamin E oil helps heal the skin and gives it a protective barrier. (5) It can stop itching and is an excellent moisturizer that sinks into the skin.
Essential Oils: The secret (and most potent) ingredient in all of my DIY recipes, these essential oils are chosen with purpose. Lavender EO is excellent for the skin.
Like the moisturizers in this lotion, it has antibacterial properties. Beyond that, it’s one of the best essential oils for sleep. Pair lavender essential oil with chamomile, and both you and your little one are sure to get a good night’s rest.
Until your little one is three months old, keep it simple. Plain organic coconut or olive oil is enough to hydrate your baby’s skin properly. After three months, feel free to start using gentle oils such as lavender or chamomile. This recipe is the perfect way to introduce oils to your baby.
Homemade Baby Lotion in 4 Steps!
Making this lotion is simple. All you need is a double boiler, store-bought or homemade, a glass jar, and a hand mixer if you’d like to make a whipped lotion.
Homemade Baby Lotion
Equipment
- Stand mixer (For whipped option)
- Glass container for storage
Materials
- 1 cup coconut oil, extra-virgin AND unrefined OR Mama Z’s Essential Oil Base
- ⅓ cup unrefined shea butter *
- ⅓ teaspoon vitamin E Oil (optional)
- 32 drops essential oils **
Instructions
- Use a double boiler, or make one by setting a glass jar or measuring cup in a medium pot with 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to boiling, then turn down to med/med-high. Add the coconut oil and butter of your choice.
- Melt ingredients.
- Remove from heat and add your desired essential oils. Stir to combine.
- Store in a glass container and use as needed.
Notes
- Cedarwood- Great for helping kids feel confident in social settings
- Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.) See the note about photosensitization below.
- German chamomile- Can help little ones fall asleep quickly
- Lavender- The ultimate calming oil, very soothing to the skin
- Roman chamomile- Great for regulating sleep patterns
- Rosemary- Helps kids focus and is excellent at repelling lice
- Joyful Blend – equal parts orange and vanilla absolute, CO2 or oleoresin (My number one favorite blend for kids)
- Awesome Body – equal parts grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and peppermint
- Gardener’s Blend- equal parts peppermint and rosemary
- Herb Garden Relaxation – equal parts lavender and peppermint
- Sweet Sleep – equal parts lavender, Roman chamomile, and vetiver (another favorite for kids; use after a nighttime bath)
- Respiratory Support – equal parts eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, Roman chamomile
Any of the essential oil combinations from the Homemade Baby Powder DIY would probably work as well.
Step One: Heat
Fill a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place over high heat. Bring the water to boiling, then turn it down to medium-high. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E oil (if used) to a double boiler or glass jar.
Place inside the saucepan.
Step Two: Melt
Heat the ingredients until melted. They should look smooth and glossy.
Step Three: Add Oils
Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Stir lightly. Store in a glass jar and use as needed.
Whipped Variation
If you’re interested in a softer, whipped version of my lotion, give this a try! Moms on a budget, this is a great way to double your lotion.
First, bring the coconut oil and butter of your choice to a soft consistency. If you accidentally melt it too much, refrigerate until the top starts to harden.
Add the lavender/chamomile essential oil and gently stir. Using a hand mixer, mix everything at high speed until it’s soft and fluffy. The amount should just about double!
Store in a glass container and use it as needed.
This homemade baby lotion is similar to our Diaper Rash Cream Recipe and can be used as diaper cream.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6697035/#:~:text=Human%20skin%20cells%2C%20either%20in%20a%20monolayer%20culture,and%20be%20incorporated%20into%20the%20stratum%20corneum%20lipids.
- https://noharm-uscanada.org/issues/us-canada/phthalates-and-dehp
- https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/formaldehyde/#_ednref18
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19665786/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
