How to Make Lotion Bars
A Complete Guide
A lotion bar is a very hard, solid moisturizer that melts on contact with skin. Unlike regular balms, lotion bars have a higher wax content (30-40%), making them solid enough to hold as a bar but still melt with body heat to deliver moisturizing oils and butters. Lotion bars are perfect for travel, mess-free application, and targeted moisturizing of dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels.
Typical Formulation Ratios
- Waxes: 30-40% (creates the solid bar structure)
- Butters: 20-35% (provides richness and moisture)
- Liquid Oils: 25-50% (melts into skin, delivers moisture)
The classic "equal thirds" recipe (1/3 wax, 1/3 butter, 1/3 oil) is a great starting point.
Key Ingredients
Waxes (30-40%)
- Beeswax: Most common, creates good barrier
- Candelilla Wax: Vegan option, use at 2/3 the beeswax amount
- Carnauba Wax: Very hard, add 1-3% for extra firmness
Butters (20-35%)
- Cocoa Butter: Adds hardness and snap, chocolate scent
- Shea Butter: Very moisturizing, softer texture
- Mango Butter: Light, non-greasy feel
Liquid Oils (25-50%)
- Sweet Almond Oil: Classic choice, good absorption
- Jojoba Oil: Lightweight, mimics skin's sebum
- Coconut Oil: Adds glide (use fractionated for stability)
Basic Process
- 1. Weigh Ingredients: Use a digital scale for accuracy. The high wax content means precision matters.
- 2. Melt Wax First: Melt wax in a double boiler, then add butters. Wax has the highest melting point.
- 3. Add Oils: Once everything is melted, stir in liquid oils.
- 4. Add Cool-Down Ingredients: At 140-150°F, add vitamin E and fragrance if desired.
- 5. Pour into Molds: Pour into silicone molds, muffin tins, or specialty lotion bar molds.
- 6. Cool & Unmold: Allow to cool completely, then pop out of molds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Tip: Use the Help Me Pick Ingredients Wizard
Not sure which waxes, butters, and oils to use? The Help Me Pick Ingredients wizard in the Balm Calculator recommends ingredients and percentages tailored to your product type and texture preference. It includes natural and vegan filters.