Your First Lotion Formula: A Simple and Reliable Base

If you're new to lotion-making, starting with a well-balanced, beginner-friendly formula is key to building your skills and confidence. This simple yet effective lotion recipe serves as a fantastic base for experimentation, helping you understand the fundamentals of emulsification, ingredient function, and formulation stability.

With a combination of lightweight apricot kernel oil, nourishing shea butter, and humectant-rich glycerin, this formula provides deep hydration without feeling greasy. BTMS-50 and cetyl alcohol work together to create a smooth, creamy texture, while Liquid Germall Plus ensures your lotion stays fresh and safe to use.

Once you’ve mastered this base formula, you can start tweaking it to create custom lotions that suit different skin types, textures, and scents. So, let’s get started and dive into the world of formulation!

The Ingredients:

• Distilled Water (Up to 100%) – Water is the main component of lotions, providing hydration and acting as the base for emulsification. Using distilled water ensures purity and prevents contamination from minerals or bacteria.

• Glycerin (3%) – A powerful humectant that attracts moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft. Glycerin also improves the lotion’s texture, making it feel more conditioning.

• BTMS-50 (5%) – A conditioning emulsifier that allows water and oil to blend into a stable, creamy lotion. It also provides a silky, non-greasy feel and adds mild conditioning properties, making it great for lotions targeting dry or sensitive skin.

• Cetyl Alcohol (2%) – A fatty alcohol that acts as a thickener and stabilizer, giving the lotion a luxurious, creamy texture. It also enhances the spreadability of the lotion and helps lock in moisture.

• Apricot Kernel Oil (7%) – A lightweight, fast-absorbing oil rich in vitamins A and E. It deeply nourishes the skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

• Shea Butter (3%) – A deeply moisturizing butter packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins. Shea butter helps to soothe dry, irritated skin while providing a rich, creamy feel to the lotion.

• Liquid Germall Plus (0.5%) – A broad-spectrum preservative that protects the lotion from bacteria, mold, and yeast. This is essential for ensuring the lotion remains safe to use, especially since it contains water, which can be a breeding ground for microbes.

The Formula

What You’ll Need

✔ Two heat-safe containers (Glass beakers or stainless steel bowls work best)
✔ A small pot for a double boiler setup (or two if you want to heat both phases at the same time)
✔ A thermometer (to check temperatures)
✔ A mini mixer, immersion blender, or milk frother (for mixing)
✔ A scale (for accurate measurements)
✔ A spatula or spoon
✔ A clean, sanitized lotion bottle or jar

Basic Lotion Making Process

Before you start, measure out each ingredient using a digital scale for accuracy. Lotions require precise measurements, so avoid using volume measurements like teaspoons or cups.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Set Up

In the First Beaker (Water Phase – Phase A):

1. Place a clean, heat-safe beaker (or glass bowl) on the scale and press the tare button to reset it to zero.

2. Measure each ingredient into the beaker. Tare the scale in between each.

3. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula to mix the glycerin into the water.

4. Tare the scale again. Weigh the enitre contents of this beaker. Record this number for later use.

5. Set this beaker aside—you will heat it shortly.

In the Second Beaker (Oil Phase – Phase B):

1. Take another clean, heat-safe beaker and place it on the scale, taring it to zero.

2. Weigh out each ingredient, tarring the scale inbetween each to get a precise measurement.

Now that you have both beakers ready, you’re set to move on to the next step—heating the phases separately.

Step 2: Heat Phase A and Phase B Separately

1. Heat the both Phases until the temperature reaches at least 156°F (69°C). Hold the teamperature 20 minutes. Make sure the solids in the oil phase are fully melted.

2. Check Temperatures: Use a thermometer to ensure both phases reach the same temperature before mixing.

Step 3: Blend the Phases Together

1. Pour the Oil Phase (Beaker 2) into the Water Phase (Beaker 1).

2. Use an immersion blender or mini mixer to mix for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture turns creamy and slightly thickens.

3. Allow the lotion to cool down to about 104°F (40°C) before adding the preservative.

Step 4: Add the Preservative (Cool-Down Phase C)

1. Once the lotion has cooled, add 0.5% Liquid Germall Plus and mix well.

2. Continue stirring occasionally as the lotion thickens.

3. Let the lotion sit until it comes to room temperature -70°F (21°C)

Step 5: Bottle and Store Your Lotion

1. Transfer your lotion into a clean, sanitized bottle or jar.

2. Label your bottle with the date and ingredients.

Final Tips for Beginners

✔ Sanitation is key! Always clean your tools and work area to prevent contamination.
✔ Measure everything accurately. Lotions are all about balance—too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the texture and stability.
✔ Customize later! Once you master this basic formula, you can experiment by adding extracts, scents, or switching up the oils and butters.

And that’s it! You’ve just made your first lotion—smooth, hydrating, and ready to use.

Ready to ramp up this formula?

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to take this lotion to the next level! Whether you want a richer, more nourishing feel or a lighter, fast-absorbing texture, small tweaks can make a big difference. By swapping out key ingredients, you can customize this formula to suit different skin types, preferences, and even seasonal needs. Below, you’ll find easy substitutions that allow you to experiment while keeping your lotion stable and effective. Let’s get creative!

✔ Distilled Water → Hydrosols or Aloe Vera Juice

• Instead of distilled water, you can use rose water, chamomile hydrosol, or lavender hydrosol to add a light natural scent and skin benefits.

• Aloe vera juice is a great alternative for soothing and hydrating properties.

✔ Glycerin (3%) → Propanediol, Sodium Lactate, or Honeyquat

• Propanediol (3%): A humectant with a lighter feel than glycerin, less sticky but still very hydrating.

• Sodium Lactate (2%): A strong humectant and mild exfoliator, but should be used at lower percentages (1-2%) to avoid making skin sun-sensitive.

• Honeyquat (2%): A conditioning humectant derived from honey that adds extra softness to the skin.

✔ BTMS-50 (5%) → BTMS-25 or Olivem 1000

• BTMS-25 (5-6%): A lighter alternative, but with slightly less conditioning power than BTMS-50.

• Olivem 1000 (4-5%): A natural, plant-based emulsifier that creates a thicker, more luxurious lotion with a velvety feel.

✔ Cetyl Alcohol (2%) → Cetearyl Alcohol or Stearic Acid

• Cetearyl Alcohol (2%): A mix of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, offering similar thickening and stabilizing properties.

• Stearic Acid (1-2%): Gives a heavier, richer feel, suitable for extra-moisturizing lotions.

✔ Apricot Kernel Oil (7%) → Other Lightweight Oils

• Sweet Almond Oil (7%): A mild, fast-absorbing oil with similar properties to apricot kernel oil.

• Grapeseed Oil (7%): A lighter, non-greasy oil that works well for oily skin.

• Sunflower Oil (7%): High in linoleic acid, great for dry or sensitive skin.

✔ Shea Butter (3%) → Other Butters

• Mango Butter (3%): A lighter, less greasy alternative with a smooth glide.

• Cocoa Butter (3%): A firmer, richer butter that provides deep moisture but can feel heavier on the skin.

• Kokum Butter (3%): A non-greasy butter that absorbs well, leaving skin soft without excess shine.

✔ Liquid Germall Plus (0.5%) → Other Preservatives

• Optiphen Plus (1%): A broad-spectrum preservative but not suitable for high-water content formulas (best in oil-based or anhydrous products).

• Geogard ECT (1%): A natural preservative suitable for eco-conscious formulations.

• Euxyl PE 9010 (1%): A strong, broad-spectrum preservative that is paraben-free.

Wrapping It All Up: Your Lotion-Making Journey Begins!

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve just learned how to create a beginner-friendly lotion formula and customize it to fit different needs. By understanding the role of each ingredient and how to properly heat, mix, and preserve your lotion, you’ve taken a big step toward becoming a confident formulator.

The beauty of DIY lotion-making is that it’s both a science and an art—once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless! You can experiment with different oils, butters, and additives to craft unique products that suit your skin or even build a product line for sale.

So, grab your ingredients, start formulating, and most importantly—have fun with it! Happy lotion-making! 😊

Disclaimer:
We are not responsible for the products you create using our supplies. You alone are responsible for testing your products and formulas to ensure compatibility, safety, and proper use. Please conduct your own research and patch testing before distribution or sale.