I made these scented hand and body lotions as gifts to have on hand. They smell DIVINE, I probably think so because I was able to pick each fragrance! There are so many unique ways to make and package lotion, as well as all kinds of bath and body products–it’s a lot easier than you might […]

How to: Make Your Own Scented Hand & Body Lotion

WRITTEN BY:

SHARE

Self-Care

SARAH PETERSON

sisoo-fragrance-shea-butterDIY-hand-body-lotion-thesarahjohnson-5DIY-hand-body-lotion-thesarahjohnson-2I made these scented hand and body lotions as gifts to have on hand. They smell DIVINE, I probably think so because I was able to pick each fragrance! There are so many unique ways to make and package lotion, as well as all kinds of bath and body products–it’s a lot easier than you might think, especially using a few easy tricks of mine!

Remember how I shared in my Lavender Honey Lemon soap post how I used melt and pour soap base? There is a similar shortcut to this project, Satin & Silk Lotion base. I used this base, plus some fragrance oil (also from WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com) to fill 4 oz aluminum ointment tubes. It’s really easy, here’s how to do it:

WHAT YOU YOU NEED

Any kind of lotion base (here are more options from Amazon)

Fragrance oil (I prefer WholeSaleSuppliesPlus.com because they are paraben and phthalate free)

scale

Measuring cup for pouring into tubes

4 oz aluminum ointment tubes (or whatever size you prefer)

scissors

Small metal spatula (this one works great)

Origami paper

Mod Podge

Paint brush

THE INSTRUCTIONS

First and foremost, decorate your tubes. Once you fill the tubes with lotion you will want to fold the ends to close, and it’s impossible to decorate the tubes once the ends are finished. Measure the length and circumference of your tube, and cut out a piece of specialty paper in the correct size. Make sure the paper overlaps a tiny bit (it looks better in my opinion). With a paint brush, spread Mod Podge over the back side of your paper. Wrap it around the tube carefully and smooth out with your fingers. Trim the edge if any paper is hanging off the bottom of the tube. Allow to dry for an hour on its side. (If you keep it standing upright, sometimes gravity will pull the paper downward before it dries and the paper will not dry where you put it.)

DIY-hand-body-lotion-thesarahjohnson-3

On low heat, warm the lotion base to 120º F or until it becomes liquid. Do not allow to overheat or boil. Add cosmetic grade fragrance. Stir consistently for about 30 seconds. The base I suggest above can take up to 4% fragrance. In other words, if you melt 20 oz of base (would make five 4 oz tubes of the same scent), you would add 22 grams of fragrance oil to the melted 20 oz of lotion base. (See why you need a scale!?)

Once you’ve mixed the fragrance and lotion base, stand your tubes upright–meaning on their caps. I actually had something like this that helped me stand them up and not spill. But it’s possible to do it without–just be very careful.

Pour the scented melted base into each tube while leaving plenty of room at the top to fold over. I would suggest only filling up about three-fourths of the way to the top. Allow base to return to room temperature. When the lotion is white again, it’s ready to finish the ends. If the lotion is significantly thinner than what you started with, you have used too much fragrance oil.DIY-hand-body-lotion-thesarahjohnson-6

Use the small spatula to fold over the ends. I’m not even going to try to explain this method, instead I direct you to this video for instructions on how to seal an aluminum tube.

Can you believe how easy it is to make your own hand and body lotion? I love this packaging, and covering these aluminum tubes allows for endless possibilities. You can get really creative with different papers for different holidays or occasions.

DIY-hand-body-lotion-thesarahjohnson-7

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Please read full disclosure here.

LAST UPDATED:

Filed in:

October 24, 2015

Downloaded over 100,000 times! GET ACCESS NOW!

Free Printable Library

READ THE LATEST
Hey, I'm Sarah!

Designer, DIYer, & Deep Googler

I've always been infinitely curious on how the things I love are created. Whether it's a soap recipe, a beautiful piece of jewelry, or a jaw-drooping, drool-worthy interior... I have an persistent need to figure it out... and do it myself!

Learn more about me

SOLID PERFUME STICKS

LABEL MAKER

"LOVE" ART PRINT

FAUX FUR BLANKET

FLAUNT PHONE CASE

PERFUMIES.COM

amazon

society 6

anthropologie

FLAUNT.COM

Change the way you wear and carry perfume with these perfume sticks that fit in your pocket!

When in doubt, label everything. I'm amazed at how long this little machine's batteries last.

Got this one after my husband popped the question. It's how I feel when I'm with him!

The coziest blanket you'll ever find. So good I gifted them in different colors to my beloved wedding guests!

Currently using this--it's the perfect shade of radiant orchid pink, and I love the square corners!

Fiberclay PLANTER SET

SHEEPSKIN rug

PLANTER (for DIY CANDLE)

IMITATION Pothos

Bisley FILE CABINET

michaels

etsy

amazon

michaels

container store

Scatter a cute planter set from Michael's around your home--it will make your decor feel cohesive.

I throw these everywhere... the floor, my work chair, the couch. They are 100% worth every penny.

I love to turn planters  into large DIY candles. It's my favorite gift to give... Everyone loves a huge multi-wick candle!

Shhh... When I want my plants to cascade more, I add in an extension like this while they grow.

I used two of these sleek Bisley cabinets under this delicious slab of wood to DIY my dream desk.

HANDMADE CERAMICS

MICRON black PENS

Fanny Pack // BELT BAG

SCARF NECKLACE

THRIFTED DESIGNER SCARF

calLahan ceramics

amazon

shopbop

mignonne gavigan

thred up

Sign up for alerts, it's almost impossible to purchase these beauties before they sell out!

These are the only pens that let me write neatly. There's something magical about them! #01 is my fave size.

The fanny pack has officially changed my life for the better. No more big bag shoulder and back pain!

The most beautiful handmade accessories around. (I wore MG "Burst" earrings for my wedding!)

Make money on clothes you no longer wear, and find designer goods (with tags still on!)

Storm Cloud Wall Art

Tillandsia AIRPLANT

FLORAL Macbook case

Distressed Mirror

GLUE GUN

anthropologie

amazon

etsy

anthropologie

amazon

Living in LA's perpetual sunny and 72 degree weather has made me LOVE clouds because I so rarely see them!

The most low maintenance plant on the market. Find a cool planter and plop it in. Mist every 2-3 weeks.

I've cracked too many screens in my lifetime to not protect my devices. Love this feminine floral hard case.

A mirror that looks like a moon? Make it a full moon everyday in your house!

Everyone (and I mean everyone) should go through life with a trusty glue gun by their side.

uline hair detangler

Silicone ALPHABET MOLD

fave white tee

THERMAL LABEL PRINTER

e6000 GLUE

amazon

amazon

amazon

amazon

amazon

The best detangler I've found. I throw the travel size bottle in my gym bag, travel bag, and beach bag.

These ABC molds allow for ample DIYs. Jello, melt and pour soaps, crayons... the fun really will never end!

My favorite white tee. I've bought about 18 of them by now. Best cut v-neck, long in the body, high quality. (Why not get a few.)

Print a lot of labels and tired of buying ink for your printer? Get this thermal printer and never buy an ink cartridge again.

This is the glue that holds my life together. No really... I use it for everything.

Sigma 35mm 1.4 lens

Caudalie BEAUTY elixir

Candle Making Pitcher

singer sewing machine

photography backdrops

amazon

amazon

amazon

amazon

replica surfaces

100% my most favorite portrait lens. Do yourself a favor and add it to your cart immediately.

I take this face mist with me while traveling and instantly feel more refreshed and awake after a few spritzes!

Never buy a candle again! Use this to DIY your own (they smell better, burn longer, and save money).

This is the sewing machine I used to DIY my wedding dress! Easy to use, I recommend it to any level sewist.

I use these surfaces to shoot styled stock, product, and brand photos that need clean, realistic backgrounds.

PLANTER (for DIY CANDLE)

amazon

I love to turn planters into large DIY candles. It's my favorite gift to give. Everyone loves a huge multi-wick candle!

LABEL MAKER

amazon

When in doubt, label everything. I'm amazed at how long this little machine's batteries last.

"LOVE" ART PRINT

society 6

Got this one after my husband popped the question. It's how I feel when I'm with him!

FAUX FUR BLANKET

anthropologie

The coziest blanket you'll ever find. So good I gifted them in different colors to my beloved wedding guests!

FLAUNT PHONE CASE

FLAUNT.COM

Currently using this--it's the perfect shade of radiant orchid pink, and I love the square corners!

Fiberclay PLANTER SET

michaels

Scatter a cute planter set from Michael's around your home--it will make your decor feel cohesive.

SHEEPSKIN rug

etsy

I throw these everywhere... the floor, my work chair, the couch. They are 100% worth every penny.

IMITATION Pothos

michaels

Shhh... When I want my plants to cascade more, I add in an extension like this while they grow.

Bisley FILE CABINET

container store

I used two of these sleek Bisley cabinets under this delicious slab of wood to DIY my dream desk.

HANDMADE CERAMICS

calLahan ceramics

Sign up for alerts, it's almost impossible to purchase these beauties before they sell out!

MICRON black PENS

amazon

These are the only pens that let me write neatly. There's something magical about them! #01 is my fave size.

SOLID PERFUME STICKS

PERFUMIES.COM

Change the way you wear and carry perfume with these perfume sticks that fit in your pocket!

Fanny Pack // BELT BAG

shopbop

The fanny pack has officially changed my life for the better. No more big bag shoulder and back pain!

SCARF NECKLACE

mignonne gavigan

The most beautiful handmade accessories around. (I wore MG "Burst" earrings for my wedding!)

THRIFTED DESIGNER SCARF

thred up

Make money on clothes you no longer wear, and find designer goods (with tags still on!)

Storm Cloud Wall Art

anthropologie

Living in LA's perpetual sunny and 72 degree weather has made me LOVE clouds because I so rarely see them!

TILLANDSIA AIRPLANT

AMAZON

The most low maintenance plant on the market. Find a cool planter and plop it in. Mist every 2-3 weeks.

FLORAL Macbook case

etsy

I've cracked too many screens in my lifetime to not protect my devices. Love this feminine floral hard case.

Distressed Mirror

anthropologie

A mirror that looks like a moon? Make it a full moon everyday in your house!

GLUE GUN

amazon

Everyone (and I mean everyone) should go through life with a trusty glue gun by their side.

uline hair detangler

amazon

The best detangler I've found. I throw the travel size bottle in my gym bag, travel bag, and beach bag.

Silicone ALPHABET MOLD

amazon

These ABC molds allow for ample DIYs. Jello, melt and pour soaps, crayons... the fun really will never end!

fave white tee

amazon

My favorite white tee. Best cut v-neck, long in the body, high quality. (Why not get a few.)

THERMAL LABEL PRINTER

amazon

Print a lot of labels? Get this thermal printer and never buy an ink cartridge again.

e6000 GLUE

amazon

This is the glue that holds my life together. No really... I use it for everything.

Sigma 35mm 1.4 lens

amazon

100% my most favorite portrait lens. Do yourself a favor and add it to your cart immediately.

Caudalie BEAUTY elixir

amazon

This face mist instantly will make you feel more refreshed and awake after a few spritzes!

Candle Making Pitcher

amazon

Never buy a candle again! Use this to DIY your own (they smell better, burn longer, and save money).

singer sewing machine

amazon

This is the sewing machine I used to DIY my wedding dress! Easy to use, I recommend it to any level sewist.

photography backdrops

replica surfaces

I use these surfaces to shoot styled stock, product, and brand photos that need clean, realistic backgrounds.