This silky DIY body lotion made with all natural ingredients is super moisturizing and nourishing to the skin. It’s perfect for your entire body and feels exactly like store-bought lotion. While many types of homemade lotion are thick and greasy, this all natural body lotion is light and quick-absorbing. It leaves no greasy after feel and is great for all skin types.
Learn how to make lotion the easy way – no double boilers or long ingredient lists. Star ingredients are coconut oil and aloe vera, both wonderful for the skin. It only takes 5 minutes to whip up! You’re going to fall in love with this DIY lotion recipe.
Updated December 2, 2019
Is it possible to make DIY body lotion with store-bought texture?
As we roll into spring (finally!), hopefully your skin isn’t quite as dry and itchy as during the winter months. The colder months are perfect for thick healing salves like DIY magnesium lotion, but as it gets warmer, a light moisturizer is the perfect companion.
I’ll be honest. DIY beauty products work wonderfully, but sometimes they lack the polish and ease of use that store-bought products have.
Of course, using homemade is more than worth it, since you get great results without all the harmful chemicals seeping into your skin. It’s worth dealing with a few little quirks to improve your health and that of your family. (Homemade shampoo fails, anyone?)
But among all the personal care products I’ve made, a couple have attained the level of polish you’d expect from commercial products – my homemade deodorant and now, THIS.
You guys. This natural DIY body lotion is like no other homemade lotion out there. While it is a coconut oil lotion, it is not greasy or waxy in any way.
What makes THIS homemade lotion truly non-greasy?
Most other homemade lotion recipes use a base of oils and skin butters with beeswax to emulsify. The result is more of a body butter/salve and not a silky smooth lotion like what you’d buy at the pharmacy.
If you’re not expecting this result when learning how to make homemade lotion, it can be pretty disappointing and may result in giving up on it altogether.
I’ve seen a couple other recipes that claim to be light and non-greasy, but they add water to the mix, which runs the risk of your DIY body lotion growing bacteria and mold. Not cool.
Plus, you still have to do the whole melting oils and butters in a double boiler thing. It’s a little more high-maintenance.
That’s why I am so impressed with this homemade lotion. It literally takes 5 minutes or less to whip up. And it feels exactly like a store-bought lotion – light, fluffy, non-greasy, and quick absorbing.
The secret is using aloe vera gelly as the base. It creates a light-quick absorbing formula that isn’t at all heavy or greasy!
This easy homemade lotion is perfect for slathering on after showering or shaving, or as an effective hand lotion. It’s also perfect an after-sun lotion sunburn remedy with healing aloe and coconut oil. You can use it as a face lotion or aftershave lotion, too! Great for kids or adults.
The idea for this recipe comes from Lia Griffith’s blog. I adapted it slightly and used Vitamin E instead of Vitamin C serum.
Related post: DIY Deodorant for Sensitive Skin {NO Baking Soda}
DIY Body Lotion Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe are key. The main ingredients in this homemade natural lotion are aloe vera gel (gelly) and fractionated coconut oil. This results in a thinner, lighter texture without the need for additional water. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.
Aloe vera gel
The star of this lotion recipe is aloe vera gel. I recommend using the Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly brand. I’m not sure if this recipe will work with any other kind of aloe vera gel, because this specific brand contains 1% of an emulsifying agent/preservative that will help the lotion come together. But it is 99% pure aloe vera gel.
*Please note, Lily of the Desert sells both aloe vera gel (which is more liquid) and gelly (linked above and in the recipe card) which is more gelatinous. Make sure to use the gelly for this recipe so it will work properly.
Aloe is perfect in this recipe because it contains over 75 nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties which heal the skin (source). It has been shown to heal scars, wounds, and sunburns more quickly. It even treats acne and provides the perfect light natural moisturizer. My mom has used straight aloe vera gel for years as a face moisturizer.
Fractionated coconut oil
We all know how beneficial coconut oil is for the entire body – after all, it’s the darling of every natural living enthusiast. It’s full of healthy fats that nourish the skin and has antibacterial properties.
For this all natural lotion, using fractionated (liquid) coconut oil is a must. Extra virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature, which doesn’t work if you want a silky smooth lotion. Fractionated coconut oil has had the long-chain fatty acids removed with steam distillation and hydrolysis (source), which lengthens it’s shelf life and makes it liquid at room temperature. It also absorbs quickly without clogging your pores.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E helps heal skin damage and also has anti-aging properties, reducing inflammation. You can use the pure Vitamin E oil in capsules, or buy a Vitamin E oil blend. I used a blend for this recipe, which also has added Keratin. If you’re using the capsules, I would use a little bit less than the recipe calls for, since the oil from the capsules is thicker. You can also omit the Vitamin E if you don’t have any, and use extra fractionated coconut oil in it’s place.
Essential oil
Using essential oils in this all natural body lotion will give it a great scent as well as adding additional aromatherapy benefits. Most essential oils also have antibacterial properties which help prolong shelf life. I used Rosemary for this batch, but I’m looking forward to making lavender, bergamot, and orange scented lotion in the future. I recommend this brand of essentials for quality + affordability.
Here’s the full list of ingredients and necessary equipment:
- Lily of the Desert aloe vera gelly
- Fractionated liquid coconut oil
- Vitamin E oil
- Essential Oil(s)
- Electric hand mixer
- Small jar(s) or pump bottles for storage
DIY Body Lotion Method
Alright, let’s get to the recipe! It couldn’t be simpler. (Psst… if you want the quick version, skip to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
First, add 1 cup aloe vera gel, 4 TBSP fractionated liquid coconut oil, 1 tsp. vitamin E oil, and 10-20 drops essential oils to a large bowl.
Using an electric hand mixer or whisk, whip this combination for minute or so.
When it’s ready, the lotion will turn white and reaches the perfect creamy consistency. It will look like this:
Transfer to a small jar or pump bottle for use. Enjoy!
DIY Body Lotion Recipe Notes:
- I stored my lotion in a cute little jar, but it would be even better to store in a pump bottle! This lotion is such a smooth consistency, it would be very easy to pump, plus more hygienic and convenient.
- Since this is my first time making this lotion, I’m not exactly sure about it’s shelf life. I’m assuming that it will last as long as the stand-alone ingredients, which would be about a year. However, to be on the safe side, I’m recommending a self life of around three months.
- You can store this in the fridge to extend shelf life also (this would be perfect for use as after-sun lotion), but I’m not sure if the consistency will stay the same. If you try it, let me know in the comments!
- This DIY body lotion makes the perfect small gift for friends and family!
Here’s the recipe card – please leave a star review if you enjoy the recipe!
Silky Aloe DIY Body Lotion (non-greasy)
This silky DIY body lotion is super moisturizing and nourishing to the skin and feels exactly like store-bought lotion. While many types of homemade lotion are thick and greasy, this all natural body lotion is light and quick-absorbing. It leaves no greasy after feel and is great for all skin types.
Materials
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat ingredients for approximately one minute, or until it reaches a smooth lotion-like consistency.
- When lotion is ready, it will be somewhat gelatinous but have the look and feel of store-bought lotion.
- Transfer to small jars for storage. Use within 3 months. Recipe is easily multiplied and makes a fun DIY gift for friends.
Notes
Lotion can also be stored in a pump bottle since it is very smooth.
Store lotion in the fridge to extend shelf life or to use as after-sun lotion.
Recommended Products
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Now it’s your turn! Make this homemade body lotion, and tell me how it goes in the comments!
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I made this today. I used a blend of wild orange, grapefruit, lemon and bergamot. I love the smell and feel of the lotion, but it looks more like thickened jelly than lotion. I used the electric mixer for more than a minute. How did you get yours to whip up so nice and look more like lotion than gel?
Hmmmm, I’m not quite sure Leigh. I have a different perspective type of electric mixer. It’s a handleld immersion blender with a whisk attachment so it might whip a bit differently. But I wouldn’t think it would make too much of a difference. That being said, it’s smooth but still has a jelly-like bounce. Hope you enjoy using it!
Mine doesn’t mix well with an electric mixer.
And is transparent rather than white as the picture shown.
Different mixers might yield different results.
Is it possible to add magnesium flakes to this recipe without dissolving the flakes in water first?
You’re one step ahead of me, Kristen! I’m planning to publish a magnesium version of this recipe very soon! I think dissolving the flakes in warm oil will work.
How much lotion does this make? I’m planning on making these for Christmas presents and I’m just trying to see how much I need 🙂
Thanks for this recipe!
I’d say it makes just over one cup – so, if you divide it into 4 oz. small containers, it could make two gifts. Hope this helps, and enjoy the lotion!
I love this recipe! It is great to put in the refrigerator and use on a hot day. Thank you so much for sharing this! I have made lavender, mint and rose for friends.
Yay, I’m so happy you’re loving it Doris! Those scents sound lovely!
A really great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy the lotion.
What can I add to this lotion to remove body tan? I got tan due to snorkelling.
I’m not sure Shamla! I know the aloe in this is great for sunburn though.
Thank you, Mary! Will give it a try.
Thank you for this recipe, Mary! I wonder if fresh aloe vera would work in this recipe? Have you tried it with any success?
I haven’t tried it, but my guess is that it probably wouldn’t work. This is because the store bought has an emulsifier in it, and it’s also thicker.
So for anyone who hasn’t tried to make a homemade nongreasy lotion this should be your first lotion to make. So simple with very few ingredients but oh so amazing results. Arrived home from work with no grandbabies to pick up today decided to stop procrastinating about my lotion venture and dive in with this recipe and wow! Am glad I did,I tweaked it just a bit using sweet almond oil in place of coconut oil as for some unknown reason my skin is not fond of it,then added bergamot,rosemary,lemon,Roman chamomile along with the lavender and my skin loves it and it absorbs quickly with no greasy residue. As well my face loves it so thank you for sharing,wanted to share my findings and tweaks.
Oh yay!! I am so happy to hear it was a success! Those oil additions sound lovely. I plan to do a magnesium version of this soon. ❤️
Bonjour, pour moi ça n’a pas fonctionné, en effet tout est resté liquide, jai essayé de mixer plus doucement, j’ai relu et relu la recette pour être certaine d’avoir tous fait correctement. Au final j’ai du tout jeter… C’est ça qui m’a fait le plus mal au coeur … Je me demandais comment c’était possible que l’émulsion se fasse avec l’huile et de l’aloes sans émulsifiant… Eh bien …ça ne la pas fait.
Thanks for your comment Audrey. This recipe is dependent on using the exact type of aloe brand specified in the post. This is because it contains an emulsifying agent which will thicken the lotion. Hope this helps.
Hi, Mary.
Thank you so very much for this recipe. I’ve been searching the web for a simple diy lotion. It works really well, but it is thinner than I expected. I put it into a pump bottle. If the pump is pressed with too much force, the lotion shoots out over the hand and lands in the floor. Both my husband and I learned this the hard way. 🙂 (Yes, my husband uses it. Thanks to all of the hand washing COVIC 19 has brought upon us.)
I would not mind, however, if it were a bit thicker. Do you have any suggestions?
I have not tried putting this in a pump bottle, that is interesting! I’m not sure how to make it thicker but if you find a way let me know!
Hi Mary,
I figured out the problem. Lilly of the Desert sells Aloe Vera Juice, Gel, and gelly. In addition, your post uses both gel and Gelly tfor the Aloe ingredient. The link does point to gelly. I purchased gel rather than gelly; I didn’t realize how different they were. There is a big difference. I know, because I located and purchased the gelly. I will make more lotion tonight. I want bottles everywhere.
That is good to know there is a difference between gel and gelly! I will look into that!
Hi Mary,
I have a lot of aloe vera growing here in Calif, so I could not help but use fresh aloe vera gel on your recipe since this Covid19 is keeping me home. Recently, I made some aloe vera jelly using a blender with 1/4 cup filtered water after soaking the gel 3x with fresh water to remove the yellow toxins. When I tried your recipe today and hoping to get a thicker gel than jelly, I decided not to add the water but to blend it first so I can measure a smooth one cup of gel. Well you guess right, the half-cup of gel turned to a white foam after using the blender; the foam measured to about one and a half cup, so I kept going & added the fractionated coconut oil, Vitamin E oil from 11 capsules, & 15 drops of lavender oil. The consistency looked like whipped egg whites but gelatinous. After refrigerating it for 30 minutes, it settled down to jelly. I’m happy with the results, it’s smooth & not sticky when I rub it on my skin. Next time I will measure the fresh-cut gel first before I put it in the blender. I will also use this as gifts if I find it lasts longer than 3 months. If you like to use a bottle with a pump or different sized containers check out Aroma Tools, I’ve used them to order all sizes of bottles. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Take care & be safe.
Thanks for the feedback Marieta! Glad you enjoyed the lotion recipe.
So I substituted babassu oil for coconut oil, grapeseed oil for vitamin e, and kept the aloe vera gel. I have the same problem with the lotion not becoming the same deep white as yours, but I think that has to do with the aloe vera gel not mixing with the other ingredients. I’ve heard this happens when aloe vera gel isn’t the same temperature as the other ingredients. Not sure if it’s true. However, the texture and absorbency of my lotion is literally amazing. I whipped this lotion for quite a while so I’m not mad. Just an FYI for everyone else! Super excited to use this tonight on face!
Yes I’m sure there are variations based on whatever ingredients you use and their temperature. Glad you enjoyed the lotion!
I ALWAYS LIKE ANYTHING DO IT YOURSELF. THANKS FOR THIS, I WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE MY OWN BODY LOTION. GREAT BLOG. FOLLOWING IT NOW.
Oh my gosh! I just made this, after months of trying different moisturizers! I am in my late sixties and my skin, which used to so beautiful that people would compliment me on it, is so dry now. I can not use most moisturizers or body lotions due to the fragrances. Even essential oils are bothering me now. I made this with a half recipe just in case I didn’t like it. I bought the exact brands you recommended. No essential oil though. It came out perfect! As soon as I put it on, just now, I could see and feel a difference in my skin. Thank you so much!
Oh, yay! I am so glad you are enjoying it!
can i use aloe after sun gel?
You might be able to … I’ve only tested it with the aloe mentioned in the post. Good luck
I can’t wait to try this! Natural and hypoallergenic lotions can be so expensive. I’m excited to try this recipe that’s way more budget friendly and natural. Thanks!
Thank you for the recipe, I will try it today. Please check closely the ingredients of the aloe you are using, It has very bad (toxic) ingredients.
Have a great day
Which ingredients are bad? This is what was on the Amazon post:
Certified organic aloe vera barbadensis juice gel , lactobacillus/arundinaria gigantea extract bamboo , glucose preservative , carbomer thickener , aloe barbadensis leaf polysaccharides certified organic aloesor , tocopheryl acetate vitamin E , retinly palmitate vitamin A , ascorbic acid vitamin C disodium EDTA predervative ,caprylyl glycol emollient .phenoxyethanol preservative ,sorbic acid prese
I made this today and it turned out great. I used my immersion blender and it worked perfectly. Excited to try this after my shower!
That’s great – enjoy!