Homemade Lotion with Olive Oil

Why olive oil in homemade lotion?

Olive oil is a pantry staple, inexpensive and widely used in DIY skin care. It contains fatty acids and is often described as rich and nourishing, which is why it is commonly suggested for dry skin. It is also a fairly heavy oil, so it can feel greasy and may not suit everyone, particularly people with oily or acne-prone skin. If you are unsure, try it on a small area first.

Many “olive oil lotion” recipes online are really one of two things:

A true lotion, which is an emulsion of oil and water held together by an emulsifier.
A body butter or balm, which is just oils and butters with no water.

The difference matters for safety and shelf life, as explained below.

Lotion vs. body butter

Lotion contains water, so it feels lighter and absorbs more easily. Because it contains water, it needs a proper preservative and an emulsifier.

Body butter is made from butters (like shea or cocoa) and oils, usually without water. It feels richer and more protective, and because there is no water, it is less prone to microbial growth. It can be too heavy for some people, especially on the face.

Neither is universally “better.” Lotion suits people who like a light finish and everyday use. Body butter suits dry skin or colder months. Many people keep both. If you are also experimenting with soaks, a moisturizer pairs well with homemade bath salts.

What you need for olive oil lotion

Olive oil: the oil phase. You can blend in other oils, such as sweet almond or sunflower, for a lighter feel. Our guide to oils used for soap making describes how many of these oils feel and behave.
An emulsifier: emulsifying wax is the most beginner-friendly choice. Beeswax alone is not a simple one-to-one substitute and often separates without extra help, so most beginners find a ready-made emulsifying wax easier.
Distilled water: boiled or distilled, not tap water.
A broad-spectrum preservative: see the next section.
Optional: essential oils, aloe, or glycerin.
Equipment: a kitchen scale, heatproof containers, a stick blender or hand mixer, sanitized jars.

Why you need a preservative in water-based lotion

Anything containing water can grow bacteria, yeast and mold. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that slows oils going rancid, but it does not protect against microbes. Experienced makers in forums are consistent on this point.

Some online recipes (including simple oil, beeswax and water recipes) skip preservatives and advise using the lotion within a month or two. That is risky, because contamination may not be visible or smelly, and applying contaminated lotion to skin can cause problems. For a safer result:

Use a broad-spectrum preservative sold for cosmetics, and follow the supplier’s recommended usage rate.
Sanitize equipment and jars, and use distilled water.
Make small batches.
Or skip water and make a body butter instead.

Basic method for olive oil lotion

Exact percentages depend on your emulsifier and preservative, so follow the supplier’s instructions and weigh ingredients on a scale rather than measuring by cup. The general process is:

Weigh the oil phase: olive oil and the emulsifying wax together.
Weigh the water phase: distilled water, and any water-soluble extras like glycerin.
Heat both phases gently in separate heatproof containers (a water bath works) until the wax is fully melted and both are warm. Follow your emulsifier’s guidance on temperature.
Combine by slowly pouring the oil phase into the water phase while blending with a stick blender or hand mixer.
Blend and cool, stirring from time to time, until it thickens into a creamy lotion.
Add the preservative and any fragrance once the mixture has cooled to the temperature your preservative supplier recommends.
Transfer to sanitized pump bottles or jars.

As a reference point, one commonly shared forum recipe uses equal parts olive oil and emulsifying wax with several times that amount of water. That is a thick, wax-heavy ratio, so treat it as a starting point and adjust to the product instructions.

Waterless option: olive oil body butter

If you would rather avoid preservatives, a whipped body butter is straightforward. This recipe is adapted from a popular one and makes about 1 1/4 cups:

1/2 cup shea butter
1/2 cup cocoa butter
1/2 cup oil (olive oil works, though lighter oils feel less heavy)
1 tablespoon cornstarch, arrowroot or tapioca starch (helps with texture)
Optional essential oil, around 10 to 30 drops

Method

Melt the butters and oil together gently in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between.
Chill in the fridge for about 45 to 60 minutes, until the edges are solid but the middle is still a little soft.
Add starch and scent, then whip with a mixer until fluffy.
Spoon into a clean jar.

Keep it out of heat: body butter can start to melt at around 32°C (90°F).

Scent and add-ins

Keep scent gentle. Lavender, orange or vanilla are common choices. Only use fragrance oils labelled as skin-safe, since oils made for candles may not be suitable; see how to use fragrance oils. Check recommended maximum essential oil levels for skin products and avoid strong, irritating oils like cinnamon or clove at high amounts. Fragrance-free is a good option if your skin reacts easily.

Troubleshooting

Lotion separates: the emulsifier amount or temperature may have been off, or the mix was not blended long enough.
Too thick or too thin: adjust the wax in future batches slightly, and keep notes.
Grainy body butter: this can happen if shea butter cools slowly. Re-melt, chill faster, and re-whip.
Body butter too hard or too soft: more liquid oil softens it; more cocoa butter firms it.
Greasy feel: use less oil, a lighter oil, or apply to slightly damp skin.

Storage and shelf life

Store lotion in a cool place in clean, sanitized containers, and dispense with a pump or clean spoon instead of dipping in fingers. Follow your preservative supplier’s guidance on shelf life. Body butter without water generally lasts longer, with some makers reporting around a year, but discard anything that smells off or changes in appearance.

Frequently asked questions

Is olive oil good for older skin? Olive oil is often used on dry or mature skin because it is rich, but there is no guarantee it will work for everyone. Do a patch test, and speak with a dermatologist if you have skin conditions.

What are some homemade body lotion recipes for glowing skin? No homemade lotion can promise a glow. Light, well-moisturized skin can look healthier, so a basic oil and emulsifier lotion or a body butter, applied to damp skin after bathing, is a reasonable place to start.

Is body butter better than lotion? It depends on your skin and preference. Body butter is richer and has no water; lotion is lighter but needs a preservative.

What is the best body butter? There is no single best one. A mix of shea butter, cocoa butter and a liquid oil you tolerate well is a common, adaptable base.