DIY Skincare: 3 Homemade Oatmeal Lotion Recipes for Nourished Skin

If you’re like us, you may have wondered why your skin doesn’t feel as soft and radiant as it should despite using expensive store-bought lotions. High prices don’t equate to efficacy. We’ve found that simply using lotions containing natural ingredients is a solid skincare strategy.

With that in mind, oats are a necessity for skincare, especially if you have sensitive skin.

When you make your own lotion, not only will you entirely avoid unnecessary chemicals, but you also have the freedom to tailor it perfectly to your skin’s needs by including natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, oat milk, or other options.

• Homemade oatmeal lotion moisturizes, reduces inflammation, alleviates dry and itchy skin, and can even enhance the skin’s natural barrier.
• Commercial lotions keep a long shelf-life with additives and preservatives but at the cost of potential skin irritants. With homemade variations, you control what ends up on your skin.

In this post, we’ll guide you through simple recipes, ingredient substitutions for customization, and science-backed evidence proving oats’ effectiveness in skincare. Time to give your skin the natural care it deserves.

Basic Ingredients for Homemade Oatmeal Lotion

Making your own homemade oatmeal lotion can be incredibly gratifying, not to mention beneficial for your skin. To craft the perfect lotion, it’s vital to understand a few of the major ingredients involved and their specific roles. Now, let’s dive into the essentials.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is the cornerstone of this lotion and brings several essential benefits.

Colloidal oatmeal is the preferred type due to its fine texture, which helps it blend smoothly into lotions. Colloidal oatmeal is known for its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for irritated or dry skin. It acts as a mild exfoliant and helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

Carrier Oils

Carrier oils serve multiple functions in oatmeal lotion. They dissolve the colloidal oatmeal, provide nourishment, and help retain moisture in your skin. Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and avocado Oil are examples of great carrier oils that can be used in DIY lotions. We’ll go into more depth on carrier oils later in this post.

Choosing the right carrier oil can significantly enhance the benefits of your homemade oatmeal lotion. By selecting oils that suit your skin type and needs, you ensure that your lotion is both effective and nourishing.

Emulsifiers

In lotion making, emulsifiers are essential for blending water and oil components into a stable mixture, ensuring your lotion is smooth and consistent. Here are some natural emulsifiers that work really well:

Beeswax

• Benefits: Offers emulsifying power, adds moisture, and gives a creamy texture.
• Details: Beeswax not only brings your ingredients together but also adds that extra layer of hydration, making your lotion feel wonderfully luxurious and nurturing.

Lecithin

• Benefits: Gentle on the skin and adds nourishment.
• Details: Derived from soybeans or sunflower seeds, lecithin is a fantastic plant-based option. It ensures a smooth and stable mixture while being kind to your skin, making it perfect for homemade lotions.

Candelilla Wax

• Benefits: Vegan-friendly and provides a light, fast-absorbing texture.
• Details: Sourced from the leaves of the candelilla shrub, this wax works similarly to beeswax. It creates a cohesive blend and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, making it a great choice for those who prefer plant-based ingredients.

Emulsifying Wax

• Benefits: Provides a reliable and consistent emulsifying action.
• Details: While not purely natural, emulsifying wax is derived from natural sources like plant-based fatty acids. It effectively binds oil and water, ensuring your lotion has a smooth and stable texture every time.

Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters

• Benefits: Derived from olive oil, it provides mild and effective emulsification.
• Details: This option adds a silky feel to your lotions and is gentle on sensitive skin, making it a versatile choice for many DIY beauty recipes.

Sucrose Stearate

• Benefits: Plant-based and mild, ideal for sensitive skin.
• Details: Derived from sugar and stearic acid, it helps create a smooth, stable lotion. Perfect for those looking for a gentle emulsifier.

Xanthan Gum

• Benefits: Natural thickener and stabilizer.
• Details: Often used in combination with other emulsifiers, xanthan gum enhances the texture and stability of your lotions, giving you that perfect consistency every time.

Using these emulsifiers, you can craft lotions that feel luxurious and gentle on your skin. Plus, there’s a special satisfaction in knowing exactly what goes into the products you’re using.

Preservatives

While making lotion at home, it’s important to consider the shelf life of your product. Natural preservatives can ensure your homemade oatmeal lotion stays fresh for a longer period, preventing bacterial or mold growth. Some effective natural options include:

• Vitamin E: An excellent antioxidant.
• Rosemary Extract: Helps reduce oxidation, functioning as both an antioxidant and a mild preservative.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract: Known for its antimicrobial properties.

Mastering these basic ingredients will set the foundation for crafting an effective and luxurious homemade oatmeal lotion tailored specifically to your skin’s unique needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Oatmeal Lotion

Creating homemade oatmeal lotion is a wonderful way to nourish your skin with natural ingredients that are free from synthetic chemicals. Below, we’ll guide you through every step to create your own smooth and soothing oatmeal lotion.

Preparation of Ingredients

Gathering and properly preparing your ingredients is crucial before starting the lotion-making process. Ensuring each component is measured accurately will guarantee the best results. We’ll list specific recipes later in the article, but here’s a simple recipe walkthrough:

1. Oatmeal: Measure 1/2 cup of colloidal oatmeal. If you don’t have colloidal oatmeal, grind regular oats into a fine powder using a blender.
2. Oils: Measure out your carrier oils. For this recipe, you’ll need 1/4 cup of almond oil, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of coconut oil.
3. Water Phase: Boil 1/2 cup of distilled water. Make sure it’s pure to avoid any contaminants in your lotion.
4. Emulsifier: Measure 1 tablespoon of emulsifying wax, a key player in blending oil and water together.
5. Preservatives: For natural preservation, measure 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and, optionally, 1/2 teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract or rosemary extract.

Having everything laid out ahead of time will make the lotion-making process so much easier.

Mixing and Heating

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to mix and heat them.

1. Double Boiler Setup: Combine the almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and emulsifying wax in a heat-safe bowl. Place this bowl on top of a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler. This gentle heat protects the integrity of the oils.
2. Melting: Stir occasionally until the emulsifying wax is completely melted. This ensures a smooth, consistent lotion. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
3. Blending: Once melted, add the colloidal oatmeal to the oil mixture, stirring thoroughly to blend these ingredients smoothly.
4. Merging Water Phase: Meanwhile, heat the distilled water until it’s steaming. Gradually pour the hot water into the oil mixture, blending consistently. A hand blender or a regular whisk works well here.

Combining these ingredients gently ensures an even blend, much like carefully mixing colors in a palette to create a masterpiece.

Cooling and Storing

Finalizing your lotion means cooling it properly and storing it effectively for long-term use.

1. Cooling Off: After blending, let the lotion cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken into a creamy consistency.
2. Preserving: Once cooled, add the vitamin E oil and any additional natural preservatives you’ve chosen. Stir well to incorporate these into the lotion.
3. Storage: Transfer your homemade oatmeal lotion into sterilized jars or bottles. Opt for dark-colored containers if possible, to protect the lotion from light exposure.

Keep the lotion in a cool, dry place. If you want extended shelf life, storing them in the refrigerator can help. Refrigeration can ensure your lotion lasts for months, which is especially helpful if you’re making a lot at one time.

Creating homemade oatmeal lotion isn’t just about crafting a skin-soothing product; you’re literally learning a new skill you can share with your family and friends. We love the idea of passing down tangible skills to our children and loved ones.

Customizing Your Oatmeal Lotion

Making your own homemade oatmeal lotion is like painting on a blank canvas—you have complete freedom to craft something uniquely suited to your skin.

Flexibility in choosing and combining ingredients means addressing your skin’s needs specifically, whether it’s extra hydration, soothing irritation, or adding a lovely scent.

Essential Oils

Adding essential oils to your oatmeal lotion makes it smell amazing and introduces additional skin benefits. The following oils are fantastic even just for aromatherapy purposes, but they’re popular EOs for skincare as well:

• Lavender Oil: Known for its calming scent and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender oil can help soothe sensitive skin and reduce redness.
• Tea Tree Oil: It possesses antibacterial properties, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
• Chamomile Oil: Offers anti-inflammatory benefits and is perfect for soothing irritated skin.
• Rosehip Oil: Rich in vitamins A and C, it promotes collagen production and skin regeneration.
• Peppermint Oil: Invigorates the senses with a refreshing aroma and provides a cooling effect.
• Patchouli Oil: Known for its moisturizing properties; helps in combating dry skin and reducing scars.
• Palmarosa Oil: Excellent for hydrating the skin; has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• Myrrh Oil: Helps in healing wounds and soothing chapped or cracked skin; has anti-inflammatory properties. Warm and comforting scent.
• Frankincense Oil: Assists in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; promotes cell regeneration. Pairing this with myrrh and spikenard is a perfect combination around the holidays.
• Spikenard Oil: Shows promising results regarding antimicrobial and antibacterial activity. Promotes relaxation.
• Ylang Ylang Oil: Aids in balancing skin oils, promotes relaxation, and is suitable for both dry and oily skin types.

Experimenting with different essential oils allows you to customize your lotion to target specific skin concerns, making each application a luxurious and effective skincare treatment.

Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are fundamental to any homemade lotion because they help dilute the essential oils and bring their own beneficial properties. Here are some wonderful options to consider:

• Sweel Almond Oil: Rich in vitamin E, this oil is great for moisturizing and soothing skin.
• Olive Oil: An antioxidant powerhouse that hydrates deeply.
• Coconut Oil: Known for its moisture-locking abilities and antibacterial benefits.
• Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it excellent for balancing oil production.
• Avocado Oil: Packed with vitamins and fatty acids, this oil provides deep hydration and soothes inflammation.

Each carrier oil has unique properties, but they’ll all effectively promote moisturization and moisture retention in the skin.

Emollients and Butters

Emollients like shea butter or cocoa butter can make your oatmeal lotion even more moisturizing and luxurious. These ingredients are known for their rich, creamy textures and deep moisturizing properties.

• Shea Butter: Contains vitamins A and E, promotes moisture, and reduces skin inflammation.
• Cocoa Butter: High in fatty acids, it enhances skin elasticity and moisture retention.

Both these butters can transform your basic lotion into a highly effective moisturizer that will keep you hydrated for much longer than when using lighter oils alone. We especially recommend these richer ingredients for nighttime body lotions.

Natural Additives

Incorporating natural additives can significantly enhance the benefits of your homemade oatmeal lotion. These ingredients combine powerful properties to create an all-rounded skincare solution.

• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties. Ideal for sensitive or sun-exposed skin.
• Vitamin E: Acts as a natural preservative and can prevent the lotion from going stale. It’s also known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from damage.
• Honey (especially Manuka): Provides deep hydration, has antibacterial properties, and helps to brighten the skin.

Breaking out your inner creativity to create the perfect oatmeal lotion suited precisely to your skin. Whether for added hydration, soothing irritation, or enhancing the scent, your selection of ingredients will play a major role in the skincare outcomes you desire.

Dive in and tailor-make each batch to enjoy perfectly personalized skincare.

3 Homemade Oatmeal Lotion Recipes

When it comes to creating your own natural skincare products, homemade oatmeal lotion is at the top of the list for its skin-nourishing and soothing benefits. Below, I’ve compiled a few easy recipes using readily available ingredients. Feel free to swap alternative ingredients when desired.

For example, if a recipe calls for olive oil, you could easily swap in sweet almond oil or jojoba oil instead. That’s the beauty of DIY skincare!

1.) Basic Oatmeal Lotion Recipe

Here’s a straightforward recipe that anyone can whip up at home. It’s gentle, soothing, and perfect for everyday use.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup colloidal oatmeal
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 1 tablespoon emulsifying wax
• 1/2 cup distilled water (tap water’s okay, but distilled is best)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients and set them aside in clean bowls.
2. Melt the oils and wax: Combine the olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, and emulsifying wax in a double boiler. Heat until the wax melts completely.
3. Mix in the oatmeal: Slowly add the colloidal oatmeal to the melted oils, stirring constantly to ensure it blends smoothly.
4. Combine the water: Heat the distilled water until steaming (do not boil). Gradually mix the hot water into the oil and oatmeal mixture.
5. Blend well: Use a hand blender or whisk to mix until well combined.
6. Cool and store: Allow the lotion to cool, then stir in the vitamin E oil and any essential oil. Transfer to sterilized containers.

This basic lotion is deeply moisturizing and suits all skin types.

2.) Soothing Oatmeal and Aloe Lotion

If your skin needs a little extra soothing, this recipe is perfect. The addition of aloe vera helps calm inflammation and hydrate deeply.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup colloidal oatmeal
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon emulsifying wax
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 10 drops chamomile essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: As with all recipes, start by measuring out your ingredients.
2. Melt the base: Combine the olive oil, coconut oil, and emulsifying wax in a double boiler, heating until the wax melts.
3. Add the oatmeal: Incorporate the colloidal oatmeal into the melted mixture, stirring to mix thoroughly.
4. Mix the water and aloe: Heat the distilled water until it’s warm, but not boiling. Combine with the aloe vera gel, then slowly add into the oil and oatmeal mix.
5. Blend until smooth: Use a hand blender or whisk until the lotion reaches a smooth consistency.
6. Cool and finalize: Allow the mixture to cool down, and then stir in the vitamin E oil and essential oil. Store in clean, sterilized containers.

This lotion combines the soothing properties of oats and aloe for a skincare treat.

3.) Nourishing Honey and Oatmeal Lotion

Honey, especially Manuka honey, is known for its exceptional skin-nourishing properties. This recipe combines honey and oatmeal for ultimate skin hydration and healing.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup colloidal oatmeal
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 2 tablespoons raw honey (preferably Manuka)
• 1 tablespoon emulsifying wax
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Organize ingredients: Measure out all necessary ingredients.
2. Create oil blend: Melt the coconut oil, almond oil, and emulsifying wax using a double boiler.
3. Add oatmeal and honey: Mix in the colloidal oatmeal and raw honey, ensuring both are fully incorporated.
4. Combine with water: Gently heat the distilled water until steaming, then slowly add to the oil, oatmeal, and honey mixture.
5. Blend thoroughly: Using a hand blender or whisk, mix until the lotion is smooth with no lumps.
6. Cool and store: Let the hotter blend cool before stirring in vitamin E and essential oil. Pour into sterilized jars or bottles.

This honey and oatmeal combo creates a deeply nourishing lotion that also has a very calming fragrance. Myrrh could be added to this recipe as well.

These recipes give you the foundation to create your own customizable oatmeal lotions. Feel free to experiment by swapping in ingredients that suit your skin needs. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your skin is receiving the loving care it deserves.

FAQ: Homemade Oatmeal Lotion

Creating homemade oatmeal lotion can be extremely rewarding, especially for those seeking a healthier skincare routine free from chemicals. Below, we’ll dive into a few frequently asked questions to help you get started.

1. Is oatmeal lotion safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, oatmeal lotion is generally safe for sensitive skin.

Colloidal oatmeal, the finely ground oatmeal used in skincare, has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that soothe irritation and protect the skin barrier. That’s why it’s often recommended, especially for those with sensitive skin. It’s always worked very well when our children have when they have eczema flare-ups.

When making your own lotion, ensure that you use quality ingredients and avoid harmful chemicals. Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin first to check for any adverse reactions.

2. How long does homemade oatmeal lotion last?

The shelf life of homemade oatmeal lotion depends on the ingredients and storage conditions. Generally, it can last between one to three months if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Adding natural preservatives like vitamin E and grapefruit seed extract can help extend its shelf life. Refrigeration will increase the shelf life even longer.

To prevent contamination, always use sterilized containers and tools during the preparation process.

3. Can I use regular oats instead of colloidal oatmeal?

While you can use regular oats, colloidal oatmeal is preferred for skincare due to its fine particle size, which allows it to blend smoothly into lotions and achieve better results.

You can easily make colloidal oatmeal at home by grinding regular oats in a food processor or coffee grinder until they reach a fine, powdery consistency.

4. How often should I apply oatmeal lotion?

For optimal results, it is recommended to apply oatmeal lotion twice daily—once in the morning and once at night, especially after bathing when the skin can best absorb the moisturizing components. If you have particularly dry or irritated skin, you might find it helpful to apply the lotion more frequently throughout the day.

5. Can I add other natural ingredients to my oatmeal lotion?

Absolutely! Homemade oatmeal lotion is versatile and can be customized with various natural ingredients to enhance its benefits.

Adding essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, or tea tree oil can provide additional soothing, antibacterial, or aromatherapeutic benefits. Carrier oils like jojoba or avocado oil, and infusions such as aloe vera or honey can enrich your lotion, making it more nourishing.

6. How do I prevent my homemade lotion from separating?

Separation often occurs when the oil and water phases in your lotion haven’t emulsified properly. Here are some tips to keep your lotion from separating:

• Use a proper emulsifier: Ingredients like emulsifying wax can help water and oils bind together smoothly.
• Heat and hold technique: Heat the water and oil phases separately to 70°C and then combine. Mix thoroughly until cooled.
• Stabilizers: Natural thickeners like xanthan gum can add extra stability to your lotion.

If separation still occurs, simply mix your lotion a bit before application.

7. What are the benefits of using homemade lotion over store-bought?

Homemade lotions offer numerous benefits over commercial ones, including:

• Customized ingredients: You select every ingredient to cater to your specific skin needs.
• No harmful chemicals: Avoid potential skin irritants like parabens and synthetic fragrances found in many store-bought lotions.
• Environmentally friendly: Reduce plastic waste and minimize ecological footprint.
• Cost-effective: Although there’s an initial investment in ingredients, in the long run, homemade lotions far more cost-effective.