The winter months are notorious for dry and cold air, which can cause extreme skin dryness and flakiness. During this time, skin needs extra moisture to stay comfortable and hydrated. If your skin needs additional TLC during winter, these Gingerbread Lotion Bars are made with a combination of extremely skin-loving oils and butters. Cocoa butter and coffee butter in particular are excellent for creating a barrier that helps your skin retain moisture. They also smell amazing! Combined with Cinnamon Sugar Fragrance Oil, these bars leave a sweet and spicy smell on the skin.
To help the adorable features on the gingerbread man pop, the bars are “painted” with Copper Sparkle Mica mixed with 99% isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol dries, leaving behind lines of sparkly mica. For the first few uses, the bars will give your skin a light sparkle. If you love the Gingerbread Man Mold as much as I do (it’s so cute!), check out the Cheery & Bright Gingerbread Man Melt and Pour Tutorial. If you prefer classic holiday colors, the video below shows you how to make adorable gingerbread man soaps. They make perfect gifts for friends and family.
Packaging and shipping lotion bars can be a little tricky because they are extremely heat sensitive. I recommend keeping these bars in a dry, cool place. If the bars come in contact with heat, they can melt. For tips on shipping during warm weather, check out this post. This box template is the perfect size for the adorable Gingerbread Man Mold. Simply print out the template on plain paper and use the template to trace onto cardstock. You can also print the template directly on cardstock if your printer will allow. Then, fold up the cardstock to create a perfect box for showcasing your gingerbread man creation! You’ll want to line the bottom of the cardstock box with freezer paper to prevent the gingerbread lotion bar man from getting the box all oily. Also, this box won’t hold oil, in the event you ship to someplace extra hot that melts your little gingerbread man lotion bars in transit.
What You’ll Need:
Gingerbread Man Mold
2.4 oz. White Beeswax
.7 oz. Coffee Butter
1.1 oz. Cocoa Butter
1.9 oz. Jojoba Oil
2.9 oz. Avocado Oil
4 mL Cinnamon Sugar Fragrance Oil
Copper Sparkle Mica
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
ONE: In a small heat safe container, add the white beeswax, coffee butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil and avocado oil. Place in the microwave and melt using 1 minute bursts until all the oils, butter and wax is completely melted. Be very careful when removing the container; it may be extra hot.
TWO: Measure out the Cinnamon Sugar Fragrance Oil and add to the melted mixture. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix in the fragrance oil.
THREE: If the mixture is extremely hot (over 140° F), stir the mixture until it cools. If you pour the mixture into the mold while it’s super hot, it may warp the mold. Once it has cooled to below 140° F, carefully pour the mixture into the molds and allow to thoroughly cool and harden. This can take several hours, so be patient. =) You can put these in the fridge to help them harden up extra quickly.
FOUR: Once the bars have completely cooled, remove them from the mold by pulling on the sides of the mold to release the airlock. Then, firmly press the back of each cavity with your thumb or the palm of your hand until the bars pop out. Next, mix 1/2 tsp. Copper Sparkle Mica into 1/2 Tbs. rubbing alcohol. Stir to get rid of any clumps.
FIVE: Use a small paintbrush to paint the details of the gingerbread man mold with the mica mixture. Allow the mica details to completely dry.
Once you’ve painted all the details, the bars are ready to use! For the first couple uses, the mica will leave a soft shimmer on the skin. Store these bars in a cool place, because they can melt in higher temperatures!
Have you started making holiday gifts yet? While it’s only the end of October, now is the time to get started! =)
Gingerbread Man Lotion Bars
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Man Mold
- 2.4 oz. White Beeswax
- .7 oz. Coffee Butter
- 1.1 oz. Cocoa Butter
- 1.9 oz. Jojoba Oil
- 2.9 oz. Avocado Oil
- 4 mL Cinnamon Sugar Fragrance Oil
- Copper Sparkle Mica
- 99 % Isopropyl Alcohol
Instructions
- In a small heat safe container, add the white beeswax, coffee butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil and avocado oil. Place in the microwave and melt using 1 minute bursts until all the oils, butter and wax is completely melted. Be very careful when removing the container, it may be very hot.
- Measure out the Cinnamon Sugar Fragrance Oil, and add to the melted mixture. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix in the fragrance oil.
- If the mixture is extremely hot (over 140° F), stir the mixture until it cools. If you pour the mixture into the mold while it’s extremely hot, it may warp the mold. Once it has cooled to below 140° F, carefully pour the mixture into the molds and allow to thoroughly cool and harden. This can take several hours, so be patient =)
- Once the bars have completely cooled, remove them from the mold by pulling on the sides of the mold to release the airlock. Then, firmly press the back of each cavity with your thumb or the palm of your hand until the bars pop out. Next, mix 1/2 tsp. Copper Sparkle Mica into 1/2 Tbs. rubbing alcohol. Stir to get rid of any clumps.
- Use a small paintbrush to paint the details of the gingerbread man mold with the mica mixture. Allow the mica details to completely dry.
- Once you’ve painted all the details, the bars are ready to use! For the first couple uses, the mica will leave a soft shimmer on the skin. Store these bars in a cool place, because they can melt in higher temperatures!
Okay I loved these, but they are a little melting even at 68 degrees, any ideas for storing (I was going to send them to friends but I am not sure I trust postal service not to melt them)
Also not sure you are keeping up on this but ideas to make a harder bar I can send?
That’s strange, we found these bars stayed solid until about 80-90F. Did you make any substitutions to the recipe?
Also, you may like these Beeswax and Honey Lotion Bars. They’re nice and firm: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/beeswax-lotion-bars-diy/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This looks like it would be amazing but I am allergic to avocado is there anything I can replace the avocado butter/oil with. I would love To make these.
Thanks so much!
You can use sweet almond oil instead! It has a similar lightweight feeling to the avocado oil. 🙂
Sweet almond oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Sweet-Almond-Oil-P3205.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks so much Kelsey. Just to ease my curious mind could grape seed oil also be used as a replacement for the avocado oil? Trying to learn what can be substituted for what.
Thanks so much for all your help and your willingness to share your knowledge it is very much appreciated!
Rose
Grapeseed oil would work as well! Chia seed oil is another option. They all have similar lightweight textures to the avocado oil. 🙂
Grapeseed oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Grapeseed-Oil-P6029.aspx
Chia seed oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Chia-Seed-Oil-P5612.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks so much Kelsey! I’m so excited to make my first diy skin care product, your help has been invaluable.
You’re very welcome Rose! 🙂
Aha 🙁 we don’t get coffee butter here .. what can I substitute it with?
Avocado butter would work well! It has a similar texture to the coffee butter. You can also use shea butter. It’s a bit more firm, so the bars will be a bit more firm overall. 🙂
Avocado butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Avocado-Butter-Solid-P3207.aspx
Shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can I use a substitute for Jojoba oil? I can’t seem to find mine!
You can use another lightweight oil like argan or meadowfoam! They have a similar consistency. You can also increase the amount of avocado oil to cover the difference. 🙂
Argan oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Argan-Oil-P5574.aspx
Meadowfoam oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Meadowfoam-Oil-P4978.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Great! Will do! I can’t wait to make these today!! Thanks so much!
You’re welcome Marissa! 🙂
hi
how can a person use them ? i meant in the shower with water . or i put it in my dry skin
?
We don’t recommend these in the shower because they won’t cleanse the skin and they can melt in the hot water. They work best applied to dry skin! They’re just like lotion but in solid form. Once the bars touch your skin the butter start to melt. 🙂
We do have a soap made in this mold! You can learn how to make it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLr_3CLqir8
Gingerbread Man Melt and Pour Soap: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/melt-and-pour-soap/gingerbread-man/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
HI there ! I love your blog !! Thank you for sharing!
Where did you buy the Gingerbread Man Mold?
THank you!
You’re welcome Tia, so glad you love the blog! You can find the mold and other ingredients on BrambleBerry.com. 🙂
Gingerbread Man Mold: https://www.brambleberry.com/Gingerbread-Man-Mold-P3764.aspx
Gingerbread Man Lotion Bars Kit: https://www.brambleberry.com/Gingerbread-Man-Lotion-Bar-Kit-P6446.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello,
I am just starting out trying to make some soaps. Can you tell me why my fresh lavender buds turn brown when using clear glycerin soap? The soap process was melting the soap in the microwave. Also what should I used to wrap and preserve my soaps. In the future I would like to start making cold press soaps.
Thank you for taking your time in answering my questions.
Gloria
Hi Gloria!
Natural ingredients like lavender buds will turn brown in soap. That is normal for natural ingredients. It’s definitely something to consider when designing your soap! Learn more about that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3VbeNl1Nqg
Also, soap doesn’t need a preservative! It has a pH level that doesn’t allow mold to grow. Read more about preservatives here: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
We do recommend wrapping melt and pour to keep it fresh and prevent any sweating. We have a great post that talks more about that I’ll link below. 🙂
How to Store Handmade Bath Products: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
will the vanilla content in the fragrance oil discolor the lotion bars or does that only happen when making soap? Really excited to make these!
Hi Chelsea!
While fragrance discoloration is a sure thing in soap, it is a bit unpredictable in lotion bars! The ones we made still have a lovely golden hue, but I have seen some lotion bars darken slightly. The good news if it does discolor, it will look even more like gingerbread!
To be on the extra safe side, you can use a fragrance with no vanilla content. Spiced Amber Ale would smell lovely in these bars, and doesn’t discolor: https://www.brambleberry.com/Spiced-Amber-Ale-Fragrance-Oil-P5670.aspx
You can find a list of our vanilla free fragrances here: https://www.brambleberry.com/Clear-Vanilla-Free-C491.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Do these gingerbread men lotion bars have a curing time or can you use them right away?
Hi Lori!
These bars don’t need to cure! Cold process soap needs to cure because the last bit of lye needs to turn into soap, and they have water that needs to evaporate. These lotion bars don’t contain lye, so they are ready to use right away. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Love this idea!! I have a question about lotion bars in general for selling. Are lotion bars under FDA rules and regulations? I can’t find the answer to this question anywhere. My soap is just “soap” so not under their rules but I’d really like to sell lotion bars too.
So glad you love this idea Annie! Hope you get a chance to give them a try. 🙂
If lotions claim to make people more attractive, ie moisturize the skin, they are considered cosmetics and regulated as such. If they claim to treat or cure something, like eczema, they are considered a drug. You can read more about that here: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm388824.htm
This page has more on how to label cosmetics: http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Labeling/Regulations/ucm126444.htm
We also have some helpful articles! This one goes over the differences between cosmetics and drugs: https://soapqueen.com/business/understanding-fda-cosmetic-vs-drug-claims/
This post tells you how to label your lotion: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/how-to-label-lotion/
Hope that helps! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
when measuring for these bars, is it ounces in weight for all the oils or fluid ounces? Thanks!
Hi Kim!
These measurements are ounces by weight (except the fragrance oil, which is volume). We find that’s a more accurate way to measure, as all the ingredients have different densities. 🙂
Read more about weight vs. volume here: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/a-guide-to-weight-vs-volume/
Having a scale is really handy for homemade bath and beauty products! You can find those online or at a department store like Target. We also sell them on Bramble Berry: https://www.brambleberry.com/Scales-Thermometers-C207.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
So…. i made these and love them. But now I want to set them aside for gifts–how do I package them to ensure they are not damaged. I know they are firm, but I also know they are going to get pretty beat up if I don’t protect them. Any suggestions?
Thanks… love all these projects! They all turn out so great 🙂
So glad you’re loving these projects Vicky! I would recommend wrapping the gingerbread men with plastic wrap to keep them nice and fresh. Then, you can pop them in a box (plastic, cardboard or metal would all work fine) to protect the bars from getting bumped. 🙂
We have a fun template that fits these bars perfectly. You can just print the template out on plain paper, then cut the shape on card stock for a great packaging option: https://www.brambleberry.com/Box-Template-for-Gingerbread-Man-P6024.aspx?ItemId=34970530
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Reading this tutorial has given me an idea for a gift for a sweet friend of mine. She dearly loves sparkle and shine. Would adding mica into the lotion bar instead of painting it on give her shimmer every use? She’s a mature lady, so not teenager sparkle. Something subtle is what I have in mind. Ideas?
Hi Jennifer!
That is a great gift idea! You can definitely add mica to the lotion bars themselves. As the butters melt on her skin, they will leave behind a bit of shimmer. 🙂
I would recommend starting off with about 1 teaspoon of color. Then, you can dip a cold spoon into the melted lotion bars and see if there is enough shimmer. Learn more about that spoon trick here: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/spoon-trick/
You can use any mica you like to add a bit of shine! The Copper Sparkle Mica would look lovely. You could also add Gold Sparkle Mica for some golden shimmer. Snowflake Sparkle Mica would be lovely as well. It is nice and shimmery. 🙂
Gold Sparkle Mica: https://www.brambleberry.com/Gold-Sparkle-Mica-P3063.aspx
Snowflake Sparkle Mica: https://www.brambleberry.com/Snowflake-Sparkle-Mica-P6225.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you!
You’re welcome! 🙂
I have been thinking about buying a few of the gingerbread molds and using them to make 100% coconut oil christmas themed cp soap, rather than lotion. I was wondering if I use coconut milk as the liquid would I need to reduce the super fat down from 20%
Hi Amanda!
That’s a great question! Milk adds extra fat to your soap, which helps give it a nice creamy feeling to offset some of coconut oil’s drying properties. However, I’m not actually sure how much extra fat!
I would recommend making a small test batch with 15% superfat and one with 20% superfat. That way you can test both and see how they feel. If you notice the 20% is a bit too soft, you can superfat toward the lower side. If even the 15% is too soft, you can lower from there. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
How to Add Lye to Milk for Cold Process Soap: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-add-lye-to-milk-for-cold-process-soap/
100% Coconut Oil Soap: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cold-process-soap/defying-the-rules-of-soapmaking-100-coconut-oil-soap-with-aloe-vera-and-a-mantra-swirl/
I love the Gingerbread Man soap! I make it every year and look forward to the holidays when I can make it again 🙂
So glad you love that soap Michael! As soon as I see that soap it puts me in the holiday mood. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
The gingerbread men are so cute! I do have a question, I have everything to make these bars except I don’t have any coffee butter. Is there another butter I can use like shea or mango butter which I do have? If so, would I use the same amount as indicated for the coffee butter?
Thanks for your help! Christina
Hi Christina!
Glad you like the bars! 🙂
You can definitely use shea or mango butter if you like! Those butters are a bit more firm than coffee butter so they will make the bars firmer overall, but they should still feel great. I would recommend making a small test batch with the same amount as the coffee butter to see what you think. If you want the bars a bit softer, you can add more jojoba or avocado oil.
If you have avocado butter, that’s a great substitute! It has a similar texture to the coffee butter. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
Mango butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Mango-Butter-P3221.aspx
Avocado butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Avocado-Butter-Solid-P3207.aspx
Thank you Kelsey for the great suggestions. I just got some avocado butter from BB and I’ll try using that in the lotion bars. Have a great day! Christina
You’re welcome Christina! Have a great day as well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry