When skin needs serious moisture, lotion bars are the way to go. A lotion bar typically refers to a combination of butters, wax and oil that create a firm yet spreadable product when combined. Because they are made solely of oils, they are great for extremely dry areas like elbows, knees and cuticles. They are wonderful for a home spa day, or if skin needs a pick-me-up throughout the day.
These Lavender Lotion Bars are made with a luxurious blend of argan oil, avocado butter and white beeswax. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and gives this bar a spreadable texture. Avocado butter and beeswax add firmness to the bars. Lavender 40/42 essential oil gives a light and calming floral scent. I love using the mini deodorant tubes for lotion bars because they are easy to travel with and carry around in your purse. Download and print this free label template for a finishing touch.
What You’ll Need:
17 Mini Deodorant Tubes
3.5 oz. Argan Oil
3 oz. Avocado Butter
2 oz. White Beeswax
0.1 oz. Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
Optional: Lavender Lotion Bar Label Template
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Find the supplies you need for this project below
ONE: In a small heat-safe container, combine the argan oil, avocado butter and white beeswax. Microwave on 30-60 second bursts until fully melted. Beeswax has a high melting point and can take awhile to fully melt. Because of this, don’t use a glass container with too much head space. A mostly-empty container can actually explode if it gets too hot in the microwave. Once melted, remove from the microwave carefully, as the mixture will be very hot.
TWO: Add the lavender 40/42 essential oil and stir to fully incorporate.
THREE: Carefully pour the mixture into the deodorant tubes. Allow to fully cool and harden. This will take several hours or up to overnight. Store these bars in a cool place because they can melt slightly in extremely high temperatures (aka: if you live in Arizona, don’t leave one of these in your car upside down). To use, apply to dry areas of the skin. I love lotion bars for dry patches such as knees, feet and elbows. For an extra deep feet-loving moisture experience, fully moisten your feet before bed with the lotion bar and then slip on cotton socks to sleep in. When you wake up, your skin will be extra happy, supple and moist thanks to those nourishing skin-loving ingredients.
- 17 Mini Deodorant Tubes
- 3.5 oz. Argan Oil
- 3 oz. Avocado Butter
- 2 oz. White Beeswax
- 0.1 oz. Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
- In a small heat-safe container, combine the argan oil, avocado butter and white beeswax. Microwave on 30-60 second bursts until fully melted. Beeswax has a high melting point and can take a while to fully melt. Because of this, don’t use a glass container with too much head space. The container can actually explode if it gets too hot! Once melted, remove from the microwave carefully, as the mixture will be very hot.
- Add the lavender 40/42 essential oil and stir to fully incorporate.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the deodorant tubes. Allow to fully cool and harden. This will take several hours or up to overnight. Store these bars in a cool place because they can melt slightly in extremely high temperatures! Carefully pour the mixture into the deodorant tubes. Allow to fully cool and harden. This will take several hours or up to overnight. Store these bars in a cool place because they can melt slightly in extremely high temperatures! To use, apply to dry areas of the skin. I love lotion bars for dry patches such as knees and elbows!!
Hello! I am getting ready to make these lotion bars for the holidays and see that the mini deodorant tubes hold .5 oz compared to .35 oz. previously. It seems that this recipe (with a total of 8.6 oz.) will yield fewer than 25 tubes ( approx. 17). If that’s correct, can this recipe be made at 1.5x (for a total of 12.9 oz.) in order to yield 25 tubes? Also, if I have some left that won’t fit in a tube, can I use one of your cute small soap molds? Thanks!
Absolutely, you can increase the recipe to fill the slightly larger Mini Deodorant Tubes. We’ll get this post updated to reflect the change, thanks for catching that. Any leftovers can be placed in a soap mold.
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to make these :o)
Hi BB,
Great recipe but the link to the lotion bar template is incorrect. It takes you to Lavender Bath Bomb.
That link is correct – the downloadable file has several labels in it for projects. The Lavender Lotion Bar labels are on the second page of that downloadable file. Sorry for any confusion.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thx Kelsey! Do you think I can use candelilla wax instead of beeswax? Should I use less oil and more wax to keep the firmness? Thank you again!
Candelilla wax is softer than beeswax, so the bars will be softer overall. You can use it, you just may need to add more, or add another firm ingredient like coconut oil or cocoa butter. I would recommend making a small test batch to see what you think.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Candelilla Wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Candelilla-Wax-P4207.aspx
Coconut Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Coconut-Oil-P3196.aspx
Cocoa Butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Organic-Cocoa-Butter-Cubes-P6365.aspx
Hai there, thanks for sharing the recipe with us ! 😀
I have few questions :
1. Can I combine moringa oil & argan oil altogether in this formula ? If can, what is the volume of each oil ?
2. I dont have avocado butter here. Only mango butter. Can I substitute it & what is the suggestions weight of mango butter to be used?
3. How long is the shell life for this lotion bar If I use moringa & argan oil ?
Thank you for your sweet reply ! 🙂
You can use argan and moringa in this recipe. How much of each you choose is based on personal preference. A good place to start is a 1:1 ratio of each, then add more of one if you prefer.
Mango butter is more firm than avocado, so it will change the feel of these bars. I would recommend making a small test batch with the same amount of avocado butter called for in this recipe. If it’s too firm, you can add more oil.
These bars will last about 1 year. They store best in a cool, dry place. Learn more about the shelf life of products here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/shelf-life-bath-products-ingredients-rancidity-vs-mold/
And more about storing your products here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I finally got around to making these. I made a few substitutions:
1. I used Shea butter because I didn’t have avocado butter
2. I used 1/2 argan oil and 1/2 calendula infused olive oil
3. I reduced the amount of EO because I’m sensitive to strong scents
It worked so well! I am thrilled with this recipe!
Glad the recipe worked out well for you Merryn. One of the many benefits of making your own products is tailoring them to work for you. Not to mention this recipe is nice and moisturizing – a win win.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
ohhh this helps me, i was going to ask about some substitutions…argan is expensive, so the price point for sales goes way up…what other liquid oil could be used??? i did buy some avocado butter and will have lots of that for another batch, but not much of the argan oil
For a recipe like this Sweet Almond would be a wonderful substitute.
I’m guessing I can also use the push up tubes instead of the mini deodorant tubes with out changing the basic recipe. How much will the mini deodorant tubes hold?
This recipe should work just fine in the Push Tubes! You may make a small test batch just to be sure. If you find the bars aren’t holding onto the sides of the Push Tubes, you can add 1% vitamin E oil. It’s sticky so it helps the bars grip the sides of the tube. 🙂
Push Tubes: https://www.brambleberry.com/Push-Tubes-Clear-P4203.aspx
Also, the Mini Deodorant Tubes hold .5 oz. each: https://www.brambleberry.com/Mini-Deodorant-Tube-P6110.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
How would one use a fragrance oil instead of an essential oil? Are they the same strength?
You can use a fragrance oil instead of an essential oil in this recipe! The usage rate varies depending on the fragrance you’re using. To find out how much to add, you can use our Fragrance Calculator: http://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
Just select “Lotion” from the drop down menu. 🙂
Fragrance oils: https://www.brambleberry.com/Fragrance-Oils-C161.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi,
Love your tutorials 🙂
Is there anything else I can substitute for Avacado Butter?
Thanks
So glad you’re loving the tutorials Mary! If you don’t have avocado butter, coffee butter is a great substitute. It feels very similar! You can also use shea butter. Shea butter is firmer, so it will make the bars firmer overall. 🙂
Coffee butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Coffee-Butter-P3444.aspx
Shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
Read more about butters here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/all-about-butters-in-bath-beauty-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks Kelsey 🙂
You’re welcome!
Hi! I would like to use this recipe using the small jars with lids, I want them to be popped out each time they’re used, do I have to modified the recipe like increase the beeswax? or the recipe is hard enough to be keep it as it is? Thank you for your help.
The recipe on its own is pretty hard! You can add a bit more beeswax to help them slide out of the jar. It may help to make the bars slightly smaller than the jars. That way, they will come out nice and easy. You can use a mold or line the jars with silicone or freezer paper to create a smaller mold. Then, take off the wrapper and pop into the jars. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
What is the temperature that will cause it to melt? I bought a really nice solid lotion once in a tin and it just poured all over as a liquid in warm weather. I live in Oregon, but my purse might be in a warm place traveling. Just wanting to know. I want to make this for my family and want to know what warning to put on them before I make them. Also, how much does each deodorant tube hold? I notice the amounts in the recipe are really small.
never mind about the size- I would have deleted by other comments but I couldn’t figure out how. sorry for wasting time. I figured that out with the simple strategy of going to the link for the tubes. I notice that you suggest a clear tube with a screw top that is a little larger for a different product. I wonder if the screw top would make it less likely to leak while traveling. Do you not suggest the clear tubes because they would melt at the temperatures at which we need to pour the beeswax lotion?
Hi Laura!
These bars will start to melt around 90-100F. They’re best stored in a cool, dry place. They’re great for traveling in the cooler months as it’s not as hot out. 🙂
Both the Push Tubes and the Deodorant Tubes work well for lotion bars! They have tops that seal to help prevent leaks. The Deodorant Tubes hold .35 ounces and the Push Tubes hold about 1 ounce by volume. They have more of a rounded shape than the Deodorant tubes. You can use whichever one you prefer!
Push Tubes: https://www.brambleberry.com/Push-Tubes-Clear-P4203.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Yay another great recipe!
I love these new projects, I can’t wait make this and send some to my mom( she’s going to love it).
Also I have a question about the lavender EO that you used here – can I use this lavender EO and other bramble berry EO oils in a aromatherapy diffuser in my home?
I just thought if I can use them – and if so do they have to be diluted first or can they go straight into the diffuser?
Thanks Robin, so glad you love the new projects! 🙂
Essential oils on their own in a diffuser can be a bit strong. We like to mix them with a carrier oil! DPG works really well: https://www.brambleberry.com/DPG-P3214.aspx
If you don’t have that on hand, you can use any carrier oil you have on hand like olive or sweet almond oil!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you Kelsey, I just bought a brand new humidifier for my bed room and It has a place to put essential oil on the back ( I little tray) so I just wanted to ask about the bramble berry essential oils and if they needed to be diluted, because your right they are definitely strong, so I’ll definitely be diluting them in something and (sweet almond oil) seems perfect 😊
I have owned NANY different types of diffusers and have been in Aromatherapy for only 6 years now but I have ALWAYS been told to NEVER DILUTE pure essential oils in diffusers, the carrier oils will destroy the diffuser. Depending on the type of diffuser you have, you either add distilled water and 8-10 drops of EO or (my nebulizer diffuser) you only add EO. Never dilute with DPG, that’s more for candles and sometimes lotions/balms/ect. Look up your manual for the type of diffuser you have it will say in big bold print “DO NOT ADD ADULTERATED OILS OR ESSENTIAL OILS DILUTED IN CARRIER OILS”. Sorry but I just though people should know. Still love this blog and all the recipes, they are fantastic💕
We recommend diluting the essential oils so they last longer and aren’t too strong! If your diffuser instructions say to add undiluted oils, you can definitely do that as well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
instead of lavender 40/42 essential oil, can I use a different essential oil?
Absolutely, you can swap this out with any essential oil you like! You’ll just want to stay away from citrus essential oils. They cause photosensitivity in leave-on products. You can use another option though, like lemongrass or litsea. 🙂
Find our essential oils here: https://www.brambleberry.com/Essential-Oils-C157.aspx
And find out how much to add to this recipe with our Fragrance Calculator: https://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Would another butter be an okay substitute (mango, cocoa or shea)? I only have avocado oil at the moment and would love to make this weekend. Thanks for all the great help and recipes!
You can use shea butter! It’s a bit more firm than the avocado butter, so the bars will be a bit harder. I would recommend dipping a cold spoon in the mixture when it’s melted. It will harden instantly on the spoon and you can check the texture. If you want the bars softer, you can add more argan oil. 🙂
Read more about The Spoon Trick here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/spoon-trick/
And more about butters here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/all-about-butters-in-bath-beauty-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Shea Butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
😊 THANK YOU!!
You’re welcome! 🙂
I am not a big fan of deodorant tubes. Instead I would like to use jars with twist lids. How do I modify the recipe to make this work? Thanks!
Hi Myca! Do you want the lotion bars to stay in the jars, or do you want them to be popped out each time they’re used? Let me know and I can offer some tips. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I prefer to leave lotion bar in a jar, just scoop it out — similar to Palmer’s cocoa butter in a jar, if the comparison helps. 😄
Oh that sounds like a body butter! We have some great body butter recipes that can be scooped out of a jar. I’ll link a few below. 🙂
Green Smoothie Whipped Body Butter: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/green-smoothie-whipped-body-butter/
Whipped Amber Bronzing Butter: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/whipped-amber-bronzing-butter/
Cocoa Butter Cashmere Body Mousse: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/cocoa-butter-cashmere-mousse/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can I substitute other oils for the argan oil? Jojoba, hemp seed, grapeseed? I have plenty of these oils.
Thank you.
Any of those would work well as substitutes! Jojoba, hemp seed and grapeseed oil all have a lightweight texture similar to argan. They will feel really nice on the skin. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Jojoba Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Jojoba-Oil-Golden-P3219.aspx
Hemp Seed Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Hemp-Seed-Oil-Refined-P3209.aspx
Grapeseed Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Grapeseed-Oil-P6029.aspx
Hi, everybody. I debated whether or not to comment, but my approach is similar: oils instead of lotion. I have sensitive skin and that is why I make my own soap. I spend a lot of time relaxing in the hot tub during our West Virginia winters because soaking in the hot tub feels like paradise outside on the patio on a very cold dark wintry night. It is also very drying on the skin with the hot water and chlorine. I decided to use the oils from soap making to make my own skin conditioner but I didn’t want lotion with preservatives. I use a lot of different oils (not argan oil, YET), but a mixture of solid oils and butters melted with a little olive oil to soften it at room temperature makes an AWESOME skin conditioner. Yes, I am greasy for a while, but I lay under old towels until my skin absorbs it and I have baby soft, healthy skin the next day and I am 49 years old. My point, oils are better than lotions in my opinion.
Absolutely, I love lotion bars and body butters! They are so moisturizing on the skin. They’re also easy to make – you don’t have to worry about emulsifiers or preservatives. Perfect for cold West Virginia winters. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi,
I was wondering if I could substitute CeraBellina wax in this for the beeswax? How do you think it would affect the texture and spread ability? I have extra and wanted to use it.
Hi Dawnia!
Cera bellina wax has a unique, gel-like texture. It feels very soft and spreadable on the skin – sort of glossy almost! You can use it for these lotion bars, but they will be softer. If you find they’re a bit too soft, you can add some beeswax or a hard oil like coconut or cocoa butter.
Cera Bellina Wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Cera-Bellina-Wax-P5642.aspx
Coconut Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Coconut-Oil-P3196.aspx
Cocoa butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Cocoa-Butter-Pastilles–P3218.aspx
We also have some great recipes using cera bellina wax to give you some ideas on how to use it! I’ll link those below. 🙂
Moisturizing Highlighter Sticks: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/moisturizing-highlighter-sticks/
Argan and Ginseng Gel Eye Serum: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/argan-ginseng-gel-eye-serum-on-soap-queen-tv/
Rosy Red Lip Gloss: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lip-products/rosy-red-lip-gloss/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I’ve never thought of making a lotion bar using a deodorant tube before. It’s a great idea because you can carry it around with you, and I don’t have to worry about getting lotion all over the place.
Absolutely, this lotion bar is great for travelling! I have one in my purse. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry