Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
This homemade baby lotion is simple to make and uses only 4 all-natural raw ingredients. It protects delicate skin without leaving a greasy feeling.
Making your own baby lotion at home is one of those things that can seem daunting at first, but once you have a few basic supplies, it’s very simple to make up a batch. It’s also more economical than buying organic all-natural baby lotion from the store. And it cuts down on plastic waste, because you can keep re-using the same trusty glass mason jar for each new batch.
(If you’re looking for other simple self-care ideas, try this all-natural vanilla coconut sugar scrub or this natural DIY eucalyptus linen spray.)
Homemade body products gives us the ability to remove unnecessary ingredients from the lotions and balms we use bring into our home. Using all-natural ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and beeswax gives you the comfort that there are no synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals in what you put on your little one’s skin.
Another good thing about making homemade baby lotion is that it uses the same ingredients as body butters, lip balms, and even candles. If you are a planner, you could stock up and make up a year’s worth of body and home products in one afternoon.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This homemade baby lotion has a gentle scent and a creamy rich texture. It works well to protect delicate skin without being greasy.
Which Essential Oils Are Safe For Baby Skin?
I’m opting to not use essential oils in this recipe. This is because I plan to use this lotion on my very young baby (under 3 months) and it’s not recommended you use essential oils on babies so young.
But if you’re making this for an older child, you can add in 5-7 drops of a gentle oil. Always make sure to dilute the oil in a carrier oil, which we’re doing in this recipe with the jojoba oil and coconut oil.
When properly diluted
- Lavender is a great option for relaxation.
- Eucalyptus can help with stress relief and a sense of calm.
- Chamomile also can help reduce stress and create a sense of calm.
Watch The Video
Ingredients
Coconut Oil (I use this bulk coconut oil)
Beeswax – Grated Or Pellets
Optional – Lavender, Chamomile, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Or Another Oil Of Your Choice
Supplies You Will Need
Hand Mixer Or Mixer Of Some Kind
Glass Storage Container
Double Boiler – I do not have one and instead use a bowl on top of a boiling pot of water. Just make sure that you are okay retiring your bowl. The beeswax is hard to remove from the bowl after melting.
Instructions
Use a double boiler to melt together the shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and jojoba oil. Stir until everything is completely combined and melted.
Once melted, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. I put my bowl into the freezer to hurry this stage along! You want the texture to be hardened but still squishy. It usually takes my mixture about 30 minutes in the fridge.
Optional – Once your mixture has cooled, add in the essential oil of your choice.
Use your mixer to whip the baby lotion until it is fluffy.
Use a spoon to scoop it into your glass airtight container. And that’s it!
Expert Tips
It’s best to store this lotion in a cool location to prevent the coconut oil from melting. You could store it in a nursery or your bedroom for example. I would avoid storing it in the bathroom due to the frequent temperature changes.
Keep one large bowl around the house to make homemade body products with. I have found it difficult to completely remove melted beeswax from bowls after using them as double boilers when making body products or candles.
Variation Ideas
Try adding 5-7 drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile essential oil into the lotion for added relaxation benefits.
You can swap out jojoba oil with sweet almond oil or a high quality olive oil depending on what you have on hand.
How To Use
After Bath Time – This homemade baby lotion is lovely to apply after bath time because of how moisturising it is. The shea butter gives it a warm chocolatey scent which is calming for bedtime.
As a Nipple Balm – The shea butter in this recipe helps to sooth cracked or sore nipples. So if needed you can dip a finger in and use it on yourself as well.
FAQ
This lotion will last about 6 months in an airtight container. It’s best to keep it in a cool location to prevent the coconut oil from melting. You could store it in a nursery or your bedroom for example. I would avoid storing it in the bathroom due to the frequent temperature changes.
Here are a few natural ingredients that are safe for baby skin: coconut oil, shea butter, calendula, jojoba oil, beeswax, high quality olive oil, and chamomile.
Yes, coconut oil is safe to use on babies’ skin. It is moisturising and gentle without having a strong synthetic scent.
Yes, shea butter is a natural moisturiser free from chemicals or preservatives. It is full of vitamin A and E which are both fantastic for our skin. It is helpful in treating rashes and other mild skin conditions that babies can sometimes experience, including eczema.
Yes, the wonderful thing about homemade body products is that there are many recipes that call for the same ingredients. This keeps things simple because the entire family can dip into this lotion. No need for 7 different plastic bottle cluttering up the bathroom counter any more.
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!
Simple Non-Greasy Homemade Baby Lotion
Equipment
- Mixer
- Glass Storage Container
- Double Boiler (or a bowl on top of a boiling pot of water)
Materials
- 1/2 Cup Shea Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Jojoba Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Grated Beeswax Or Beeswax Pellets
- Optional – 15 drops of essential oil of your choice such as lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile for added relaxation benefits
Instructions
- Use a double boiler to melt together the shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and jojoba oil. Stir until everything is completely combined and melted.
- Once melted, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. I put my bowl into the freezer to hurry this stage along! You want the texture to be hardened but still squishy. It usually takes my mixture about 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Optional – Once your mixture has cooled, add in the essential oil of your choice.
- Use your mixer to whip the baby lotion until it is fluffy.
- Use a spoon to scoop it into your glass airtight container. And that’s it!
Hello !
Thank you for the recipe . I just finished making it for my unborn baby .
I find the texture is a bit too hard , is that normal? I fluffed it and it was creamier then but it has harden after …
Any recommendations ?
Hey, congrats on your little one! Are you storing it in a cool place? Mine can be harder in the winter when our home is cooler.. I soften it by rubbing it in my hands before applying it
I have made this a few times and it always ends up with a very grainy texture, almost like sand. I can melt it in my hands, but I think it is the beeswax. Any ideas why this is happening and how to fix it?
Shea butter is heat sensitive and it needs cooling quickly or it forms little pellet type balls. Melt all in a double boiler on ultra low temp. Put in fridge immediately. Whip later.
Best to sterilize the jar you plan on storing the lotion in..
Thank you for sharing your recipe.
I have found that if you heat bowl enough to start melting, you can wipe excess with a paper towel and remove the rest with cotton ball and some alcohol.
Oh good tip.. thanks