“Don’t get ashy – get classy!” The words from that goofy 80’s TV ad for lotion always go through my head at the onset of winter, when my skin starts to dry out and form “ashy” flakes and I have to go out and stock my home with moisturizer. I’ll go through several bottles of it during the cold weather, but I’m generally unhappy with what I find on store shelves; everything is either super expensive, doesn’t work, or is filled with chemical preservatives. For all of those reasons, I decided to try making my own this year.

A quick online search revealed several simple formulas for body moisturizers that you can make from ingredients at the supermarket or the farmer’s market. The essential ingredients are beeswax, an edible oil, and water. How cool! As soon I found out that it was that simple, I couldn’t wait to try making it myself, and it turned out to be just as easy as it sounds.

I like giving the lotion as a gift because you can be sure that any woman will be happy to receive this, but you can also tailor the scent to suit someone's specific tastes. For example, if you have a friend who likes lavender, add a few drops of essential oil. If you know someone who is very sensitive to perfumes, make it with no fragrance at all. Best of all, I like that the formula contains no chemicals. It’s as pure as any healthy food you would put in your mouth. Rubbing something into your skin is just like eating it, so I’d rather put in good things like olive oil, water, and natural beeswax. Not to mention, it’s a fraction of the retail price, which makes it an ideal gift.

There are subtle ways to adjust the texture and quality. I used organic olive oil, but I look forward to experimenting with unrefined coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil, to name a few. Because the lotion contains oil, it can go bad just like any perishable food. I know I’ll go through my own batch quickly, but you can store it in the refrigerator between uses to slow down the deterioration process. I scented mine by replacing the water with orange blossom water, a culinary tincture with a floral scent that’s used in Middle Eastern cuisine. You can add color to your formula, too. One way would be to brew pink hibiscus tea and use that instead of water. The possibilities are endless.

To find beeswax, the substance that causes the lotion to emulsify, ask your local honey vendor at the farmer’s market. You can also go online and do a search for beeswax. One source I found was Mountain Rose Herbs in Eugene, Oregon. I bought 1-ounce bars of beeswax in downtown Philadelphia at the Bee Natural store.

To package your gift, use a clean glass jar. Avoid plastic, as plastic containers have been found to contain the toxin Bisphenol-A, which can leach into food and cosmetic items. Make a label that lists the ingredients, and note that it is perishable and should be used within three months or stored in the refrigerator.

Handmade Body Moisturizer Recipe

Like fresh food, this will go bad after a certain period of time. If you don’t think you’ll use it within three months, store it in the refrigerator. Makes approximately 2 cups

1 cup filtered water, cold brewed tea, orange blossom water, or rose water
¾ cup oil such as olive, almond, unrefined coconut, or avocado
3 tablespoons grated beeswax
Optional: a few drops of essential oil of your choice, for fragrance

1. Set up a blender and pour in the water. Prepare clean, dry glass jars for packaging and have them nearby.

2. Put the oil and the beeswax in a Pyrex measuring cup. Place the cup in a pan or small pot and pour in water to reach about halfway up the cup. Bring the water to a gentle boil, and heat the oil and beeswax until the beeswax melts. You’ll know when the wax is melted because you won’t see it anymore. As soon as the wax is melted, remove the cup from the water and let the oil cool for 2 minutes.

3. Turn on the blender and start blending the water at medium speed. Remove the stopper in the blender lid so you can pour the oil through the top while blending. Slowly pour in the oil and the mixture will begin to emulsify. If there is still some water on the surface, turn up the blender and blend the mixture 30 seconds to a minute longer. If you’re using essential oil, blend it in now.

4. With a clean rubber spatula, transfer the cream to the glass jars. Cover the jars with cheesecloth for an hour, or until they’ve reached room temperature. Placing the lid on the jar when this is warm will cause condensation to form under the lid, which will water down the lotion and form bacteria. When the lotion is cool, screw on the jar lids. Store at room temperature for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for 6 months.

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