This DIY lotion recipe is wonderful and makes my skin super soft. Below is the complete Coconut Oil Lotion Recipe!
Do you have super dry, itchy skin? It is so annoying and something everyone in my family has, and my middle daughter gets a prescription ointment because her dry skin is so bad!
A while back I wrote a post called The Best Lotion Ever!! In that post, I shared a homemade lotion recipe that I absolutely love. I had been using it for years before I shared it with you, and I even made it for friends and gave it away as gifts.
One of the ingredients in that recipe is petroleum jelly, and there are a lot of people out there that have strong feelings against it. I did a little research online and found articles that weighed in on both sides of the story. I can't say I am completely convinced one way or the other, but I did take a suggestion from my readers to try a different ingredient.
Several of the comments on the original post suggested making the same recipe but using coconut oil instead of petroleum jelly. Well, that was a pretty fantastic idea, so I gave it a try, and this version works just as well as the lotion with the jelly!
Supplies You'll Need:
Some links may be to similar items when exact items couldn't be found online.
- 27 oz Johnson's baby lotion (any smell)
- Vitamin E Skin Care Cream double pack (4 oz each)
- 1 cup Coconut Oil
Lotion Recipe:
Melt the coconut oil so it is liquid consistency before measuring.
Make sure if you are putting the jar in the microwave to melt, that there is no silver lining left from the seal. I must not have removed it completely because it may or may not have caught fire in my microwave.
Use a liquid measuring cup and fill to the 1 cup line.
Add all 3 ingredients to a mixing bowl.
With a handheld mixer, mix until well combined with a nice smooth texture.
Separate and pour into pretty containers or pour the lotion back into the original containers.
Coconut Lotion Review:
So what do I think? I have been using this coconut lotion for over a week and I love it! It isn't really more or less greasy then the previous version and it is the same consistency.
So will I ever go back to petroleum jelly? While I really like this lotion I think the other one works great too. I can't really say one is better than the other, and if they were sitting next to each other I am not 100% sure I would be able to tell you which was which.
It really comes down to your preference. If you like coconut oil, use this recipe. If not, use the petroleum jelly recipe. Either way, you are going to make a completely awesome batch of homemade(ish) lotion that is amazing and it will make your skin super soft.
If you love this tutorial, please give it a five-star review and help me share it on Facebook and Pinterest!
Crafting Essentials
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily my favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
Mary @Sweetwater Style
I can't wait to go to the store and get the ingredients for this! I use coconut oil and baby oil to make bath soak and that really helps my dry skin too.
Great Post!
Lisa
Thanks for sharing this marvelous lotion idea but I'm just loving how cute you decorated the container. LOL.
Deb
I make this lotion, but never thought to use the containers I have emptied out! Thanks for that idea! I also add a grapefruit scent which really makes it pleasant.
Made from Pinterest
This looks like a great recipe, and only 3 ingredients? I can't wait to try it out! Thanks!
Amy | The Happy Scraps
I wasn't aware that using petroleum jelly is a bad thing for some people....This lotion looks amazing, I may just have to give it a try! Thanks for linking up! 🙂
charlotte
Love this recipe! Found you through the Tuesday PIN-spiration Party!!
Jen
I love using coconut oil in my cooking because it smells and tastes fabulous. I bet it makes an awesome skin conditioner too! Definitely trying this out - pinning for future reference.
Julie@Sweet and Spicy Monkey
I've been wanting to try this recipe since I came across it last year and now that you've added coconut oil instead of petroleum jelly, it sounds even better!! I can't wait to try this now. Pinning this!
Terre
It is really amazing. I'm part of a ladies group at church and we have made both versions of this lotion. I love the coconut oil one because it has such good healing properties and helps with things you'd never imagine!
Katie
I am so glad that you love it Terre! Thank you for the testimonial!
Anne
I've been looking for some DIY spa treatments, and this just made the list. I'm glad I found your post through the Your Whims Wednesday link party.
Karen
I'm casting my vote for the coconut oil! And, you can totally get away from any commercial products if you want to avoid the additives that are in them. I have dry skin too and make my own lotion bars that are totally natural and work great.
Thanks for sharing.
Jen
Using Johnsons Baby Lotion won't get you away from commercial products or avoid additives. I agree, I make lotion bars too, they are great. I've made this recipe above and my mom loves it. She doesn't mind using Johnson's baby lotion, so it's great for her. I only use coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, whipped, myself.
Jennifer Johnson
I love cocount oil for lots of things. I am looking to mix it with some shea butter as well.
Bobbie
I am going to be trying this! I featured it on this week's highlights for the Creative Exchange. Hope to see you tomorrow!
Easy Life Meal & Party Planning
Stopping by fro the Lou Lou Girls' party. I absolutely love coconut oil and just melt it and use it when my skin gets really dry. I think it is an excellent idea to add it to your lotion recipe.
Nancherrow
Great recipe! You're one of the features on this week's Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Shanice
Thank you for sharing this post at City of Creative Dream's City of Links on Friday! I appreciate you taking the time to party with me. Hope to see you again this week 🙂
Katerina
I love the smell of coconut oil! That cream is perfect for the skin! Again thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. Your post has been pinned to our board! Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on culinaryflavors.gr ! I hope to see you there!
Diane
I would definitely choose the coconut oil. If you have very healthy skin you might be able to use the petroleum jelly but I could not use it so I am happy for the coconut oil recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Ashley
This is literally the best lotion I have ever used/ made! I love it, and it took care of my very dry itchy skin in just a couple of applications! I will never be without it again!
Leilani
I made both.
splitting 1/2 honey apple lotion with one jar of vitamin E cream & 1 jar of Vaseline. Then using the other 1/2 of honey apple with one jar of vitamin E cream & 4 ounces of coconut oil.
Both made my skin seem soft. The one with the Vaseline seemed thicker and seemed to make my skin feel smoother/silkier. My husband says that the one with Vaseline was more fragrant and he tended to like it more, so it's more on preference.
I think I would tend to use the Vaseline one more for drier skin areas, heels, winter months. As I can use the coconut oil one more for end of spring/summer time (less greasy).
All in all, I LOVE this mix!!! My son loves it too!!
Has anyone added SPF lotion to this mix?
shannon
Instead of using the microwave I would just let it sit in some hot water,then measure it out.
shannon
Also I'm making some tommorow,can't wait to try it out
christy
Love this will have to try.
Helyn Butko
I have been making the original lotion you made for several years. All my friends love it. We get together and make big batches. I get the petroleum jelly at the Dollar Tree. It is creamy. I asked my Dermatologist if petroleum jelly is bad for the skin and he said no. He said it is great for the whole body, including the face. I love the smell of the baby lotion, so not sure I would like the coconut oil. Worth a try. Experiment with this. Add essential oils for scent. Argan oil or Vit. E oil are out there. Pretty bottles are found at Ikea. Sometime, mine is too thick and I like to thin it down so I can put it in a squeeze bottle. All in all, I love it.
Bruny
the coconut oil container should not be place in the microwave. You measure 1st the amount you think you need and that amount is place in the microwave. Then use it.
sarah
Is it ok to use aveeno instead of johnsons baby lotion?
Katie
I am sure that you could.
lorna
Hi love it
Grigio14
Do you have to use vitamin e cream, or could you use more lotion and use this oil from the pills?
Thank you for sharing this btw!
Katie
I have never tried that, so I am not sure but it is definately worth a try!
Diana Rambles
I love coconut oil!
Trish
I love coconut oil. It is fabulous. So, coconut oil it is for me. Thanks for the recipe.
creativejewishmom/sara
Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday! Nice to "meet" you!
Gail
I made both and liked both.
Katie
Thank you Gail!
Sharon spicker
I've used the petroleum jelly recipe for a couple of years and love it. I'm going to try it with the coconut oil next time, though, because I love that, too! Thank you for the idea!
Katie
You are so welcome Sharon! I am happy to help.
Debra LeRoy
Do you use a total of 8 oz of the vitamin E skin care?
Katie
Great question Debra. Yes, each container is 4 ounces and when you use both you use a total of 8 oz of the vitamin E lotion.
mary
Wouldn't one of the 4 ounces containers of vitamin E cream be enough or does it have to be to?
Katie
I have always used 2 containers so I don't know how it would effect the lotion to have only one. Feel free to play around with the recipe, and let me know if you come up with a better mixture!
Wanda
I've made it with the petroleum jelly for a couple years and love it. I'd like to try it with the coconut oil but won't the coconut oil solidify the lotion when the weather gets colder and turn the lotion watery when the weather is warmer?
Katie
I live in Utah where on occasion it does get below freezing and in the summer months above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I keep the lotion in my home where the temperature is regulated so I have never had a problem with the consistency. Even when I travel with the lotion it keeps the creamy texture very nicely. Great question Wanda!
Sam
I had very dry itchy skin after showers. I've used goats milk soap for 2 years now and stopped itching,
Can't wait to try your receipe for added moisturising.
Katie
I have never heard of goats milk soap, where do you get that? I'd love to know what you think of the coconut Oil lotion after you've tried it. Thanks Sam!
Pat Vogel
I've been making my own night cream with this recipe for almost five years now and I do get compliments on my skin tone (I'm now 67). I use the shea vaseline from the dollar store, and shea baby oil because I like the scent, and add some Porcelana cream to combat age spots. At one time I used coconut oil but in the summer the oil separated and was messy, so I'm back to vaseline. I will never go back to the expensive night creams!
Katie
Thank you for your testimonial pat! I love that you love this recipe! I keep making more too. It is my favorite!!
good parenting
Very Useful Post!!! It an every mother concern which body lotion is good for the baby. But coconut oil lotion recipe is a safe side for child. Thanks again.
Lynette
The best lotion I've ever used. Now my daughter and her coworkers are begging for more. I vote for the coconut oil (Not as greasy). I get the baby lotion from Dollar Tree to cut the costs. Add essential oils and soap coloring. Thank you for sharing!!!
Kimberly
Well I use the receipe and notice the vitamin E is breaking me out so I will try the recipe without the Vitamin E and go with Coconut oil as a substitute.
LUCY tINIMOM
Thank you so much for this great idea. I have dry, sensitive skin, I'm having difficulty in finding skincare products. This lotion looks safe, I'll try to make it this weekend. Can I put it on my 2-year-old kid? Her cheeks are often dry in the winter.
Katie
Thanks Lucy! I would recommend using just a small amount in a single spot to make sure your baby doesn't have an allergic reaction before applying all over. ❤️