I really love lotion bars because they’re easy to carry around and don’t make a mess, but sometimes a regular lotion is nice to have too. I decided to make a lotion specifically for men, coming up with a simple and not-too-greasy recipe that features essential oils my husband likes.
Most men aren’t interested in fancy skincare and like keeping things straightforward. Honestly, my husband isn’t going to use my lavender-scented lotion no matter how much I like it! The ideal men’s lotion should have a scent that guys find appealing. This recipe uses deeply moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, along with more masculine scents like cedarwood or myrrh. I suggest a few scent combinations to try, but choose what smells good to you.
Many DIY lotions call for coconut and other heavy oils. While I love coconut oil (there are over 100 uses for it!), some people prefer not to use it in lotions. Heavy ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil should be balanced to avoid a greasy texture. This recipe uses lighter oils and butters to create a nourishing, non-greasy lotion that’s easy to apply without leaving a shiny residue.
Essential oils are great for customizing the scent of this lotion. Besides smelling good, they have some safety considerations. Some essential oils can cause skin irritation if used excessively in a body lotion. I’ve listed skin-friendly essential oils that are good for your skin and included a few scent ideas for inspiration. You can adjust based on your preference, but I keep essential oils at about a 1% dilution to minimize skin sensitivity. A 2% dilution is generally safe if you prefer a stronger fragrance.
Making lotion involves mixing oil and water, which can be tricky, so I’ve left out the water in this recipe to keep things easy. Oil-based lotions also last longer. You can add non-GMO vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life of the carrier oils, although it’s optional. Just check the label since many vitamin E oils are diluted and won’t prevent the lotion from spoiling when exposed to air.
What scents would you try in this lotion? Let me know!
