Homemade Shea Butter Hand Lotion

A current interest in mine lately is to learn more about and use essential oils. I am also purging my house from commercial body care products. These two things combined have lead to me making some wonderful hand lotion that leaves your skin moisturized, aids in relieving joint discomfort , and smells so good. Of course you can change up the essential oils to suit your preference of scent or according to healing properties. I was looking for joint pain relief and chose to use peppermint and lavender for their anti-inflammatory properties. Plus I absolutely love the smell of peppermint. I have read that bugs don't like peppermint or lavender for that matter!

I found the recipe here

4 oz. unrefined shea butter (I used raw organic shea butter)
2 tablespoon base oil; I used sweet almond oil. (Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or others can be used as well)
10-25 drops essential oil(s); optional, I used 20 drops peppermint and 5 drops lavender
mixing bowl
electric whisks mixer
one clean empty 8 oz. jar, or two 4 oz. jars, because volume will be increased

Steps for making whipped cream:

Before you start to prepare whipped shea butter, make sure your unrefined shea butter is on a room temperature. Do not melt or heat it! Put your shea butter in a bowl and mash it with a fork. The same way you make a mashed potato. Add base oil(s) and mash it little bit more. Put the mixture into the mixing bowl. Mix it on a high speed with electric mixer for approximately 5 minutes. Believe it or not, this is it! Optionally, you can add chosen essential oil(s) and mix it few minutes to blend it with your whipped cream. Put whipped cream in a clean jar(s) and close it. Keep it in a dry, dark and cool place. Room temperature is fine. Remember to always have clean hands when touching the cream in the jar. There are no preservatives other than the essential oils to prevent contamination of germs and bacteria in the lotion.

I love this stuff! It can be a little grainy from the raw shea butter, but it is easily worked into the hands. This cream does not leave your skin feeling oily once it's absorbed into the skin. Remember, if you don't like a lot of scent then omit the essential oils or reduce the amount used. Be careful using citrus oils as they can increase your skin sensitivity to the sun!

Next on my to do list is make homemade bug repellent, since it's THAT season again in Manitoba! Here's a picture of the finished product.