Have you ever made your own lotion bars? They are one of my favorite things to make because they are simple and they contain very nourishing oils and butters for our skin. Unlike many lotions and creams they are not watered down with water, they are 100% plant butters, oils and beeswax, making them very moisturizing for dry skin.
As the weather cools and many of us turn our heat back on, our skin may get a little extra dry. That's no fun and doesn't feel great either. Making fall the perfect time to make these calendula lotion bars.
And making them in these cute little pumpkin molds adds a bit of whimsy, but regular lotion bar molds work just as well.
What are the benefits of Calendula Lotion Bars?
Hydrating
Soothing & calming to irritated skin
Grounding (traditionally oiling our bodies encourages groundedness)
Healing for scars & wounds
Leave out the essential oils and they are great for kids too!
Calendula is a superhero among herbs. It's healing for many skin issues, like dryness, flaky skin, irritated skin, red and sensitive skin and for scar prevention and healing. Its also hydrating, restorative and makes a soothing daily moisturizer, like the Calendula Face Butter (it's a customer favorite).
In this recipe the oil base being used is calendula oil making these lotion bars extra calming, soothing and deeply moisturizing for your skin. Herb infused oils are easy to make and a great thing to have on hand in your family’s apothecary cabinet.
If you do not have calendula oil you could just substitute for a carrier oil, like jojoba oil or apricot oil. But making your own herbal infused oil is quite simple and makes these lotion bars a bit more magical and offers more nutritional benefit for your skin.
To make your herbal oil, simply fill a clean glass jar half full with dried calendula flowers. Pour your chosen carrier oil over the calendula and fill to the top of the jar. Cover with a tight fitting lid and label the jar with the contents and the date. Place your jar in a dark but warmish place. Give a love shake everyday. In six weeks strain the calendula oil through a funnel lined with cheesecloth into another clean glass jar. Label this jar with the contents and the date.
And now you have calendula oil ready to use in any recipe that may call for it! Store it in a cool, dark place (keep out of sunlight and heat) and it will stay vibrant for 6-12 months.
Calendula Lotion Bar Recipe
8 oz of calendula infused oil
8 oz of beeswax pellets
8 oz of organic shea butter
20 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops chamomile essential oil
Measure out the calendula oil, shea butter and the beeswax in a double boiler. Heat gently over the double boiler until the beeswax is melted. Stir occasionally to help spread the heat around.
Once the beeswax, calendula oil and shea butter are melted remove from heat and add in the essential oils, if you are using them. Stir well to make sure they are fully dispersed. The essential oils are optional, the vanilla adds a grounding and warming feel, perfect as we head into the cooler months of autumn.
Pour into the molds. Let sit for several hours until completely hardened.
Once the lotion bars are completely solid, remove from the molds and store them in large salve tins. You can order tins here.
These make great little autumn gifts! Let me know if you make them!
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