Emergency Lotion for Dry Skin

I am now back home and quite happy to see friends, pets, and familiar sights. I have also experienced an extreme change in relative humidity, and my skin is protesting. I have just seen a difference of 83% in relative humidity. Yikes! I climb in the shower and I don’t want to get out! Come join me in the kitchen for hydration relief!

I used Lanolin in this recipe due to the excellent barrier it creates. This barrier allows skin to stay hydrated and protected. I kept the percentage low so the finished lotion wouldn’t feel sticky or tacky. While I enjoy products with a higher percentage of lanolin, I find many people find the odor or texture of lanolin to be off-putting. I wanted to keep it low so I would have a more universal lotion.

I also used Hydrovance in this formulation for its moisturizing properties. I could use Sodium Lactate, but I personally prefer the feel of Hydrovance. It feels smoother, silkier, and lighter to me. I used a slightly higher percentage than what I normally do. I wanted some super moisturizing power!

I also used Argan Oil in this formulation. Do you remember Andee’s ingredient spotlight that she did with Argan Oil? I thought it was really informative and inspiring. I also like how light this oil is. It is just what I am looking for.

This lotion start out feeling like whipping cream, but as you rub it in, it starts to take on the feeling of a wonderful massage body butter. It was really great at moisturizing my skin. I even tried it on my feet, which are so dry in this climate you can visibly see the dryness. My feet are starting to look more normal!

I really like how it helped hydrate but also protect my skin. I used a lot of Stearic Acid in this formulation, so the finished lotion does feel a little waxy. If that is unappealing to you, try reducing the Stearic Acid to 2 to 3% and use the rest as water for a more fluid product.

SUPPLIES

RECIPE

Percentages

1% Lanolin
6% Argan Oil
7% Hydrovance
5% Emulsifying Wax
5% Stearic Acid
75% Water
1% Optiphen

Weigh everything into a microwave safe container except for the Optiphen. Heat gently until everything has melted. Stir well. Add the Optiphen. Stir well. Pour into jars. Seal, label and enjoy!

Showing the texture of the lotion

Finished Lotion

Weighing Ingredients

Weighing Ingredients

Heated Ingredients

Mixing Lotion

Mixing Lotion

Adding Preservative