Utah has a very dry and arid climate, and during the winter months, it can be hard to keep the skin hydrated, soft and supple. Body lotions are a must this time of year. However, I find everyone needs to give their skin a little extra TLC at some point or another. Whether it is dry heels, cracking cuticles, or rough knuckles, Tina’s Lanolin Butter can handle it all. This recipe is actually a favorite here at TheSage. I get requests for 2 oz jars every year. These make great stocking stuffers!
 Cooled Butter on my finger |
 Cooled Butter in Jar |
I love this recipe because it works well in jars, tubs, tins, and even the doe foot pens. (I love it in the doe foot pens because it is ready to apply to cuticles and knuckles AND it travels in my purse perfectly.) If you are in an area where it gets cold, I don’t recommend putting it into a bottle. When it is cold, it is just too thick to dispense well. It is best to be safe rather than sorry and put this product into a wide mouth container.
SUPPLIES
IngredientsLanolin |
EquipmentScale |
RECIPE
Recipe in Percentages
43.2% Lanolin
21.6% Shea Butter, High Melt Point
11.8% Golden Jojoba Oil
1.8% Vitamin E Acetate
19.3% Liquid Glycerin, Vegetable Derived
1.8% Conditioning Emulsifier
0.5% Liquid Germall Plus
Q.S. Bourbon Geranium Essential Oil
Q.S. Lavender 40/42 Extra Essential Oil
100 Grams43.2 grams Lanolin |
16 Ounces7.90 ounces Lanolin |
INSTRUCTIONS
Weigh all ingredients except the essential oils, Vitamin E Acetate and the Liquid Germall Plus into the microwave safe container. Microwave using short bursts of time. Stir after each burst to help melt the Lanolin without making the temperatures too hot.
 Weighing Lanolin |
 Adding High Melt Point Shea Butter |
It took my batch about 3 minutes in the microwave with stirring every 45 seconds or so. The glycerin will become hot quickly, and since it settles to the bottom of your container, the bottom will not be a place to grab the container until all ingredients have been mixed together thoroughly.
Allow the mixture to cool below 120°F. Add the essential oils , Vitamin E Acetate and Liquid Germall Plus and stir until the mixture has cooled sufficiently to pour into your desired containers. Pour into the containers. Cap, label and enjoy!
 Weighing Oils |
 Weighing Essential Oils |
NOTES
If your Lanolin is very stiff and hard to get out of the container, feel free to microwave it for about 30 to 45 seconds to warm the Lanolin enough to scoop it or pour it easily.
 Mostly Melted Mixture |
 Stirring to Fully Melt Ingredients |
 Adding Essential Oils, Preservative and Vitamin E Acetate |
 Ready to Pour into Containers |
Lanolin represents almost 50% of ingredients. I would imagine this really has a staying power on those elbows, knuckles and cuticles. Does it absorb well? I don’t mind a little greasy if it means softer skin. 🙂
Thanks.
Samantha,
This butter has really awesome staying power. I find that a light coat adsorbs beautifully and the skin is softer and more supple.
I will even buff a little into my nails and cuticles. My hands look great!
And the best part is with a light coat, it doesn’t feel greasy or even really sticky. Cheers!
Hi,
Looks like a great recipe. I’m just wondering if I can reduce (or eliminate) the glycerin component in this formula? I would like to use Hydrovance instead…?
Warmly,
Linda
Linda,
Yes, you can use hydrovance but extreme caution needs to be used. Hydrovance will cause this recipe to foam a lot. Give yourself plenty of head space in your mixing container. It is better to make several smaller batches in an over-sized container than one big batch where it can volcano out.
I hope this helps.
Taylor
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I see you microwave it all together, but what about low heat on stovetop?
Michelle,
You can certainly do this on the stove top. I wouldn’t do low heat. It will take a long time and can drastically reduce the shelf life of your oils. Instead, I would do medium to medium high heat and make sure that I don’t walk away and forget it. Otherwise, you should be all set!
Enjoy your crafting!
Cheers!
Taylor