Lotion Bars

I think I’ve arrived at that stage in life where I have plenty of “things” and so do many of my friends and family, so I’ve come up with a gift giving policy.  With the exception of books, I try to give presents that can be used, so they don’t clutter up a house and need to be dusted. 

These lotion bars are a good example of my policy and because they are handmade, the recipient knows it’s a gift from my heart.

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Gardener's Lotion Bar

3 ounces grated beeswax (beeswax usually comes in a cake and is available at health food and craft stores)
3 ounces cocoa butter (cocoa butter comes in a pot and is available at health food stores)
3 ounces shea butter (shea butter comes in a pot and is available at health food stores)
3 ounces oil (olive, almond or jojoba)
Essential oil for fragrance (optional)
Rubber or plastic soap mold (available at craft or hobby stores.)

Melt the beeswax, cocoa butter and shea butter in a double boiler.  Don't melt beeswax in the microwave.  It will spark and possibly explode.

Whisk in the oil.

Add a few drops off essential oil for fragrance, if you'd like.

Pour into a rubber or plastic soap molds.

Set aside to harden overnight.

Pop out the moisture bars and wrap in wax paper.

Makes 3 medium sized bars.

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Comments

LOTION BARS

by Pamela Hiatt on March 5, 2010 08:05
I have Rosacea and felt this natural lotion bar would help. I got all the ingredients except the beeswax. I live in Newborn a little country town east of Atlanta. Do you know of a source I can contact. Thanks!

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by dawn cox on February 22, 2010 04:01
I can't print this, I get all this java script stuff. Plz help

lotion bar question

by Judy Knight on January 12, 2010 09:09
Made the lotion bars. LOVE them. Used them on my heels and they're wonderful there as well as on hands! My question is: would other "butters" such as mango or avocado work as well as cocoa? I have a couple friends who do not like the cocoa smell. I will try adding some fragrance to some but was wondering about substituting the other butters. Thank you, in advance, for your attention to my question.

lotion

by Debbie Stevens on January 11, 2010 06:10
Thank you for replying to my comment. I meant to put lotion instead of soap. I think it would help my skin. Thanks, Debbie

Lotion Bars Printing

by L. A. on January 9, 2010 04:47
I love the idea of making gift bars of Lotion for family and friends. A few drops of lemon, rose or clove oil would be wonderful. But... I would love to see a " print" option on this site. Many times I've had to hand copy something. Please include this helpful option for all who would like to use your site. Thanks so much for all of the ideas.

gardener's soap

by on January 7, 2010 03:37
Please share your source for ingredients.

Lotion Bars

by Vivian Irene Sutphin on January 6, 2010 05:25
I am anxious to try this project-will let you know the results-many, many thank you's for the timely, interesting ideas-I try not to miss your show on Saturdays

Lotion Bar

by Dolores Bartlett on January 4, 2010 06:52
I am interested in making this bar. How do you use it? Do you simply rub in on your skin?

Gardner's Lotion Bar---Thanks for sharing this.

by pat griffin on January 1, 2010 06:06
I'm still digging in the dirt (with gloves of course) on days when it gets up to 45-50 degrees and have found that this makes my hands feel so much better after I clean up. I did not add any fragrance to mine and everyone that received it was really happy that I didn't. They like the natural aroma of the combined ingredients. Thanks again....

hand soap

by Debbie Stevens on December 29, 2009 04:31
I have very dry skin and allergies to certain fragrances. I would love to try your soap. A long time ago I tried almond oil lotion and loved it. I f you could sent me a bar I would treasure it. My address is 919 Drill Rd. Honaker, Va. 24260

Lotion Bar

by Judy Marquart on December 29, 2009 12:07
Thanks so much for this "recipe" ... one that is simple, too!! I know I'll be using it lots. I have several relatives and friends that are always complaining about needing lotion so this ought to do the trick.

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by on December 29, 2009 12:02
oh my heavens....this is exactly what I want to do for next year. thank you

Ingredient Source

by KellyM on December 24, 2009 10:20
I've found all of these ingredients at a wonderful company called Mountain Rose Herbs. Their products are pure and they have tons of wonderful bulk items too! They are online at: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ Hope that helps you all!

home made soap

by Rachel M. on December 22, 2009 07:28
is it possible to make a good deodorant soap? what would I need ?

Lotion bars

by Debra on December 22, 2009 01:35
I just want to make sure that these bars are strictly for moisturizing (like you use lotion) NOT for cleansing (like soap bars). Can they be used on others parts of the body like legs, feet etc.? Wonderful idea. Thinking about making some this evening.

Lotion bars

by Angie Y on December 21, 2009 10:01
Super idea! We also believe in giving home-made gifts and I think your lotion bars are what we will give next Christmas. Thank you for your recipe for making these lotion bars.

Cocoa Butter Substitute

by Penny Kolesar on December 21, 2009 08:51
Debbie, I have not personally tried substitution but you would have more leway in lotion bar making than say soap making. You should be able to try any of the high fat butter. They may be more difficult to find locally but can be found easily online. This may not help you before Christmas. You could try any of the following: Aloe, Avocado, Jojoba, Mango, Sunflower or even some forms of Lanolin. I love to experiment with the scents, lemon seems to be a favorite but my husband loves the bay rum scent.

Cocoa Butter Substitute

by Penny Kolesar on December 21, 2009 08:50
Debbie, I have not personally tried substitution but you would have more leway in lotion bar making than say soap making. You should be able to try any of the high fat butter. They may be more difficult to find locally but can be found easily online. This may not help you before Christmas. You could try any of the following: Aloe, Avocado, Jojoba, Mango, Sunflower or even some forms of Lanolin. I love to experiment with the scents, lemon seems to be a favorite but my husband loves the bay rum scent.

Lotion Soap

by Debbie Blackburn on December 21, 2009 08:50
where can you get rubber or plastic soap molds?

Comment/Lotion Bars

by Penny Kolesar on December 21, 2009 08:37
Non-stick muffin pans also work wonderfully for a mold. If you use mini-muffin tins and fill 3/4 of the way up, you may purchase foil squares in the baking department of any crafts store and wrap your lotion bar inside. The user will still want to store in a zip lock bag or wax paper long term but it makes a pretty presentation.

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by Cherie Bailey on December 20, 2009 05:52
Isle of Candles in Pawleys Island, SC sells Soy Lotion Balls. They are wonderful.

Lotion Bars

by Shelly Lowry on December 20, 2009 03:21
This is such a great idea!! I can't wait to get the ingredients!! Thank you so much!! Love your show, books, newsletter etc.!! ALWAYS things I can use!! Sincerely, ~Shelly Lowry~

moisture bars

by Sandra Kay on December 20, 2009 01:48
I can't wait to try to make these as soon as we can clear the driveway of 20" snow. What a surprise!

lotion bars

by Darleen Harrigan on December 20, 2009 11:28
This is a wonderful idea! Thanks so much. It's too late for me to do this for Christmas gifts but I think a Happy New Year gift may be in order now! I think my family will love it and two out of three are gardeners!

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by on December 20, 2009 10:09
The health food stores in our area have all closed their doors in the last two years!

Question

by Barbara on December 20, 2009 07:00
How many bars and what size should this make?

Lotion bars

by Robin on December 20, 2009 06:40
How many bars does this make? Which of the oils (almond, olive or jojoba) do you like best? Thanks for the receipe! Love your newsletter!

Gardeners Lotion Bar

by Patricia Whitaker on December 19, 2009 09:42
This is a fantastic idea! I can especially use it for my husband who is always in the garden and my mother-in-law who is in the garden as much as possible. As for me anything that can bring life back to my dry hands is definitely a winner! Thank you so much for this gift.

Gardener's Lotion Bar

by Sandy on December 19, 2009 08:26
the past two years I've worked at a nursery and as gardener for a large 'tourist' lodge so lots of time in dirt and water. this sounds like something not only would I like to use but to share with co-workers and friends. I watch your show on Saturdays when not out working with our horses, I really enjoy it. Living in Interior Alaska, a lot of what you do doesn't apply here - short but very intense growing season - you give me lots of ideas to try though! Warm regards from Alaska and Merry Christmas!

Gardner's Lotion Bar

by Eva W on December 19, 2009 07:10
Wonderful idea for my gardening friends. And only a few ingredients so they should be easy to make in time for Christmas. Thank you so much.

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by on December 19, 2009 06:54
Beautiful idea. My kids are adults and are hard to buy for and to keep from finding their gifts in the summer garage sale I believe this will fix the problem. This and homemade chocolate peanut clusters. Merry Christmas

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by Robbie on December 19, 2009 06:35
Love your receipes/ideas: it would be very helpful if you could have the "printer friendly" option. I don't like having to print out more than is necessary, just a waste of ink. Thanks!

moisture bars

by Pat Dossett on December 19, 2009 05:08
I like your thinking about this gift idea....I know I would much rather have agift that can be "used up"and useful than one I've got to clean....send more ideas...PLEASE !!!

Lotion Bar

by Larry Brimner on December 19, 2009 03:53
Allen, For the past several years, I've had a policy of not exchanging "things," but rather presents that I've taken time to make and which can be used (and used up) straight away. An avid cook, I made white chocolate scones for friends this year. An author by profession, books are the exception to the "things" rule. Thanks for the lotion bar recipe, complete with how to and where to find. I think I have an idea what I'll be giving next year.

Lotion Bar

by Larry Brimner on December 19, 2009 03:47
Allen, For the past several years, I've had a policy of not exchanging "things," but rather presents that I've taken time to make and which can be used (and used up) straight away. An avid cook, I made white chocolate scones for friends this year. An author by profession, books are the exception to the "things" rule. Thanks for the lotion bar recipe, complete with how to and where to find. I think I have an idea what I'll be giving next year.

gardener's lotion bar

by Karen on December 19, 2009 01:10
Allen, I am a little confused. Is this a soap or something you rub on your hands? I thought beeswax was for making candles. Could you clarify the use of the lotion bar. Thank you

Hand care

by Kelly Storey on December 19, 2009 12:29
Allen, thank you for this recipe. Besides constant gardening on my 10 acres, I have a homemade pie business and my hands are constantly in water or weather! I plan to try and order the ingredients online, since I live in a rural area, and make some lotion bars. Thank you! Kelly Storey Kitchen Fresh Pies to Go, LLC

Ingredients

by Gail on December 19, 2009 12:01
I make soap at home and buy most of my ingredients online. You can find pretty good prices for the ingredients in these lotion bars, just shop around. Good luck!

Gardener's Lotion Bar

by William Burlingame on December 19, 2009 10:54
Great idea. Also great as a gift project for kids, supervision as appropriate for ages.

gifts

by Patricia on December 19, 2009 08:42
I too have too many things, so I told my family if I can't plant it,eat it, or read it I don't need it. I get a lot of good things that I can use.

Gardener's bar

by Martha on December 19, 2009 08:39
This will be a wonderful "thank you" for a gardener friend who gave me a rooted start of an angel wing begonia yesterday!

gifts

by Patricia on December 19, 2009 08:38
I too have too many things, so I told my family if I can't plant it,eat it, or read it I don't need it. I get a lot of good things that I can use.

Lotion bars

by Lou Marchank on December 19, 2009 07:24
How would one use these bars? Do you just rub them on your hands enough to melt them?

LOTION BARS

by JOANNE BRAUER on December 19, 2009 06:10
Great idea. Just would like to know how many bars does it make?

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by on December 19, 2009 05:10
thanks!

lotion bars

by Noelle Chichester on December 19, 2009 04:22
Excuse me if I am missing the obvious but... is this lotion bar to be use like soap to wash with or do you rub it and let it soak into your hands like lotion?

Lotion Bar

by Cynthia on December 19, 2009 03:36
I have looked and looked for this recipe. Love it. Thanks!

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by M on December 19, 2009 12:19
What a great idea....thanks

Lotion Bars

by Carol Moon on December 18, 2009 10:21
What a great idea! And, you could even pretty them up a bit by press stamping the top of them with something seasonally appropriate like a candy can, ivy, poinsietta, etc. Thanks!

mold for lotion bars

by laura on December 18, 2009 09:17
I've used muffin tins to mold soap in the past and I'm sure it would work for these as well. Just grease the muffin tin with a little oil before you pour in the mixture so they come out easily. Silicone muffin cups would probably work great---or for smaller bars the silicone ice cube trays.

moisture bars

by wanda bryant on December 18, 2009 09:09
Wonderful idea! I have been trying to find a recipe for an olive oil soap. These bars sound great for my winter dry hands. Are they really soft or kind of firm like a bar of soap?

lotion bar

by potterjo on December 18, 2009 09:03
I presume you just rub it in your hands, like a bar of soap w/o water.

Lotions for "Garden Hands"

by Jo Ann on December 18, 2009 08:32
I think this is a wonderful idea. For those readers who might not have access to these ingredients in their home towns they might be able to locate them in the nearest larger city or by using an on-line resource. Some health food stores have websites and do send items via mail. Soap molds are also available via on-line ordering as some craft stores have websites and also mail items. If that does not work for some customers, health food stores and craft stores might be willing to mail these items; contact them via a phone call for ordering purposes. Enjoy the Holidays!!

Lotion bars

by Jacqueline on December 18, 2009 08:16
This sounds wonderful. I make my own handlotion but this does sound better. Can't wait to make some for myself...and some to share. Love P Allen Smith!!!!!!! A fan for years.

Lotion Bars

by Deb Flanagan on December 18, 2009 07:46
This is a great idea. I have never used a lotion bar before so this might sound kind of dumb but do you use water with them or just rub them by their selves on your skin?

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by on December 18, 2009 06:20
most wonderful sugestion. I look forward to making this lotion. I like your gift giving policy!

Lotion bars

by Brenda in Idaho on December 18, 2009 05:45
What a terrific idea, Allen! Thank you so much for the tip and also the recipe for making them. This is definitely going on my "to do in the near future" list since I have lots of friends and relatives who love to garden - perfect gift to show you really do care...

Gardener's Lotion Bar

by on December 18, 2009 04:57
How many bars will be ingredients make? Better yet, can they be bought anywhere?

soap bars

by Olivette C. Dettor on December 18, 2009 04:53
THANK YOU thank you! I give my primary care physician and her staff gifts every year that I have made. I've not been satisfied with what I've thought of and you gave me the perfect answer! As you know, there is a health food store here in Little Rock so I should be able to easily get the ingredients. now to find a mold!

Gardener's Lotion Bar

by Diana Jo Peters on December 18, 2009 04:44
What a wonderful idea for gifts and also at home. Thank you

making soap

by Jackie on December 18, 2009 04:19
WE DO YOU BUY THE SUPPLIES

Lotion Bar

by Annie Swain on December 18, 2009 03:55
You can get scented oils in colors and add a bit of that to the bars as well. Thanks for the recipe.

Gardeners Lotion Bar

by Stacey on December 18, 2009 03:55
Hi Allen, I love the idea of making the lotion bars, but can you tell me where I might find the beeswax, cocoa butter, and shea butter? And the soap molds? Thank you Stacey Crumpton

soap

by Pat Wendel on December 18, 2009 03:17
Where can one find cocoa butter and shea butter. I assume you are using the pure subastance. Sounds like a great idea, I would like tio make this for a garden club project. Thank you. Pat Wendel

homemade soap

by Marsha on December 18, 2009 03:14
Sounds like a great idea, where do you purchase the items, like shea butter?

Moisture bars

by Gae Bergmann on December 18, 2009 03:09
Where do we find all these lovely ingredients?

Sounds interesting

by Bec Miller on December 18, 2009 03:08
Where do you find those kinds of ingredience? I'm from a small rural area nd don't think I have ever seen these items. Even the molds.

thank you

by Katy Lunsford on December 18, 2009 02:48
I can't wait to make these!

Gardeners Lotion bars

by Jeanne Tanner on December 18, 2009 02:32
where do you buy these ingredients? What is Shea butter? I enjoy your newsletter, but so many times it contains things we cannot find or know what they are or where to get them that doesn't cost an arm and leg.

lotion bars

by Judy McCarty on December 18, 2009 02:32
I would love to do this, but where do you get the ingredients?

Gardeners' Lotion Bar recipe

by Sharon Goodrich on December 18, 2009 01:14
Thank you so much, Allen, for your recipe for this gardner's soap. I think your gift-giving philosophy is right on - I'm at that stage (and wouldn't it be nice if everyone did this). Question -- where can one obtain the ingredients for this soap? I live in Little Rock. Thanks for your wonderful newsletters! Happy Holidays!

lotion bar

by Jo Walsh on December 18, 2009 01:04
Where would one buy cocoa butter and shea butter?

Re: 12-18-09 Lotion Bars

by MARGI on December 18, 2009 12:29
LOOKS LIKE A GREAT IDEA! DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTION OF SOURCE FOR INGREDIENTS? THANKS

soap bars

by kathe on December 18, 2009 12:27
please advise on where one can purchase the molds and ingredients. thanks.

lotion bars

by Debbie on December 18, 2009 11:25
Thanks for the recipe! It looks like an easy, thoughtful gift. Do you know of a good substitute for the cocoa butter? I'm allergic to chocolate in all forms...even to touch it. Thanks for your help, and merry Christmas!

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