Body Lotion - Squalane and Coconut
Les Mauvaises Herbes
This very fluid & light body moisturizing lotion is ideal for summer and for those who aren't fans of ultra-rich creams! Made with plant-based squalane and fractionated coconut oil, this lotion is emollient and leaves skin supple and soft, while helping it preserve its hydration.
Level
Advanced
Preparation
45 minutes
Contains
250 ml
Conservation
6 months
Ingredients
Phase A: heated oil phase
- 11 g of plant-based squalane
- 15.4 g of fractionated coconut oil
- 6.6 g of Eco emulsifier
- 0.5 g of xanthan gum (You'll find it at the grocery store!)
Phase B: heated water phase
- 177.7 g of distilled water
- 4.4 g of vegetable glycerin
Phase C: cooling phase
- 2.2 g of vitamin E
- 2.2 g of Eco preservative
Equipment
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- precision scale
- digital thermometer
- two heat-resistant containers (e.g., Pyrex cup or Mason jar)
- small silicone spatula or rubber spatula
- mini electric whisk or immersion blender (handheld immersion mixer)
- pot or large pan for a double boiler
- 250 ml pump bottle
Preparation steps
Before diving into making moisturizing cream, we invite you to take the time to learn properly and make sure you feel confident. Check out our associated article by clicking the link above.
1. With 70% isopropyl alcohol, disinfect everything: work surface, tools and containers involved in the making.
2. Weigh the ingredients of the oil phase (A) in a heat-resistant container. The container must have a capacity of at least 400 ml.
3. Weigh the ingredients of the water phase (B) in the other heat-resistant container. The container must have a capacity of at least 250 ml. For this recipe, we usually use two 500 ml Mason jars.
4. Place both containers in two double boilers (or just one if the pot is big enough), with enough water to come above the height of the ingredients. We recommend placing the containers on a folded cloth at the bottom of the pot(s) to keep them stable and avoid splashes.
5. Heat over low heat until both phases reach 85°C. Placing a lid (without screwing it on) on the jar containing the water phase helps reach the right temperature faster and avoid water loss through evaporation. Use the metal disc from a Mason jar, a saucer or aluminum foil.
6. Once the temperature is reached, turn off the heat and remove the containers from the double boiler(s).
7. Pour the water phase (B) into the oil phase (A). First mix the two phases with a spatula or fork (disinfected beforehand!). Then use the mini electric whisk (with the emulsifying attachment, the one that looks like a small metal wheel) to emulsify the cream for 2 to 3 minutes, trying to incorporate as little air as possible.
8. Gently mix the cream with the spatula until it cools. The cream will thicken as it cools, but this recipe remains quite fluid.
9. When the cream's temperature is below 40°C (104°F), add the ingredients of the cooling phase (C), namely the vitamin E and the Eco preservative.
10. While the cream is still fairly liquid, pour it into the bottle and let it settle for about fifteen minutes before closing.
Store your body lotion at room temperature, in an airtight container, away from light.
How to use it
Apply the cream to the skin and massage in to absorb.
Can essential oils be added?
Yes! You can add 1 to 4 grams of essential oils if you wish. Choose non-irritating essential oils and add them to the cooling phase.
Can I use this cream on my face?
Yes! It can also serve as a cleansing milk or makeup remover.
