Body lotion is a self-care must-have—but making your own can turn it into a signature product your customers can’t get enough of. With a ready-to-use lotion base, there’s no need to worry about preservatives, pH levels, or complicated formulations. You simply add fragrance oils and optional colour. That’s it!

Whether you’re new to crafting or building your own body care brand, this guide will walk you through the process of creating beautiful, skin-loving lotions that are safe, effective, and completely custom.

What You’ll Learn

• How to use a pre-preserved lotion base the right way.
• The proper method for scenting with fragrance oils.
• Tips for blending, bottling, and labelling like a pro.
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them.
• Business-savvy strategies to help your products stand out.

About the Lotion Base

This is a ready-to-use, professionally formulated body lotion base. That means:

• No heating or preservatives needed.
• Fragrance-free and pre-balanced (pH 6.0–7.0)
• Pre-preserved to protect against spoilage and maintain product quality.

Key ingredients:

• Aloe Vera & Chamomile Extract: Soothe and lightly hydrate.
• Glycerin: Draws moisture into the skin and locks it in.
• Silicone Derivatives: Help give the lotion a smooth, spreadable texture and reduce tackiness. While some customers may prefer silicone-free formulas, these ingredients are commonly used in skincare for their lightweight feel and skin-softening effects.
  

Why makers love it: You don’t need to formulate from scratch. This base is ready as-is. Simply scent and optionally colour, then bottle. It’s great for small batch crafters and scaling businesses alike.

What You Should and Shouldn’t Add

This lotion base is designed to work best when left mostly untouched. To maintain its integrity:

• ✅ OK to Add: Fragrance oils (up to 1%) or essential oils (<1%)
  
• ❌ Do Not Add: Carrier oils, extracts, butters, or other untested ingredients
  
• ❌ Avoid: Micas, candle dyes, powdered pigments, or any raw ingredient not tested for lotion.
  

Adding anything beyond the recommended oils may disrupt the base’s texture, affect stability, or compromise shelf life.

Scenting Your Lotion Safely

The base can hold up to:

• 1% fragrance oil
• <1% essential oil

Always check the IFRA documentation for each oil to confirm safe usage rates.

Temperature matters: Add your oil below 35°C. Higher temps can degrade the scent or cause separation.

Test first: Some oils may slightly thicken or thin the base. Always make a small test batch before scaling up.

Scent Blend Ideas (Per 100ml Batch)

Each of these blends uses approximately 1.0 ml of fragrance oil, following the 1% usage rate for 100ml of lotion base. Use a pipette or precision scale for accurate measurement.

🧪 Always patch test before using or selling.

Colouring Your Lotion (Optional)

Only use water-soluble liquid or powdered dyes approved for bath and body.

• Add below 35°C to prevent colour fading or clumping
• Stir gently to blend evenly
• Use sparingly—less is more

How to Make Scented Lotion (Step-by-Step)

You’ll Need:

• Pre-made lotion base
• Fragrance oil
• (Optional) Bath and body-safe water-soluble dye
• Mixing bowl and spatula
• Pipettes or, ideally, a precision scale for accurate measuring—especially when scaling
• Clean jars or pump bottles
  
  

Step 1: Measure Your Base

Start small—100ml is great for testing.

Step 2: Add Your Fragrance Oil

• Ensure your base is below 35°C.
• Mix gently but thoroughly until the fragrance oil is fully incorporated and the lotion looks smooth and uniform—usually less than a minute for small batches.

Step 3: Add Colour (Optional)

• Add only approved bath and body dyes.
  
• Mix until smooth and uniform.
  

Step 4: Bottle & Label

• Pour into clean, dry containers.
• Let the lotion settle for a smooth appearance.
• Label with ingredients, scent name, and date made.

Shelf life: The lotion base has an approximate shelf life of up to 2 years. However, always check the expiry date on the original base, as adding ingredients or improper handling may reduce its stability and shorten its shelf life.

Testing for Safety and Stability

Before selling or gifting your lotion, always test for stability:

1. Make a small batch.
2. Optionally, store samples in 3 different environments—room temperature, refrigerator, and a warm area (~38°C)—to observe how the lotion performs under various conditions. This can help identify any scent fading, texture changes, or separation before scaling up.
3. Observe over 2–4 weeks for scent changes, separation, or colour shifts
4. Perform a patch test on yourself or a tester

Common Lotion-Making Questions

Why is my lotion runny?

• Too much fragrance or mixing at high temperature may be the cause.

Can I use carrier oils or extracts?

• It’s not recommended. The base is designed to be used as-is, with only fragrance or essential oils and water-soluble colour added.

Is the lotion safe to sell?

• Yes, when made with approved ingredients and tested properly. Always label clearly and follow safety standards.

Business Tips: Selling Custom-Scented Lotions

Creating body lotion can be more than a fun craft—it can be a profitable, scalable product. Here’s how to stand out:

1. Focus on Signature Scents

Give your blends a personality: "Island Morning," "Lavender Cloud," or "Cozy Cashmere."

2. Create Bundled Sets

Pair lotion with a matching soap or body spray for added value and gift appeal.

3. Keep Your Line Streamlined

Start with 3–5 core scents. It helps with inventory and makes your brand memorable.

4. Offer Minis & Samples

Small 15–30ml sizes are perfect for promotions, gift sets, or market testing.

5. Seasonal Drops

Limited-edition scents like "Winter Glow" or "Spring Blossom" help generate buzz and repeat sales.

6. Invest in Quality Packaging

Choose labels that resist oil and water. Keep the look cohesive, clear, and professional.

7. Share the Story

Customers love behind-the-scenes content. Show your making process on social media and educate buyers with care cards.

Final Thoughts

Making lotion doesn’t need to be complicated. With a professionally formulated base, you can produce high-quality, custom-scented lotion that feels as good as it looks.

Stick to fragrance or essential oils, follow safe usage limits, and always test your batches. Whether you're making for fun or for sale, you're creating a product that blends creativity with care.

Where to Get Your Supplies

When you're ready to craft, having trusted ingredients makes all the difference. Village Craft & Candle offers high-quality ready-to-use lotion bases and body-safe fragrance oils that are perfect for your next creation.

✨ Your next bestseller might just start with one jar!