For the Pacific Northwest Soapers Meet-up last August, I did a presentation on Body Bronzing Lotion! I did quite a bit of experimenting beforehand to find the *perfect* recipe that I liked. I prefer to have my lotion more on the creamy side. This was (gulp!) also my first attempt at making lotion. I had a lot of fun and learned a ton in the process, which was one of my goals in volunteering to do a presentation on lotion. The final recipe was created after numerous attempts, but I started with this recipe from Teach Soap (also listed below).

Thanks to Anne-Marie, Soap Queen, for taking my photo at the meet-up and letting me borrow it!
I also did quite a bit of research on how to make lotion, types of preservatives, the need for preservatives, and parabens. Needless to say this was a very education experience!

FINAL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 10.08 oz Distilled Water
- 0.56 oz Stearic Acid
- 0.84 oz Emulsifying Wax
- 1.12 oz Jojoba Oil
- 0.28 oz Sweet Almond Oil
- 0.56 oz Advocado Oil
- 0.56 oz Shea Butter
- 0.14 oz Phenonip
- Micas: 1T Gold, 0.5T Cappuccino, 1t Copper
Instructions
- Add the Emulsifying Wax, Stearic Acid, Jojoba Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil to a microwave safe container or double boiler.
- Melt the waxes and oils together in a microwave in short bursts or double boiler.
- Add the Shea Butter and melt it with the mixture.
- Measure the distilled water and heat for about one minute.
- Pour the distilled water mixture into the oils/wax mixture. Stir as you pour.
- Begin to mix with Stick Blender or Kitchen Mixer. I usually mix for a few minutes and then let it sit and then mix & sit and so on.
- Add the preservative when mixture begins to thicken. I have also read to add it when the mixture cools to 110 degrees.
- Once the preservative is mixed, add the micas.
- Pour into containers.
Please note: The ratio of micas will depend on your skin tone. The micas in this lotion will rub off on your clothes, just like any other bronzer. For the demonstration I added 1 Tablespoon Gold, 0.5 Tablespoon Cappucino, and 1 Teaspoon Copper.

This is the recipe I started with:
Original Recipe
Body Bronzing Lotion
Recipe by Anne-Marie Faiola of Brambleberry
www.teachsoap.com
Makes 14 oz.
- 4.5 oz. Jojoba
- 1.0 oz. Evening Primrose Oil
- 0.3 oz. Emulsifying wax
- 0.2 oz. Beeswax
- 8.0 oz. Distilled water
- 0.14 oz. Phenonip preservative or GermabenII
- Micas: Cappuccino, Gold, Light Gold and Copper
Please note: I haven’t done any challenge tests on either recipe and I assume no liability if they are used. I also reserve all rights to my recipe (the first recipe listed), please use it to create personal creations for yourself. Please don’t use it to sell.
Don’t know what a challenge test is? Look for a future post on challenge testing.