10 Powerful Skin Lotion Ingredients You Can Find At Home
When you look at the ingredient list on any of your favorite natural skin care products, you’ll probably see a lot of components you already have in your cupboard. Many of the same nutrients that you consume can double as DIY skin lotion ingredients.
So, if you want to try out a new night mask or make your own body oil, you’ll most likely find everything you need right at home – or with a short trip to the nearest shop.
Let’s dive into the top 10 ingredients you can find at home to make an effective and natural lotion and why they’re so beneficial for your skin.
1. Honey
Honey, or preferably Manuka honey is one of the most beneficial skin lotion ingredients you can use. Raw natural honey has been proven to contain antimicrobial and healing properties as well as anti-inflammatory agents that combat a vast array of infections and pathogens.
Honey is very useful as a wound dressing and has been used in treatments for psoriasis, tinea, pityriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, diaper dermatitis, hemorrhoids, and so much more.
Honey has the following compounds that make this ingredient a must-have in home-made skin lotion:
- Emollient, which softens and soothes the skin
- Humectant, which retains and preserves moisture
- Hair-conditioning properties
- Healing and regenerative properties
It also helps keep your skin youthful by preventing wrinkle formation and regulating pH. Lip ointments, moisturizing creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners are all examples of honey-based cosmetic goods.
2. Coconut Oil
This popular and common household item is used for everything from natural lip glosses, hand lotion, and hair treatments to ayurvedic oil – Ayurveda is one of the oldest recorded holistic healing practices in the world. The oil found in coconuts contains a high concentration of fatty acids. It has anti-microbial characteristics, aids in collagen formation, and can increase moisture levels in the skin.
Coconut oil makes an excellent base for most DIY beauty products and skin lotion ingredients. Combine with sea salt and you’ve got yourself a hydrating body scrub.
According to research, coconut oil is highly effective as a mineral oil and is safe to use as a moisturizing agent in lotions and other cosmetic products.
3. Olive Oil
Olives contain a high concentration of vitamin E7, an antioxidant that is commonly found in anti-aging treatments. This component can help minimize oxidative stress on the skin and hair when administered topically. According to studies, it is also anti-inflammatory, protective against photocarcinogenesis, and beneficial to the skin due to the presence of vitamin E and other minerals.
A great use for olive oil is as a makeup remover because of its high antioxidant properties. It can be used as a facial cleanser too.
Some of the benefits of olive oil for the skin:
- Rich in vitamins
- Antioxidant properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Moisturizes and fights bacteria
Risks associated with olive oil
In some cases, for those with sensitive skin or who are prone to a skin disorder, olive oil can irritate your skin and make your symptoms far worse. Studies show that if you are prone to eczema, regular use can aggravate the skin problem. This oil should be used with caution if you’re worried about setting off a skin condition.
4. Shea Butter
This much-loved extract is anti-inflammatory with high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins, making it one of the best cosmetic skin lotion ingredients for softening and moisturizing. Because it has a heavier texture, we recommend using it topically as an intensive hand cream or on your legs.
Benefits of shea butter for your hands and legs:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Healing properties
- Emollient properties, which soften and soothe the skin
- Anti-aging properties
5. Aloe
For good reason, aloe is famous and a popular go-to for sunburns and soothing gels. It is strong in vitamins B12, E, C, and A, all of which help minimize free radical damage as well as contain anti-inflammatory enzymes.
Why mess with success? Simply slice open a leaf and apply the gel topically as part of the long-running tradition.
You can also apply it to a new burn with one drop of pure lavender essential oil. And don’t be surprised by the unusual fragrance of raw aloe, as it’s stronger than you might imagine.
6. Oat Extract and Colloidal Oats
Oat extract and colloidal oats are widely-used ingredients in products designed to help calm and soothe sensitive skin. Research findings point to the anti-inflammatory properties and antihistamine effects found in colloidal oats and oat extract. Colloidal oatmeal lotions demonstrated significant benefits for skin dryness by acting as a highly effective moisturizer. As one of the best skin lotion ingredients, you can be sure you’ll reap the benefits of this common household ingredient.
For this reason, it’s so often used to soothe allergic reactions and other skin irritations. Try soaking in a colloidal oat bath, or oats pounded to a fine powder that dissolves in water – which is very beneficial for irritation caused by dry skin. While your warm bath water is running, simply add 1 cup to dissolve and enjoy the instant relief.
7. Avocado Oil
Because of the abundance of waxes, minerals, proteins, and vitamins found in avocado oil, this mealtime staple is a skin savior. Research indicates that it can be an antioxidant treat for the skin. In one study, avocado oil derived from the pulp was shown to boost collagen synthesis.
There are numerous at-home avocado mask and skin recipes available, many of which include other ingredients we listed above, such as honey and oats. Mashing an avocado half is the perfect way to start when gathering your skin lotion ingredients.
8. Sunflower Seed Oil
This oil, high in linoleic acid, has been found to increase skin hydration and lipid synthesis without irritating the skin – making sunflower oil one of the best ingredients to use in all-purpose skin lotion.
If you want a lighter oil for a face wash, especially if you have acne, sunflower seed oil is brilliant and has been found in many popular oil face washes.
9. Rose Petal Extract
There’s a reason rose petal extract is such a popular choice for homemade products and industrial cosmetic products. Backed by in-depth research, rose petal extract has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐microbiological properties.
The smell is divine and promotes relaxation, which is why we suggest using this phenomenal ingredient in your all-purpose skin lotion. Plus, you’re sure to find this product in your cupboard or nearest store.
10. Almond Oil
The emollient (a compound that softens and soothes skin) found in almond oil has been shown to help counteract the appearance of stretch marks and help prevent future formation. Because of the photo-protective effects found in almond oil, this skin lotion ingredient is a great way to help counter the effects of sunlight-induced aging.
You can use this oil to make a variety of body lotions, face creams, and hand moisturizers with just a few additional ingredients.
Our Conclusion
Making your own lotion and moisturizer is one way to guarantee you’re not exposing your skin to toxins and unnecessary chemicals. By learning about the basics that are used in our cosmetic products, we can see how simple it is to start making them yourself.
Start today with simple and natural skin lotion ingredients you can find in your household or local supermarket.
