The Best Cure for Dry Winter Skin (Homemade Lotion Recipe)
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One of my biggest problems with winter weather is that it wreaks havoc on my skin. I end up keeping a small bottle of lotion on me at all times and no matter how much I use I inevitably still end up with dry, itchy skin. Have your hands ever been so dry that they hurt? Maybe even crack and peel? I’ve finally found a cure for even severely dry skin that I can’t get enough of. Even those with cracked dry skin will see a huge difference with just a few applications of this homemade lotion recipe. And what’s even better? It’s easy to make, only takes a few minutes to whip up, and perfect for even sensitive skin types.
Just a few weeks ago, my two year old daughter was suffering from chapped, cracked hands. I felt helpless at trying to cure it for her. No matter how much lotion or eucerin that I used on her little hands, nothing seemed to help much. Alongside dealing with my own dry skin, I decided it was time to find a solution. I came up with this 4 ingredient homemade lotion that has finally cured her dry hands and has even made a huge difference for my mom who also suffers from severely chapped, dry, and cracked skin. She is also a nurse, so frequent handwashing is a must which also wreaks havoc on already dry, sensitive skin.
I made a big batch of this lotion and ended up giving it as gifts this holiday season paired with some homemade moisturizing soap.
This recipe will fill eight 8 ounce wide mouth Ball canning jars… the perfect container for gift giving. You can always cut the recipe down if you don’t want to make that large of a batch. To give you an idea on the cost to make… for this recipe, it came out to be about $4-$5 per jar. Worth it?? TOTALLY! 🙂 But I’ll let you be the judge.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Â 27 oz. bottle of baby lotion (I used vanilla oatmeal for the fragrance and to keep the color of the lotion white)
- 7 oz. Aquaphor – I used the generic brand therapeutic ointment from Target. It’s less expensive.
- (2) 4 oz. containers of Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E cream (can be found at Wal-Mart)
- 8 oz. extra virgin coconut oil (the solidified kind) I picked up this 16 oz. jar at a local health store.
UPDATE October 2016
I’ve had a few emails asking what else can be used to substitute Aquaphor and where else can you find the Vitamin E Cream??
So here I’ve compiled a list of where you can get all of these supplies and a substitute for Aquaphor in case you just can’t seem to get it shipped to you.
- Baby Lotion – vanilla oatmeal
- Aquaphor  – Note: Aquaphor does have additional healing properties. Substitutes include: Cetaphil (dermatologist recommended cream for dry/sensitive skin. Cetaphil is not as greasy.) or Petroleum Jelly (helps seal the skin and keep moisture in).
- Vitamin E Cream
- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
And another update to this post… This isn’t just for ladies! I know plenty of gents who love this stuff and both men and women have asked for more. It’s pretty common to get an empty jar back from friends and family asking for a refill on this. 😉
The coconut oil will be the most expensive ingredient, but it is also one of the most important. So I urge you not to skimp on that one.
Okay, let’s get this going. It’s so simple. Just mix everything in a large mixing bowl. I used my hand mixer to combine everything until it was smooth and creamy. Just look at this delicious bowl of lotion goodness. Looks good enough to eat, right? Yeah.. I don’t encourage that. Just wait until you smell it… heavenly. But that’s  my opinion. 🙂 
Next, just spoon the mixture over into your jars and that’s it!
My hands felt the instant moisture from this lotion the second I applied it. It goes on smooth and dries in seconds. My hands just soaked it right up like the Sahara desert, I tell ya! Still, I wasn’t quite convinced that this was going to be my fix.
Until hours later, my hands were still just as soft as when I first applied it. Then it was time to test it out on my little girl’s hands. Within a couple of days, her hands were soft as… well, a baby’s derriere! And I didn’t have to struggle to put it on her more than once or twice a day. As soon as she got out of the bath, we put it on. That’s another thing I noticed with this lotion. It creates a water resistant barrier so even when you wash your hands, it’s still hard at work.
My mom’s hands had dramatically improved in just one day of using this lotion as well! (I think she is looking forward to her own jar for Christmas!) 😉 Depending on how severe your case is, you may want to apply more often than once or twice a day.
Try applying it to your feet for dry cracked heels and then wear socks to hold in the moisture. I did this overnight and saw a huge difference!
This is a great gift for anyone on any occasion. I dressed up my jars with a some free printable labels you can find here from Lia Griffith. Then  just add some ribbon or twine with a fun holiday ornament or felt snowflakes from the craft store.
This would even make a great gift for Valentine’s or a baby shower gift for the mommy to be!
What are your cures for dry winter skin? Have you ever made homemade lotion? If you’d like to try your hand at soap-making, check out out Oatmeal & Shea Butter soap recipe here. Â Share your recipe in the comments below!
50 comments on “The Best Cure for Dry Winter Skin (Homemade Lotion Recipe)”
mayra loyo
I would love to try this!
But are their specific measurements or do I use full tubs of everything??
Thanks.
Ellora
Hi Mayra! Yes, in the blog post I give the actual measurements. In my case, it was pretty much full tubs except for the coconut oil. I bought a 16oz container and only needed half. It just depends on how much you want to make at one batch. 🙂
Donna
Love this lotion, better than any over the counter lotion. Can i add magnesium oil to this?
Lori
I’ve made this lotion for about five years now. It’s the only think my 19yo son will use. I also have three folks at work who absolutely love the stuff. Thank you!!
Jen
I love this lotion but what do you recomnend for making it a bit thicker? More vitamin E lotion? My batch came out a bit thin (i suspect too much coconut oil!)
Ellora
Could be too much coconut oil, Jen. If you are in a warm climate, it will tend to be thinner just due to the fact the coconut oil softens up easily then. But – if you aren’t in a warm climate, then it may be you need more coconut oil. The coconut oil can help it harden back up unless it’s just too warm. The Vitamin E lotion I use is pretty thin too so I would not recommend adding more of that. I’d recommend putting it in the fridge for a bit and see if that helps. You can always take it out and whip it some more for a renewed consistency. 😉
Lisa
I had issues measuring out the Aquaphor and Coconut Oil but managed the best I could. Any suggestions? Also, my lotion goes on smooth but seems greasy, too much of aquaphor or coconut oil?
Elizabeth
I love this lotion.
I used a small food scale to weigh both of these items on a piece of plastic wrap.
After weighing coconut oil, I put in microwave to soften it up a little. Makes it much easier to mix in with other ingredients. (No small pieces in it, if you do this)
Hope this helps ?
celeste
I also found out that by melting the coconut oil, the texture was much smother.
Andrea
Cant wait to try this. My face has become horribly dry and very unattractive ?
Marianne
Thank you for the helpful hint as I love the lotion, but not the lumps!
Kelly
I’m trying this recipe today and I am super excited. My skin is so dry and store bought lotion only works so long. Just one question…for the coconut oil can you use the food grade solid in the cooking section at walmart? Thanks.
Pamela Barlow Adams
Hello Ellora,
I have been want to make homemade lotion for the winter for long time and see your information – I want to know do I mix everything, no measure needed of each? Thanks!
Connie
Hello there im struggling with servere dry skin b/c a medicine i had to take so im going to try your lotion i just cant have baby oil or mineral oil im allergic …thank you. Ill let you know if it works have a good day Connie from Pa
Shawnee
Could you use essential oils in the lotion if you got unscented lotion?
Kim Haslem
yes, you could.
Sally
Where do you get the jars you put your lotion into for gifts?
tomicha
I made this lotion and gave as gifts (kept a few myself and love it). One of the recipients used it following a sunburn and said it worked wonders.
Tonja
I’ve searched and searched for a DIY lotion recipe to help with my Sjogren’s (autoimmune disease that attacks the moisture-producing organs/areas of the body: eyes, nose, mouth, SKIN!!!) I suffer from dry skin and go thru lotion like smokers go thru cigarettes. Seems to be getting worse, too. I’m going to try this recipe, but have one important question: does it dispense well from a pump container? Please say yes!! I prefer to pump my lotion as opposed to digging it out of a jar. Am hoping the consistency of this lotion will work in a pump dispenser.
Kim Haslem
you could research what type of essential oils could be used for the autoimmune disease. I bet you could put some drops in and could work really well.
elle551
I’ve used versions of this, one with coconut oil, one with vaseline. Neither used the Aquaphor–a great addition, I’m sure.
The simplest way to mix this is to put a gallon ziplock-style bag into a container and fold the top over to keep the top out of the way. Add all the ingredients, close the top, then mush the ingredients in the bag until they are mixed to your liking (I usually mush a little more than what seems to be needed, just to be sure.) Then cut a very small amount off one corner and you can easily pipe the ingredients into your container. Very little cleanup!
I’ll be trying your recipe soon. I hope to see what else you’ve developed before long!
Christy
Just made a batch of this dry skin lotion!! Looks and feels great so far!
Lucy
Have you made one without a scent? Any suggestions as my husband likes the product but is sensitive to scents.
Thank you
Lucy
Ellora
I am actually working on several different recipes this week to post here very soon including no scent, scents for men, no coconut oil version, and Shea butter version. Stay tuned and I will have a solution for you! 🙂
Christine Mckee
Oh my goodness!!! We are washing our hands constantly this winter with the flu season being so bad. Nothing seems to help how dry and chapped they’ve become. I am going to make some of this up this afternoon! Can’t wait to try it!!!
Kim Haslem
You could substitute the baby lotion to one for sensitive skin and possible no scent.
Kimber
Just made this and I am in LOVE!!!! I am a nurse and also have super dry skin. Can’t wait to slather it all over!
Nicole
I love this lotion!! I have made it a few times already! I wanted to add an essential oil, have you tried that and if so which oil and how much did you use?
Thanks!
Nicole
Ellora
Hi Nicole! Thanks for your kind words. Yes! I add essential oils to this lotion just about every time now. I personally love using lavender and vanilla, but just about any of your favorite will work. If you are using essential oils, I only add about 4-5 drops per jar. You can use more if you want more scent, but be careful using too much if you have very sensitive skin. The lavender and vanilla has been safe for my mother who is very sensitive. If you are using the Vanilla Oatmeal baby lotion, those scents will work great with the light scent it will already have. Hope this helps!! 🙂
Nicole
Thanks so much!!
Jennifer
Hi Ellora, Do you find this helpful to use on your face, even if just in the evening? Although my skin doesn’t look dry (I always try to moisturize with lotions) yet my face feels dry. Would this recipe possibly help? I don’t have sensitive skin so I don’t have additional worries.
Ellora
Hi Jennifer!
Absolutely! Let me share this with you… I have a mild case of Rosacea that likes to pop up unexpectedly especially in the wintertime. This lotion helps soothe my dry skin, even on my face! My mother and my Grandmother both use it on their face as well. I only use it on my face at night since it may be a little too oily to under makeup. If you have oily skin, then I would recommend a much lighter lotion than this, but I will say that it definitely does great for my family. I say try it out, especially if you don’t have to worry with sensitive skin. 🙂 Thanks for your question and comment! Let me know how it does for you!
Tammy
Hey I just made this lotion and I absolutely love it! My son and my dad have psoriasis and get it on their elbows really bad. I’ve tried everything and nothing worked or it burned their skin. Store bought or prescription. My son loves it because this lotion doesn’t burn and makes his elbows feel good. Thanks for this wonderful lotion!
Ellora
Aww, Tammy thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so happy to hear this lotion works for your family! I understand the challenges of psoriasis as my mother struggles with it as well. Hope this continues to help! ?
Neda
In one of your responses you stated you now only use Coconut oil and Shea Butter. Could you update your recipe for this?
Thanks so much!
Ellora
I will be glad to post a second recipe with just the coconut oil and shea butter. Both recipes serve two different purposes as this one is best for those with Eczema and will deliver the most healing benefits. The Coconut Oil and Shea Butter is great if you have extra sensitive skin or just need the moisture without as many healing benefits. 🙂 Look for a post to come very soon! I’ll update this post with a a link to the new one once it’s out.
Julie
I couldn’t get extra virgin coconut oil and made this but there are littke chunks of it in the cream. Do you think I should warm it up so that the chunks will melt?
Ellora
Hi Julie!
You could try warming the lotion up for the chunks to melt. I would be careful not to heat it too much else the ingredients could separate and not be as effective. Just soften it a bit. Coconut oil will turn liquid at 76 degrees. The next batch you make, I would either use the mixer longer to be sure it’s all blended OR try melting the coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave safe bowl first by itself. Then let it harden back at room temperature and whip it with a hand mixer until it is like whipped butter. Then add your other ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy. For the batch you have made already, try warming it in the microwave 15 seconds at a time until the chunks melt enough to get it smooth. Hope this helps!
Elaine
I love this lotion! I’m curious about one mentioned in the comments that uses Shea butter. Could you post the link? Thanks!
Naomi Johnson
I can’t find the vitamin E cream. Can you suggest a substitute? I love this stuff. A friend of mine made it for me for Christmas and I’m obsessed 🙂 now I’m wanting to make my own!
Doris
Hey Naomi don’t know if you have a dollar General close out not but they sell the double pack of the cream she is speaking of.same name 3.25 good deal. Doris
Mary
I have been using a vitamin E cream for years from Walgreens, under their brand name.
It is in a white and blue jar with a pump. Very inexpensive.
Doesn’t burn eyes so I use it as a make-up remover also.
This is my first post ever, I hope it helps. Hugs
NICKIE
I love jars in the picture. Can you tell me where you got them? Thanks!
TracyAnn Cook-Cooper
I used 27 oz bottle of vanilla oatmeal baby lotion, 9 oz Aquaphor, (2) 4 oz containers of Fruit of the earth vitamin E cream, and 16 oz extra virgin coconut oil. Right now I’ve got it sitting in the fridge as its a bit too thin. Do I need to make any adjustments?
Ellora @ Creatively Southern
It should firm up for you. Most of the time when I first make the lotion, it is soft, but the coconut oil with harden. Now remember if your house is warm… above 70 degrees it will start to soften a bit. The weather has been really warm here so my lotion has been a bit softer. Let me know how it turns out! I’ve started making it with just coconut oil and shea butter now and adding some essential oils for fragrance. I love it!!
Donna Lamothe
I am definitely going to make this as soon as I can get all the ingredients I need. I live in great white north, (Canada). We are on a mountain in Ontario, we get some dandy winds and temperatures. My hands arms legs get very dry skin,oh yes feet too. Thank you for posting this! I will let you know if it works for me. I have tried everything. Fingers crossed!
Brianna
i am definitely going to try this! thanks for sharing 🙂
Ellora @ Creatively Southern
Hope you like it! It’s time for me to make more already! I’ve even used it as a facial moisturizer this winter and was pretty impressed with how much smoother my skin is! Thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
Carol
I just made your recipe here, but I was wondering about storing it. I’m being selfish and keeping it for myself. I filled several very small containers to keep strategically placed around my home, but I have a pretty large quantity beyond that. I’m wondering if it should be kept in the fridge since the coconut oil says to refrigerate after opening, What’s your opinion?
Ellora @ Creatively Southern
Hi Carol, this is a great question and you’re correct! The coconut oil does state that it should be refrigerated after opening. After a little research, I discovered that the coconut oil has a shelf life of at least 2 years. The only reason to refrigerate it is to make to solid. It becomes liquid at 76 degrees. If the oil separates in the lotion, just stir vigorously to redistribute the oil. So I do not believe there is a need to refrigerate the lotion, but I would recommend that you use it within a year or two… most beauty products only have a one year shelf life as they start to break down beyond that point. Hope this is helpful to you and thanks so much for asking!