Cosmetics and toiletries are one way we can get exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. Body lotions, body moisturizers, body creams, etc. are the biggest offenders for the simple reason that they are applied to large skin surfaces, often to the whole body, and then left on the skin for a long time. If you want to detoxify your personal care routine then these products are the first candidates for replacement.

There are many good homemade non-toxic lotions and creams recipes available on the internet. The problem is that all of them require you to spend time preparing them in advance and then they don’t last long and have to be made fresh regularly. Most of us have busy lives and this extra effort makes us mark these recipes in our mind as something “I may do one day when I have more time”. Needless to say, this time usually never comes.

The recipe we are going to give you here is different. It is, as we promised, instant. That means it does not require any preparation time at all and is always ready for you to use. You just keep all ingredients in your bathroom and mix them in the palm of your hand before applying on your skin.

• Though we call it body lotion here the same recipe works perfectly as a very effective moisturizing face cream.

You will need:

A bottle of organic jojoba oil (usually available in health stores) and water. It’s that simple.

Why Jojoba?

Jojoba oil is one of the best things you can put on your skin. Though it is called “oil” it is actually a liquid wax similar in composition to the sebum produced by our skin. This may be one of the reasons why all types of skin respond so well to jojoba oil. When applied directly on the skin jojoba oil absorbs very quickly, does not clog pores and does not leave any greasy residue. It nourishes, rejuvenates, and moisturizes the skin leaving it soft an supple. It prevents dryness, slows down the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on the skin surface, reduces superficial facial lines, and balances skin’s own oil production.

Jojoba oil does not have any odor, practically never cause allergic reactions, and is well tolerated by people with various skin problems. In fact it is considered to be a good natural remedy for some serious skin problems such as acne and psoriasis.

Jojoba oil is very stable and does not need preservatives. It will stay fresh for months without refrigeration so you can always keep it in your bathroom.

Making your instant body lotion

Within several minutes after a shower put several drops of jojoba oil in the palm of your hand and add several drops of warm water. Rub your hands together and quickly spread the water/oil mix over your skin starting with your face. You might need to mix several portions if you want to cover your whole body. Massage the oil in for several seconds with soft wide strokes. You may allow extra water to dry off by itself or pat it away with a towel.

You skin will immediately look silky smooth and supple with healthy glow. To achieve even more dramatic results do some gentle exfoliation while you are in the shower. At the end of your shower wet a clean washcloth with very warm water and give yourself a rub-over. Use gentle small circular movements on your face and stronger polishing-like movements for the rest of your skin. Finish with a cool rinse to close the pores and proceed with applying your instant body lotion.

• Make sure your apply the lotion right after you got out of the shower or right after washing your face to seal maximum moisture inside your skin.

• If after applying the lotion your skin feels a bit tight or dry, repeat the procedure with more oil.

• If you see more oil left on your face than you would like, rinse your hands in cold water and tap you face with the pads of your fingers. This will speed up the jojoba oil absorption and at the same time increase circulation which is always good for your skin.

• Experiment with the ratio of jojoba oil to water to achieve the look and feel you want. This ratio may change depending on the season and the current state of your skin.

Adding more variety and extra benefits

Though the basic formula made just from jojoba oil and water produces excellent results, sometimes you may want more from your body lotion. For a variety of natural scents and additional benefits for your mind and body try adding small amounts of different essential oils to your jojoba oil before mixing it with water.

Here are some ideas:

Add a drop of…

– Grapefruit oil – for a summery uplifting and energizing scent
– Peppermint – to stimulate mental alertness and focus
– Frankincense – to rejuvenate aging skin

For more ideas on your body lotion add-ons check our Essential Oils Guide.

When experimenting with essential oils make sure that you add very small amounts. Two or three drops is usually enough for a full body application. If you overdo it, massage the excess scent away with a warm wet towel and reapply the basic formula.