Basic lotion recipe

Basic Lotion Recipe
written up by Jennifer Adler M.S., C.N.
from Conscious Choice

In 1962, Rachel Carson wrote in her groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, “For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subject to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death.” We are exposed to synthetic chemicals in foods as well as in skin care products. The following lotion recipe comes from Jennifer Sundstrom of Natural Resource Herbals and contains high quality safe ingredients that can make winter skin glow, naturally.

1 heaping tablespoon grated beeswax
2 ounces pomace olive oil, or infused oil (extra virgin olive oil will work, but may leave your lotion smelling more like your salad dressing.)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
2 tablespoons water
1–2 drops essential oils (optional)

Melt beeswax in a double boiler. I recommend a glass measuring cup in a small pan to make pouring your finished product easier.

Add oil(s) and heat until everything liquefies. Heating olive oil promotes rancidity, so only heat as much as necessary to re-melt the beeswax.

Remove from heat. Using a hand-held stick/immersion blender, begin whipping the oil/beeswax mixture. Slowly drizzle in the water. Continue mixing for another minute or so. The lotion will be quite runny and hot at this point and will thicken over time as it cools. As your lotion cools, give it a whiz with your hand blender every 10–15 minutes until fully cool.

Pack lotion into the jar of your choice. Amber glass jars are ideal.

If you prefer a heavier cream-style, add more beeswax, or substitute coconut oil for the olive oil. If you prefer a more liquid lotion, add less beeswax.

Recipe can be doubled/tripled/quadrupled.

Optional: If you use essential oils, add 1–2 drops when adding the water.

Olive oil is highly regarded for its ability to hold moisture on the skin. It has a very long shelf life if not exposed to light or heat. For a high quality product, freshness and a lengthy shelf life, only buy olive oil in tins or opaque containers. To infuse olive oil: Place fresh cut-up plant material in a jar and cover with pomace olive oil. Store in a dark place for 6 weeks. Strain plant material and your oil is ready! Herbal possibilities for infused oil: lavender, rosemary, elderflower, rose petal, or your favorite plant ally.

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here
Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars
Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid
Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy

Ingredients

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt
2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil)
1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle
10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends)
Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green)
Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms
Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!”
Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store
Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting
Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!”

Tips & Tricks

Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely.
Use gloves to avoid stained fingers.
Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon).

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

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