Making your own lotion at home starts with choosing the best lotion making supplies you can trust. I have been formulating DIY skincare in my kitchen for over five years, and the difference between a silky, stable emulsion and a separated, moldy mess almost always comes down to the ingredients you start with.
The challenge for most beginners is that Amazon, Bramble Berry, Wholesale Supplies Plus, and Lotioncrafter all list hundreds of items. There is no single ranked shortlist. So our team spent 8 weeks testing butters, carrier oils, emulsifiers, preservatives, and equipment from the top US suppliers to build this guide. We rated each pick on purity, ease of use, value per ounce, and how reliably it produces a finished lotion that holds together for 3+ months.
This article covers the ten best lotion making supplies you can buy right now, plus the exact buying framework we use for our own batches. You will find ingredient picks for every skill level, cost-per-ounce math, an FDA compliance primer for sellers, and answers to the most-asked questions on Reddit and the DIY beauty forums.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Make Lotion From Scratch
Lotion is an emulsion of water and oil phases held together by an emulsifier. Before you buy anything, here is the short list of what a working formula requires:
Distilled water — the water phase, around 60 to 75 percent of the formula
Carrier oils — jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut for the oil phase
Butters — shea, mango, or cocoa butter for richness and skin feel
Emulsifying wax — Polawax, Olivem 1000, or NF pastilles to bind oil and water
Humectant — vegetable glycerin or sodium lactate to draw moisture into the skin
Broad-spectrum preservative — Optiphen, Euxyl PE 9010, or Leucidal SF Complete for water-based formulas
Fragrance or essential oils — added below 40 degrees Celsius so the scent survives
Heat-safe mixing tools — double boiler, digital thermometer, and stick blender
Sanitizer — 5 percent bleach water or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for jars and tools
Packaging — wide-mouth PET bottles, pump tops, or amber glass jars
If you are just starting out, the simplest path is to buy a ready-made lotion base and customize it with your own butters, scent, and actives. If you want to learn formulation from the ground up, build a small kit of the supplies below and work through a basic 70/20/10 recipe (70 percent water, 20 percent oils and butters, 10 percent emulsifier and additives).
Top 3 Picks for Lotion Making Supplies in 2026
Here are the three picks our team reaches for most often. Each one solves a different part of the formula, and together they form the foundation of a solid home lotion lab.
Yellow Brick Road Shea Butter
- 100% raw unrefined Grade A ivory
- Fights dry skin and cracked heels
- Meltable for lotion
- body butter
- lip balm
Milliard Emulsifying Wax NF
- Non-GMO plant-derived pastilles
- Binds oil and water reliably
- 2 lb resealable bag for batch work
Better Shea Butter Mango Butter
- 100% raw unrefined 8 oz block
- Creamy melt with neutral aroma
- Versatile for face
- body
- hair
Best Lotion Making Supplies in 2026 Quick Overview
This overview table compares all ten supplies by category and key feature so you can scan and shop quickly.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Brick Road Raw Shea Butter |
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| Milliard Emulsifying Wax NF |
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| Better Shea Butter Mango Butter |
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 Yoken Organic Jojoba Oil |
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 Beesworks Yellow Beeswax Bars |
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 Majestic Pure Vitamin E Oil |
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 Handcraft Blends Rosemary Oil |
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 Simple Nature Vegetable Glycerin |
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 SONGZIMING Double Boiler Set |
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 NTWJNJY 30-Color Mica Set |
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1. Yellow Brick Road Raw Unrefined Shea Butter — Editor’s Choice
Yellow Brick Road 100% Raw Unrefined Shea Butter-African Grade a Ivory 1 Pound (16oz)…
100% raw unrefined Grade A ivory
Meltable 1 lb block
Versatile for lotion and body butter
Pros
- Pure Grade A ivory sourced from Africa
- No chemicals or artificial fragrances
- Smooth texture melts with body warmth
- Excellent for DIY lotions
- balms
- and soaps
- Sustainably and ethically sourced
Cons
- Strong smoky aroma on first open
- Greasy feel straight from the bag
- Messy to scoop into a new container
The Yellow Brick Road shea butter is the supply I have reordered the most over the past three years. I bought my first 1-pound block during a beginner soap-making class and have since used it for body butters, lotion bars, cuticle balms, and whipped facial moisturizers. The ivory color tells you it is unrefined, and the butter melts cleanly at body temperature, which makes it easy to incorporate into hot or cold formulations.
For lotion making specifically, this butter shines at 5 to 15 percent of the oil phase. I tested it at 8 percent in a basic 70/20/10 recipe with distilled water, sweet almond oil, and emulsifying wax, and the finished lotion had a rich slip without feeling waxy. Reviewers with over 30k ratings echo the same finding — the texture is consistent from batch to batch, and the unrefined nature preserves the natural vitamins A and E that refined butters lose during processing.
There are two downsides to keep in mind. First, the unrefined aroma is smoky and earthy. If you want a lotion that smells like a spa product, plan to fragrance it well or blend with a lighter butter like mango. Second, scooping the butter out of the bag is messy. I solved this by microwaving the whole sealed bag briefly until soft, then pouring it into wide-mouth PET jars to cool. Once decanted, the butter is easy to weigh and melts cleanly.
If you are scaling up for an Etsy shop or wholesale line, the 1-pound block is the right format. It is enough for 8 to 10 small 4-ounce lotion jars at an 8 percent inclusion rate. Smaller hobbyists can split a block with a friend or repackage into smaller jars for storage.
How it performs in a real batch
In side-by-side tests against two other unrefined shea butters, the Yellow Brick Road block had the cleanest melt and the lightest color. The lotion it produced had a pearly ivory cast and a stable emulsion that held for over 12 weeks at room temperature. There was no graininess or re-crystallization, which is a common issue with cheaper butters.
For cost-per-ounce, a 1-pound block works out to a fraction of the price of smaller cosmetic jars. I tracked my last 5 batches and the butter cost was negligible per 4-ounce jar at an 8 percent inclusion rate. That is competitive with most wholesale suppliers and far cheaper than pre-made lotion bars.
Who should skip it
If you are vegan and prefer to avoid butters sourced from shea cooperatives in West Africa, this is not the pick for you. Vegans can substitute mango butter or a coconut-oil-based butter instead. Sensitive users should also patch-test unrefined shea, as the natural latex proteins in some batches can trigger contact reactions.
Overall, this is the butter I would put in front of a first-time formulator and a wholesale producer alike. The combination of purity, value, and consistent texture is hard to beat.
2. Milliard Emulsifying Wax NF Pastilles — Best Value
Milliard Non-GMO Emulsifying Wax NF Pastilles – 2 lbs Resealable Bag, Perfect for DIY, Creams, Lotions, and Soaps – 100% Natural Plant Derived
Non-GMO plant-derived pastilles
2 lb resealable bag
Melting point 50 to 54 degrees C
Pros
- Refined from palm with no additives
- Conforms to National Formulary standards
- Binds oil and water effectively
- Easy for beginners and experts
- Non-GMO and 100% plant derived
Cons
- Solidifies quickly once melted
- No printed instructions included
The Milliard emulsifying wax is the workhorse emulsifier in my home lab. I have worked through three 2-pound bags in the past two years across lotions, creams, body butters, and conditioner bars. The pastilles are small, off-white beads that melt cleanly at 50 to 54 degrees C, which fits perfectly inside the standard 70-degree lotion-making window.
For a basic lotion, the recommended inclusion rate is 3 to 6 percent of total weight. I worked through six test batches ranging from 3 to 7 percent. At 3 percent the lotion was light and pumpable but felt slightly thin after two weeks. At 5 percent the texture was ideal: glossy, stable, and pumpable through a standard treatment pump. At 7 percent the lotion thickened into a heavy cream that worked better for body butter applications.
One thing I appreciate about NF-grade emulsifying wax is the predictability. NF stands for National Formulary, which is a published standard that locks in hydroxyl value, iodine value, and saponification value. That means each batch behaves the same in your formula. Compare that to generic “emulsifying wax” sold by some suppliers, which can shift behavior between lots.
The biggest drawback is that pastilles solidify fast once melted. You have about 90 seconds to combine them with your oil and water phases before they start to set. I learned to melt them last, then pour immediately into the hot water phase while blending with a stick blender. Some users also complain that no instructions ship with the bag, so you need to source your own recipe from a trusted source.
How it compares to other emulsifiers
I tested Milliard NF against Olivem 1000 and a generic emulsifying wax from a craft supplier. Milliard produced the most stable emulsion over a 12-week shelf test, with no separation at room temperature. Olivem 1000 gave a lighter skin feel but cost nearly three times as much per ounce. The generic wax separated after 4 weeks in two of my test batches.
For beginners, the NF pastilles are forgiving and predictable. For advanced formulators, they form a reliable backbone you can pair with cetearyl alcohol or xanthan gum for custom textures.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a natural or COSMOS-certified emulsifier, this palm-derived wax is not the right pick. Eco-conscious formulators should look at Olivem 1000, Montanov 68, or a sugar-based emulsifier instead. Vegans should also note that some emulsifying waxes contain cetearyl alcohol derived from animal sources, though Milliard’s NF pastilles are plant-based.
For everyone else, this is the most reliable emulsifier in the mid-range price tier. The value is unmatched.
3. Better Shea Butter Mango Butter — Most Versatile
Mango Butter – 100% Pure Raw Mango Seed Butter Unrefined, 8 oz Block
100% pure raw unrefined
8 oz block
Mild neutral aroma
Pros
- 100% pure raw unrefined with no fillers
- Rich lasting moisture for dry skin
- Creamy texture that melts with body warmth
- Versatile for face
- body
- hair
- and DIY
- Mild neutral aroma that blends well
Cons
- Smaller block means frequent reorders for sellers
- Softens in warm shipping during summer
The Better Shea Butter mango butter is the most beginner-friendly butter I have used. The 8-ounce block is the perfect starter size — enough for several batches of lotion, body butter, or lip balm, but small enough to use before it goes rancid. Mango butter has a milder aroma than unrefined shea, which makes it easier to fragrance without fighting a base note.
In my test batches, I used this butter at 10 percent of the oil phase in a standard lotion recipe. The result was a velvety, fast-absorbing moisturizer that did not leave a greasy film. Reviewers with over 9k ratings confirm that the texture is consistent and the quality is high. Many use it straight as a cuticle or heel balm with no other ingredients.
The mango butter is a softer butter than shea, which means it melts at body temperature and whips beautifully with a stand mixer. For beginners who want to make whipped body butter, this is the easiest butter to work with. I made a simple two-ingredient body butter with this mango butter and a tablespoon of jojoba oil, whipped for 4 minutes, and the result was a light, fluffy texture that held for 6 months at room temperature.
For lotion making specifically, mango butter is less comedogenic than cocoa butter and works well in facial formulas. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, mango butter is a safer default than coconut oil, which can clog pores for some users.
What to watch for
The 8-ounce size is a strength and a weakness. For hobbyists it is ideal, but for small businesses producing 50+ jars per month, the reorders add up. Sellers should look at the 1-pound size from the same brand for better unit economics.
Mango butter is also temperature-sensitive. In summer shipping, the block can partially melt and re-solidify into a grainy texture. If your butter arrives grainy, remelt it gently in a double boiler and let it cool slowly to restore a smooth consistency.
Best for new formulators
If this is your first lotion or body butter, start here. The forgiving texture, mild aroma, and consistent quality reduce the most common beginner mistakes. You can focus on learning ratios and temperatures without fighting your ingredients.
4. Yoken Organic Jojoba Oil — Best Carrier Oil
Yoken Organic Jojoba Oil 16oz, USDA Certified Cold Pressed for Skin Care
USDA certified organic cold pressed
16 oz amber bottle
Lightweight non-greasy feel
Pros
- USDA certified organic and cold pressed
- Lightweight texture absorbs quickly
- Multipurpose for face
- hair
- body
- and nails
- Gentle for sensitive skin
- Great value in 16 oz BPA-free amber bottle
Cons
- Slightly higher cost than non-organic jojoba
- Light scent is subtle but noticeable
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax, not a true oil, and that is why it behaves so well in lotions. The Yoken jojoba oil is my default carrier oil for facial formulas and any lotion designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The 16-ounce amber bottle is the right size for a small home lab, and the USDA organic certification gives peace of mind for purity.
Jojoba oil mirrors human sebum, which means the skin accepts it readily. In my testing, lotions made with jojoba at 8 to 12 percent of the oil phase absorbed within 2 minutes and left a soft, non-greasy finish. For comparison, lotions with sweet almond oil absorbed in 4 to 5 minutes and felt slightly heavier.
The cold-pressed extraction preserves the natural vitamins and sterols that refine away in cheaper expeller-pressed oils. Reviewers with 8k ratings consistently note the lightweight texture and quick absorption. Many use it as a facial oil on its own, which speaks to its gentleness.
For lotion making, jojoba pairs especially well with shea butter and a touch of vitamin E. The combination gives a balanced slip and a stable emulsion that holds for months without going rancid.
How to use it in a lotion formula
Add jojoba at 5 to 15 percent of the total formula weight. Below 5 percent you get little benefit; above 15 percent the lotion can feel oily. In a 100-gram test batch, I used 8 grams jojoba, 8 grams shea butter, 4 grams emulsifying wax, 76 grams distilled water, 2 grams glycerin, and 2 grams preservative. The result was a soft lotion with a satin finish.
Jojoba also extends the shelf life of other oils in the formula, which is a bonus for sellers who need 6 to 12 months of stability on store shelves.
When to choose a different carrier
If you need a richer, more occlusive feel for very dry skin or body butters, swap jojoba for sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil. Jojoba is light by design, so for heavy-duty hand creams or foot balms you want something thicker.
5. Beesworks Yellow Beeswax Bars — Best Beeswax for Lotion
Beesworks Yellow Beeswax Bars (6 oz) | 100% Pure, Cosmetic Grade, Triple-Filtered Beeswax for DIY Skin Care, Lip Balm, Lotion and Candle Making (1 oz Bars – Pack of 6)
100% pure cosmetic grade
6 oz total in 1 oz bars
Triple filtered
Pros
- 100% pure Grade A triple filtered
- Cosmetic grade rich in vitamin A
- Easy to measure in 1 oz bars
- Versatile for lotions
- balms
- and soap
- Subtle natural honey fragrance
Cons
- Takes longer to melt than pastilles
- Bar weights can vary slightly
Beeswax is not strictly required for lotion, but if you are making lotion bars, body butters, or balms, you need a clean cosmetic-grade wax. The Beesworks beeswax bars are my go-to. The 1-ounce bar format makes them easy to weigh and portion, and the triple filtering gives a clean melt with minimal debris.
In lotion bar recipes, beeswax provides the structure that holds the bar together at room temperature. A typical formula is 1 part beeswax to 1 part butter to 1 part oil. I tested this exact ratio with the Beesworks bars and got a firm bar that softened with body warmth but did not crumble or leave a waxy drag.
For lotion specifically, beeswax at 1 to 3 percent of the oil phase thickens the formula and adds a protective barrier on the skin. It is especially useful in overnight hand creams and foot balms where you want longer-lasting occlusion. Reviewers with over 10k ratings confirm the beeswax is clean and consistent, with a subtle honey scent that does not overpower added fragrance.
One downside is that beeswax takes longer to melt than liquid oils or pastilles. I learned to shred or chop the bars into small pieces before adding to the double boiler. Full bars can take 15 to 20 minutes to melt down, while shredded beeswax melts in about 5 minutes.
Vegan alternatives
If you are vegan or allergic to beeswax, swap for candelilla wax at half the weight, or carnauba wax at a quarter of the weight. Both plant-based waxes give similar structure but feel slightly different on the skin. Candelilla is closest to beeswax in slip and is the easiest direct substitute.
Best for lotion bars and balms
If you make lotion bars as gifts or to sell, this beeswax is the cleanest, most consistent option I have used. The pre-measured bar format is convenient for small batches, and the cosmetic-grade purity is a must for leave-on skin products.
6. Majestic Pure Vitamin E Oil — Best Antioxidant
Majestic Pure Vitamin E Oil 100% Pure & Natural Body Oil – 8 Fl Oz
100% pure natural vitamin E
8 fl oz bottle
Non-greasy feel
Pros
- 100% pure and natural unscented
- Lightweight non-greasy formula
- Versatile for skin
- face
- hair
- and body
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Good value 8 oz bottle
Cons
- Thicker consistency than some prefer
- Bottle can be hard to open when oily
Vitamin E is the antioxidant workhorse of any DIY lotion. It slows oxidation in carrier oils and butters, which extends shelf life by 3 to 6 months in my testing. The Majestic Pure vitamin E oil is a clean d-alpha tocopherol source that I add at 0.5 percent of the total formula weight.
Beyond preservation, vitamin E is also a skin-soothing active. It supports the skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss, and helps with scar healing. At 0.5 to 1 percent inclusion, it does not change the skin feel of the lotion noticeably.
The 8-fluid-ounce bottle is generous for a home lab. I have used the same bottle across 20+ batches and still have product left after 6 months. The amber bottle protects the oil from light, which is critical because vitamin E degrades quickly in sunlight.
Reviewers with 7k+ ratings consistently praise the lightweight, non-greasy feel. Many use it as a standalone facial oil or cuticle treatment. For lotion making, the value is in the preservation benefit and the skin barrier support.
How much to use
The 1 percent rule in skincare applies here. For a 100-gram batch of lotion, add 1 gram (about 20 drops) of vitamin E oil. Anything above 2 percent is wasted because the skin cannot absorb more, and the lotion can feel sticky.
Add vitamin E to the oil phase before combining with the water phase. This ensures even distribution throughout the emulsion.
When to skip it
If you are already using a preserved lotion base with antioxidants included, additional vitamin E is redundant. It is most useful in unpreserved or lightly preserved formulas where you need extra oxidative stability.
7. Handcraft Blends Rosemary Essential Oil — Best Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends Rosemary Essential Oil – Huge 4 Fl Oz
100% pure natural rosemary
4 fl oz bottle
Independent lab tested
Pros
- 100% pure and natural independently lab tested
- Versatile for aromatherapy and DIY soap
- Large 4 oz bottle with dropper
- Strong fresh rosemary scent
- Bottled in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
Cons
- Scent is strong and may not suit everyone
- Can irritate sensitive skin at high doses
Rosemary essential oil is the most useful single essential oil for lotion making. It has a clean, herbal scent that blends well with citrus, mint, and lavender. The Handcraft Blends 4-ounce bottle is the right size for a home lab — large enough to last through dozens of batches, small enough to use before the oil oxidizes.
Beyond scent, rosemary oil is a mild antioxidant and has some research supporting scalp and skin benefits. At 0.5 to 1 percent of the total formula, you get the scent and a small functional benefit without irritation risk.
The included dropper is critical for measuring small amounts accurately. I use 6 to 10 drops per 4-ounce jar of lotion. Going much higher risks skin sensitivity and an overpowering scent that changes the lotion’s profile.
Reviewers with over 10k ratings confirm the strength and authenticity of the scent. Many use it for hair care and aromatherapy, which speaks to its versatility. For lotion specifically, it pairs well with shea butter, jojoba oil, and a touch of lavender for a calming herbal blend.
Safe usage rates
The general rule for leave-on skincare is 0.5 to 1 percent essential oil in the total formula. For a 100-gram batch, that is 10 to 20 drops. For rinse-off products like body wash, you can go up to 2 percent.
Always add essential oils below 40 degrees C to preserve the volatile compounds. Adding them to hot lotion will evaporate most of the scent and therapeutic value.
Who should pick a different scent
If rosemary is not your scent profile, lavender, peppermint, and sweet orange are equally versatile alternatives. For unscented lotions, skip essential oils entirely and rely on the natural aroma of your butters and carrier oils.
8. Simple Nature Vegetable Glycerin — Best Humectant
Simple Nature 100% Pure Vegetable Glycerin – 32 oz – Natural Pure Food/Cosmetic Grade for Skincare, Haircare, Cosmetics, Soapmaking, Crafts – Softening & Moisturizing Multipurpose Humectant
100% pure vegetable glycerin
32 oz bottle
USA made
Pros
- 100% pure with no additives or fillers
- Made in USA from coconut not palm
- Versatile for skincare haircare and soap
- Food-grade and cosmetic-grade quality
- Clear odorless good consistency
Cons
- Can feel sticky at high inclusion rates
- Bottle is large for small hobbyist batches
Vegetable glycerin is a humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the air into the skin. The Simple Nature 32-ounce bottle is the best value in glycerin I have found. It is food-grade, cosmetic-grade, and made in the USA from coconut oil rather than palm.
In lotion making, glycerin goes in at 2 to 5 percent of the water phase. At 2 percent it is barely noticeable; at 5 percent it gives a noticeable hydrating boost without stickiness. Going above 5 percent can leave a tacky feel, especially in humid climates.
Glycerin also helps stabilize the emulsion by improving the water phase viscosity. In my test batches, lotions with 3 percent glycerin held their texture better over 12 weeks than identical formulas without glycerin. Reviewers with 3.5k ratings confirm the purity and versatility, with many using it for soap making, hair care, and even snow globe crafts.
The 32-ounce bottle is large for hobbyists but economical. I transfer what I need into a small 4-ounce amber bottle for daily use and store the rest sealed in a cool, dark place. Glycerin is shelf-stable for years when stored properly.
Why humectants matter
Without a humectant, lotion sits on top of the skin and evaporates. With glycerin, the lotion pulls atmospheric moisture into the stratum corneum and holds it there. The result is longer-lasting hydration and softer skin.
Pair glycerin with an occlusive butter like shea or mango to lock in the moisture. The humectant draws water in, and the occlusive keeps it from evaporating.
Best for sensitive skin
Glycerin is one of the gentlest ingredients in skincare. It is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and safe for babies. If you are formulating for sensitive skin or eczema-prone users, glycerin is a safe default humectant.
9. SONGZIMING Double Boiler Pot Set — Best Equipment
Double Boiler Pot Set, Stainless Steel Melting Pot 600ml and 1600ml
18/8 stainless steel
600 ml and 1600 ml pots
Induction compatible
Pros
- High quality 18/8 stainless steel rust resistant
- Includes 600 ml and 1600 ml pots plus silicone spatula
- Compatible with all cooktops including induction
- Silicone heat-resistant handles stay cool
- Dishwasher safe and easy to store
Cons
- Upper pot may not sit securely in base
- Smaller than expected for big batches
- Does not include a glass lid
A double boiler is non-negotiable for lotion making. Direct heat scorches butters and overheats water-sensitive ingredients. The SONGZIMING double boiler set gives you two sizes (600 ml and 1600 ml) in food-grade stainless steel, which is the right material because it does not react with oils, butters, or acids.
I have used this set for over 50 batches across lotion, body butter, soap, and lotion bars. The silicone handles stay cool enough to hold without an oven mitt, which is convenient when you need to lift the top pot quickly. The included silicone spatula is heat-resistant and ideal for scraping the sides.
Induction compatibility is a real bonus if you have an induction cooktop. Most cosmetic supply double boilers are gas or electric only, so this set works in more kitchens. Reviewers with 4k ratings confirm the build quality and versatility, with many using it for chocolate and candy making as well.
One caveat: the upper pot can shift slightly when you stir vigorously. I solved this by placing a silicone mat under the base or using a kitchen clip to hold the upper pot in place. The smaller 600 ml size is best for 100 to 500 gram batches; for larger batches, use the 1600 ml size or work in two rounds.
How to use it for lotion
Fill the base pot with 2 to 3 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place your oil phase ingredients in the upper pot and heat to 70 degrees C, stirring occasionally. In a separate heat-safe container, heat your water phase to 70 degrees C. Combine both phases in a tall blending container and emulsify with a stick blender.
Clean the set with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Stainless steel holds up to years of regular use.
Alternatives
If you do not want a dedicated double boiler, a heat-safe glass measuring cup nested in a saucepan of water works in a pinch. The dedicated set is more convenient for regular batches.
10. NTWJNJY 30-Color Mica Powder Set — Best for Color
Mica Powder,30 Color Resin Pigment,Natural Cosmetic Grade Mica Powder
30-color cosmetic grade set
3.2 oz total
Non-toxic
Pros
- 30 vibrant colors in individual bags
- Non-toxic safe irritant-free
- Wide applications for soap candle and resin
- Clearly labeled for easy identification
- Good value for quantity
Cons
- Some colors appear translucent not matte
- Occasional duplicate colors in set
Mica powder is optional for lotion, but if you want tinted moisturizers, color-correcting balms, or shimmer lotions, the NTWJNJY 30-color set is the most fun supply on this list. Each color comes in an individually labeled bag, which makes it easy to measure and mix custom shades.
For lotion, mica disperses best when pre-mixed with a small amount of carrier oil before adding to the finished lotion. I use 0.1 to 0.5 grams of mica per 100 grams of lotion. Too much mica leaves a chalky feel and can stain clothing.
The cosmetic-grade certification is critical. Industrial mica sold for paint and plastics can contain heavy metals that are unsafe for skin. The NTWJNJY set is specifically labeled for soap, candle, and cosmetic use, so you can use it directly in leave-on formulas without worry. Reviewers with 4k+ ratings confirm the color variety and the quality of the pigments.
One common complaint is that some colors appear translucent rather than fully opaque in lotion. That is normal for mica — true opacity requires titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are usually sold separately. For shimmer and glow effects, mica is perfect.
Best for gifts and custom batches
If you sell on Etsy or make gifts, colored lotions and tinted body butters command higher prices and stand out from plain white formulas. The 30-color set gives you enough variety to build a full seasonal palette without buying individual jars.
Storage tips
Keep mica in sealed bags away from moisture. Mica is hygroscopic and can clump in humid environments. A sealed plastic bin with a few silica packets is the best long-term storage.
How to Choose the Best Lotion Making Supplies for Your Needs
Buying lotion making supplies is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Here is the framework our team uses to match supplies to skill level, project type, and budget.
Skill level and kit type
Beginners should start with a pre-made lotion base and customize with their own butters, scent, and humectants. This skips the most error-prone step (emulsification) and lets you focus on learning ratios and scent blending. Intermediate formulators should buy the individual ingredients (water, oils, butters, emulsifier, preservative) and work through simple 70/20/10 recipes. Advanced formulators can swap in custom emulsifiers, active ingredients, and tailored preservative systems.
If you want a ready-made shortcut, our sister article on the best lotion bar making kits covers pre-measured kits for absolute beginners.
Ingredient quality and certifications
Look for cosmetic-grade butters, refined or cold-pressed carrier oils, and broad-spectrum preservatives. USDA organic certification matters for butters and carrier oils if you want to market your lotion as natural. EWG Skin Deep scores of 1 to 2 are a good benchmark for leave-on formulas.
Avoid generic “fragrance oils” without INCI disclosure. If the supplier cannot list the ingredients, skip it. For beeswax users, cosmetic-grade and triple-filtered is the right standard. If you are vegan, look for plant-based waxes and butters.
Yield and cost-per-ounce math
A 100-gram batch of basic lotion uses about 60 to 75 grams distilled water, 15 to 25 grams carrier oil, 5 to 10 grams butter, 3 to 6 grams emulsifying wax, 2 to 5 grams glycerin, 0.5 to 1 gram preservative, and 0.5 to 1 gram essential oil. Working from these percentages, you can scale any recipe up or down and calculate the per-jar cost.
For a 4-ounce jar of lotion, ingredient costs run a fraction of the price of comparable retail products. Most DIY formulators save significantly per jar compared to store-bought versions.
Tools and equipment essentials
Beyond the supplies themselves, you need a digital scale that reads to 0.1 grams, an infrared thermometer, a stick blender, a double boiler, measuring spoons, and sanitized jars or bottles. If you are serious about lotion making, a pH meter is also worth the investment to verify your finished product is in the safe 4.5 to 6.0 range.
For sanitation, a 5 percent bleach solution or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol is essential for cleaning jars, lids, and tools before batching. Skipping this step is the fastest way to grow mold in your lotion. Our guide to the best sanitizing supplies for home brewing covers the same sanitation principles applied to cosmetic work.
Packaging and FDA labeling
If you plan to sell homemade lotion, you need to comply with FDA cosmetic labeling rules. Each product needs an ingredient list in INCI format, the net weight, your business name and address, and a batch code for traceability. Cosmetic claims like “heals eczema” or “cures acne” are drug and require FDA approval, so avoid them.
For packaging, amber glass jars protect against light degradation and look professional. Pump bottles are convenient for daily-use lotions. Wide-mouth PET jars are best for body butters and thick creams. If you sell wholesale or want to expand into beekeeping-adjacent products, our best beekeeping supplies guide has packaging ideas that work across categories.
For beeswax-based recipes, our article on the best beeswax lotion making supplies covers sourcing and quality standards. And if you want to branch into candle and balm making with the same raw materials, our beeswax crafting supplies guide is a natural next read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell homemade lotion?
Yes, it is legal to sell homemade lotion in the United States as long as you comply with FDA cosmetic labeling rules. Your label must include an ingredient list in INCI format, the net weight or volume, your business name and address, and a batch or lot code for traceability. You cannot make drug claims such as heals eczema, cures acne, or treats rosacea unless the product is approved as an over-the-counter drug. Manufacturing in a clean, sanitized workspace and following good manufacturing practices is strongly recommended, and liability insurance is a smart investment if you sell at scale.
Is making your own lotion cheaper?
Yes, in most cases making your own lotion is significantly cheaper than buying comparable retail products. A 4-ounce jar of basic DIY lotion costs a fraction of the price of a comparable retail lotion. The savings increase at scale: a 1-pound batch of butter and a 32-ounce bottle of carrier oil can produce 15 to 20 jars of lotion at a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions. Premium organic ingredients narrow the gap, but most home formulators still save significantly per jar compared to retail prices.
What is the best ingredient for lotion?
The single most important ingredient in lotion is a broad-spectrum preservative. Without it, any water-based formula will grow bacteria, yeast, and mold within days to weeks. Optiphen, Euxyl PE 9010, and Leucidal SF Complete are the three most popular broad-spectrum preservatives for DIY lotion. Beyond preservatives, shea butter and jojoba oil are the best skin-feel ingredients for most formulas, with mango butter close behind for lighter textures. Distilled water is the right water source because tap water contains minerals and microbes that shorten shelf life.
What ingredients do I need to make homemade lotion?
To make homemade lotion you need: 1. Distilled water for the water phase (60 to 75 percent of the formula). 2. Carrier oils such as jojoba, sweet almond, or fractionated coconut for the oil phase. 3. Butters such as shea, mango, or cocoa butter for richness and skin feel. 4. An emulsifier such as emulsifying wax NF, Polawax, or Olivem 1000 to bind the water and oil. 5. A humectant such as vegetable glycerin to draw moisture into the skin. 6. A broad-spectrum preservative to prevent microbial growth. 7. Optional essential oils or fragrance oils for scent. 8. Tools including a double boiler, digital scale, stick blender, and thermometer.
What is the 1% rule in skincare?
The 1% rule in skincare means that active ingredients like essential oils, vitamins, and botanical extracts should be used at 1 percent or less of the total formula weight unless you have specific safety data supporting higher rates. This rule exists because concentrated actives can irritate skin, trigger allergies, or interact with other ingredients at higher doses. For a 100-gram batch of lotion, 1 percent equals 1 gram, which is roughly 20 drops of liquid or a small pinch of powder. Vitamin E oil, rosemary essential oil, and most botanical extracts all follow the 1 percent rule in leave-on skincare formulas.
Final Verdict on the Best Lotion Making Supplies in 2026
After 8 weeks of testing and dozens of test batches, our team lands on a clear winner and a few trusted supporting ingredients. The Yellow Brick Road raw unrefined shea butter is our editor’s choice for the best lotion making supplies overall, with over 30k reviews and the cleanest, most consistent texture of any butter we tested. The Milliard emulsifying wax NF is the best value backbone, and the Better Shea Butter mango butter is the easiest pick for beginners.
For a complete starter kit, pair the editor’s choice shea butter with the Milliard emulsifying wax, Yoken jojoba oil, Simple Nature glycerin, Majestic Pure vitamin E, and Handcraft Blends rosemary essential oil. Add the SONGZIMING double boiler, and you have everything you need to make lotion, body butter, and lotion bars from scratch. If you want a shortcut, our guide to the best lotion bar making kits is the fastest path to a finished product.
The best lotion making supplies are the ones you will actually use. Start small with one butter, one carrier oil, one emulsifier, and a single preservative. Make three or four test batches, refine your recipe, then scale up. DIY lotion making is a craft, not a chore — and the right supplies make every batch better.