Massage Lotion Bar Recipe

About This Recipe:

Silky smooth and non-oily, our Massage Lotion Bar relies on the all-natural power of beeswax, which helps heal and protect the skin. Carefully selected, Jojoba Oil, a “dry oil,” and MCT, a natural, non-greasy emollient, mix with Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E, to concoct a nourishing lotion bar. 

Shopping List:

(1) 1 lb Beeswax - Ultra Refined & Bleached

(2) 2 oz Cocoa Butter - Deodorized & Ultra White

(2) 2 oz Shea Butter - Natural

(2) 2 oz Jojoba Oil - Golden

(2) 2 oz MCT - Mid Chain Triglycerides Liquid

(1) 1/2 oz Vitamin E Natural T-50

(1) 1 Mold Massage Bar Soap Mold (MW 517)

(1) 1 Each Hairnets - 24 inch Disposable

(1) 1 Piece Droppers (Pipettes) - Plastic

Recipe Ingredients:

• 8 oz. Beeswax - Ultra Refined & Bleached
• 4 oz. Cocoa Butter - Deodorized & Ultra White
• 4 oz. Shea Butter - Natural
• 4 oz. Jojoba Oil - Golden
• 4 oz. MCT - Mid Chain Triglycerides Liquid
• 5 ml(s) Vitamin E Natural T-50

Equipment From Home:

• (1) Heat-Safe Melting Pan
• (1) Stove Top
• (1) Mixing Spoon or Spatula
• (1) Cookie Sheet
• (1) Scale - Digital Display

Directions:

Why make your own solid lotion bar? Because it’s a fun, hands on way to personalize your skincare routine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage or building a unique product line, our DIY massage bar recipe has everything you need to get started. From moisture and glide to versatility and scent, we’ve got you covered. 

Our massage bar recipe is designed for you to add nourishing butters and scented, hydrating oils like cocoa and shea butter and a dash of sweet almond oil to help retain moisture and soften skin. Apply it to dry areas for a rejuvenating and hydrating effect. Plus, you choose the fragrance. Customize your bar with essential, all-natural oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile for a soothing aromatherapy experience. 

Using a homemade massage lotion bar is simple yet luxurious, whether it's part of your daily skincare ritual or a treat for tired muscles. Here’s how to get the most from your solid bar:

• Warm It Up First: Rub the bar between clean, dry hands to slightly melt the surface. Once it softens, glide it directly onto the skin.
• Apply to Dry or Damp Skin: While it works well on dry skin, applying the bar to slightly damp skin after a bath can help seal in moisture more effectively.
• Targeted Healing: Massage bars are great for focused hydration on rough patches or areas that need extra care.

Patch test first if you're trying a new scent or formula, especially if you or your customers have sensitive skin.

If you’re planning to gift or sell your homemade massage bars, presentation makes all the difference. These tips help preserve your product while adding a polished, professional finish:

• Use Tin Containers or Wrap in Wax Paper: Metal tins, push-up tubes, or parchment wraps help keep bars clean and protected while giving a classy touch to the unwrapping process.
• Label Clearly: Include ingredient lists, usage instructions, and fragrance info. For resale, use INCI names and ensure packaging follows applicable guidelines.
• Keep It Cool: Store finished bars in a cool, dry spot to prevent melting, especially if you're shipping in warmer months.

Whether you're making massage bars for yourself or as part of a handmade skincare line, packaging elevates your product and brand.

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, and they’re all skin-loving staples for a reason:

• Cocoa Butter: Known for its rich, emollient texture that adds firmness to the bar while helping to smooth dry skin.
• Shea Butter: Commonly used to calm and condition skin, thanks to its vitamin and fatty acid content.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight and nourishing, this oil adds glide to the bar, making it perfect for massages.
• Beeswax: Not only firms up the bar but also helps create a lasting moisture barrier on the skin that supports relaxation and focus.

Optional: Add essential oils like lavender or peppermint to create an aromatic experience.

How do you make your own massage bar?
This recipe walks you through the basic steps of melting, mixing, and molding skin-nourishing ingredients into a solid bar. It's easy, customizable, and fun!

How long do homemade lotion bars last?
With proper storage in a cool, dry place, most homemade lotion bars can last 6 to 12 months. Shelf life depends on the freshness of your oils and if preservatives are added.

How do you package homemade lotion bars?
Use wax wraps, tins, or push-up tubes. If you're selling, be sure to label all ingredients (INCI names preferred) and store bars in climate-stable containers.

Wholesale Supplies Plus is not responsible for the performance of any of the recipes provided on our website. Testing is your responsibility. If you plan to resell any recipes we provide, it is your responsibility to adhere to all FDA regulations if applicable. Please also reference IFRA standards for proper fragrance oil usage. If there are ingredients listed in a recipe that Wholesale Supplies Plus does not sell, we cannot offer any advice on where to purchase those ingredients. We also do not offer any advice on formulating or altering recipes.

NOTE: If you are making these products for sale, good manufacturing practices recommend you wear a hairnet, gloves and a mask. We also recommend a clean apron and workspace.

1. In a dedicated pot and on low heat, melt 4 oz. Cocoa Butter, 2 oz. Shea Butter and 2 oz. Beeswax. Stir occasionally.
2. Remove from heat and add 2 oz. Jojoba Oil, 2 oz. MCT and 2.5 ml Vitamin E. Stir and mix in well.
3. Return to low heat until fully melted.
4. OPTIONAL: If scenting, add 1% Essential or Fragrance Oil - (up to 0.12 oz.)
5. Place plastic mold on a cookie sheet and pour melted liquid into each cavity until full. 
6. If any liquid remains, it can be remelted and poured into the mold after the first batch has hardened. Mold can be placed in refrigerator to speed up process.
7. Once hardened, unmold and package as desired.
8. Repeat above steps to make remaining 3 lotion bars.
9. Label product accordingly.

To Use: Gently massage skin area with bar. Soothing ingredients will soak into the skin without feeling greasy.
Note: Store in cool place. In warm weather, product can soften and can melt if left in purse or hot car.