How to Make Creamy Lemongrass Lotion with Fresh Lemongrass Hydrosol and Jojoba Oil
Lemongrass is a fantastic ingredient for skincare, packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and a delightful fragrance. This guide will walk you through creating a luxurious lemongrass lotion using fresh lemongrass hydrosol and jojoba oil.
Lotion-making involves two key components: a water phase and an oil phase. These are combined into a stable mixture called an emulsion with the help of emulsifying agents. To improve the texture and stability of your lotion, additional additives can be used:
Essential Additives for High-Quality Lotion
Stearic Acid
A thickening agent that gives the lotion a smooth, rich texture. It also stabilizes the emulsion, prolonging the lotion's shelf life.Xanthan Gum
A natural thickener. Even a small amount can enhance the lotion's consistency.Glycerin
A humectant that locks in moisture, hydrates the skin, and protects its natural oils.
Lemongrass Lotion Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 300 ml (10 oz) of lotion. Adjust the ingredient amounts proportionally for larger or smaller batches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Water Phase
Mix xanthan gum and glycerin in a small bowl until smooth.
Combine this mixture with the lemongrass hydrosol in Container A and blend using a hand mixer.
Prepare the Oil Phase
Add stearic acid and emulsifying wax to the jojoba oil in Container B. Mix well.
Heat the Phases
Set up a water bath using a pot and electric hotplate. Place Containers A and B in the water bath.
Heat both phases to 65°C (150°F), monitoring carefully to avoid exceeding 70°C (158°F). Lower the heat to maintain a stable temperature.
Combine the Phases
Remove both containers from the water bath. Gradually add the water phase (Container A) into the oil phase (Container B), stirring continuously with a hand mixer.
Blend and Emulsify
Blend the mixture thoroughly for about 10 minutes to ensure a smooth, uniform emulsion.
Add Preservative
Once the mixture cools to below 60°C (140°F), add the preservative (Optiphen) and mix well.
Optional: Add Essential Oil
If desired, add a few drops of essential oil when the lotion cools to below 40°C (104°F). Blend thoroughly. (The natural fragrance from fresh lemongrass hydrosol is usually sufficient.)
Cool and Store
Let the lotion cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean, airtight bottle for storage.
Pro Tip
This creamy lemongrass lotion captures the natural aroma and skin-loving properties of fresh hydrosol and jojoba oil, offering a hydrating, luxurious experience. For long-lasting freshness, store the lotion in a cool, dry place.
Enjoy your homemade, spa-quality lemongrass lotion!
Want to know how to make fresh lemongrass hydrosol? Watch this video of using ADI to make hydrosol by spending less than 5 minutes.