How to Make Hand Cream Lotion

Skin on the hands can become dry or damaged from soaps, detergents or frequent hand-washing. To help improve texture and appearance of skin on the hands, consider making your own lotion. Hand creams can be made with oils, emulsifying wax and water. Scents can be created with the use of essential oils. 

1. Pour 1/4 cup of emulsifying wax, such as cetearyl alcohol, into a microwave-safe dish. The emulsifying wax works as emollient to make the lotion smoother and moisturizes skin. It binds the ingredients together, so the lotion does not separate.


2. Add 1/4 cup of oil to the wax. Oils such as olive, almond or coconut can all be used.


3. Place the bowl into the microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds. Check the mixture to see if the wax has melted. Continue heating and checking every 30 seconds until it has melted completely.


4. Heat 1 1/4 cup of water in the microwave for a minute. Use plain, distilled or rose water.


5. Combine the mixture and the water. Whisk the mixture until it is blended well.


6. Add special ingredients for sensitive skin. If you have dry or cracked skin, consider adding drops of vitamin E or aloe vera gel. Continue stirring the lotion as you add ingredients.


7. Choose a fragrance for the hand lotion. If you mixed the oil-wax mixture with rose water, the lotion should have a rose scent. If created with plain water, essential oil can be added to create scented lotion. Add 20 to 30 drops of oil to the hand lotion, then stir the mixture until it is well-blended.


8. Pour the hand cream into a reusable container. Consider using an old lotion bottle that has a pump.