DIY Calming Sleep Lotion

Over the years I’ve adopted a few basic habits that have really helped transform my health. Prioritizing Quality sleep This is one of them. This calming sleep lotion uses the benefits of aromatherapy to help you get a better night’s sleep.

What is Sleep Lotion?

The name kind of gives it away, but this is a lotion (or body butter) that’s great to add to your bedtime routine. And it’s safe for kids so they can have a goodnight too. I use essential oils like cedarwood oil and lavender oil which are safe for children.

Other essential oils that are relaxing can be added to the lavender and cedarwood. Try different combinations until you achieve the desired scent. For children, I dilute the essential oils to between.5 and 1% (around 20-40 drops). You can double it for adults, but may not require that much. I’m a fan of more subtle scents myself.

The base is made of moisturizing and hydrating oils and butters so it’s also great for dry skin. This is great for all skin types, even oily ones. You can use it on your legs or feet if that’s what you prefer. Coconut oil can clog the pores on your face, so I’d avoid that area.

Why not make your own?

As with most body care products, there are plenty of options out there I’d Avoid if possible. Ingredients like phthalates and parabens aren’t something I put on my skin (or my kids!). Some of the most popular in-store sleep body lotions, like Dr. Teal’s, also add melatonin. Melatonin, a hormone that is controversial for kids in particular, can cause sleep problems. And when it’s in a skincare product it’s also difficult to control the dose.

Another popular choice is the body lotion from Bath & Body, but I had a hard time even finding any listed ingredients.

Where can I buy sleep lotion?

While there are many sleep lotions that aren’t so good, there are some great ones. These formulas can include other skin-nourishing substances like aloe, glycerin and others. If you don’t have the time or desire to make your own, here are a few good options. They’re cruelty free and have clean ingredients.

Magnesium Lotion Shop is my favorite! You can get a lavender-infused sleep product with melatonin, but they also have a lavender-infused sleep product. If you’re trying to avoid melatonin, this is something to keep in mind.

Ingredients of Sleep Lotion

This sleep lotion is a combination of a number of ingredients. Coconut oilShea butter, cocoa butter and theobroma chocolate (butyrospermum parksii) are all excellent moisturizers. Shea butter and cocoa help to harden lotion and are super-nourishing. Once hardened I whip it until it’s nice and creamy.

This is a heavier lotion so I don’t rub it all over my body, just the feet and up the legs a little. You can substitute some of the coconut with a few tablespoons of rosehip seed oils if you wish. Rosehip seed oil is astringent, so it keeps things dry. Jojoba is another good option since it mimics skin’s sebum.

Vitamin E oil, which is optional, helps extend the shelf-life of oils. It’s not a preservative, but since this doesn’t have water in it, it will last at least 6-12 months if stored properly. There are many vitamin E mixes available. You want to find something that just says “mixed tocopherols” or “tocopheryl acetate” on the label.

Oil Infused with Vitamins

You can take it a step farther by infusing the coconut oil first with soothing herbs. You can use rose, lavender, or chamomile. Here are some instructions on how you can make a Solar-infused herb oil.

DIY Calming Sleep Lotion

This thick, creamy sleep lotion smells incredible. Use it as part of your bedtime routine to calm you down.

Yield

Instructions

• Add the cocoa butter, shea oil and coconut oil to a double boiler. Use a heat-safe bowl placed on top of water half filled in a pot.

• Stirring occasionally, heat until melted.

• Add the essential oil and any vitamin E oil you may be using. Mix well.

• Pour immediately into a mixing bowl or stand mixer and allow to cool completely. I put my in the fridge for it to harden.

• Once hardened, use the whisk attachment to whip until it’s fluffy and creamy.

• Store in a jar of glass in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Notes

Use:Apply a small amount of lotion to your feet or legs. This lotion can last up to 12 months when stored properly and applied with clean hands.

Other Ways to Relax

If you’re looking for some more ways to get a good night’s rest, I’ve come up with quite a few over the years. They’re a great way to help you or your family get quality sleep and you don’t have to do just one.

What’s your favorite way to relax in the evenings? Comment and share your ideas below!