Non Greasy Lotion Bar Recipe Without Beeswax (2025)

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If you’ve ever tried a lotion bar and thought, “Nice, but why do I feel like I just greased a frying pan?”, this one’s for you.

This non-greasy lotion bar recipe is vegan, non-greasy, smells like vanilla cake, and you can make it in less time than it takes to binge an episode of your favorite show.

I make this one without beeswax (more on that below), so no waxy feeling, no animal products, and no “where do I even find beeswax??” quests.

I’ve been making these for years – they’re my go-to for travel, gifts, and keeping my skin soft all year long (yes, even elbows in winter).

What is a lotion bar?

A lotion bar is a solid moisturizer made from butters and oils that melt when it touches your skin.
Unlike bottled lotion, there’s no water inside – which means:

• No preservatives needed.
• Longer shelf life (a solid year if stored right).
• Way easier to take on trips.

This solid lotion bar recipe is simple to make and zero waste – no plastic bottles, no landfill guilt.

Why I don’t use beeswax in my lotion bar recipe

Most traditional lotion bars use beeswax to help them stay solid. But here’s why I skip it:

1. Vegan-friendly – no animal products.
2. Better feel – beeswax can leave a slightly sticky, waxy film.
3. Easier sourcing – cocoa butter + shea butter keep things firm without special orders.

This lotion bar recipe without beeswax is perfect and still holds its shape beautifully, thanks to an 80% butter to 20% oil ratio.

Lotion bar benefits

This isn’t just about smelling nice. Here’s why I love it:

• Absorbs quickly – no greasy feelings.
• Made with 100% natural, skin-loving ingredients.
• Simple process: melt → mix → pour → set.
• Compact, easily portable, and travel-friendly.
• Cheap to make (and lasts ages).
• Totally customizable with scents, textures, or botanicals.
• A cute gift idea.

Ingredients you’ll need + Substitution ideas

Makes 2 medium bars or 3 smaller ones.

• Cocoa butter – Deeply hydrates, improves skin elasticity, and absorbs fairly quickly.
• Shea butter – Softens, soothes, and works for all skin types. Mango butter can be used instead, but you’ll then get a firmer bar.
• Safflower oil – Lightweight, anti-inflammatory, and great for sensitive skin. Grapeseed oil works too, but may alter firmness.
• Tapioca starch – Absorbs excess oil for a smoother, non-greasy finish. If you don’t have it, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
• Vanilla fragrance oil – Sweet scent; swap for any skin-safe essential oil (avoid photosensitive citrus oils).
• Optional add-ins – Dried rose petals, calendula petals, or ground cinnamon.

Materials & tools

• Silicone whisk or a metal whisk
• Silicone mold
• Metal tins – for storage and gifting

How to make a solid lotion bar (recipe)

Ingredients:

4 tbsp organic cocoa butter (52g) 
2 tbsp pure refined organic shea butter (27g)
1 and a half tsp safflower oil (19g) 
1 tbsp tapioca starch (7g) or 1 ½ tbsp (~10g) for an even less greasy feeling
35 drops of vanilla fragrance oil

Instructions:

1. Melt your butters – In a double boiler over low heat, melt cocoa butter and shea butter.
2. Add the oil & starch – Stir in safflower oil and tapioca starch until fully combined.
3. Cool slightly – Let sit 5–10 minutes before adding fragrance oil (too much heat will make it evaporate).
4. Pour into molds – Silicone molds work best; if using tins, line them with paper first.
5. Set – Freeze for ~1.5 hours or refrigerate for 3–4 hours.
6. Unmold & store – Keep in a tin or jar, ideally somewhere cool.

How to use your lotion bar

• Rub directly on skin or warm between hands first.
• Works best right after a shower when skin is still slightly damp.
• Great for hands, elbows, knees, legs – anywhere that needs TLC.

Tips & troubleshooting

• Too greasy? Increase tapioca starch, add an extra ½ tbsp for an even lighter feel.
• Too soft? Remelt and add more cocoa butter.
• Too hard? Remelt and mix in 1–2 tbsp more oil.
• Grainy texture? Melt butters slowly over low heat for at least 10 minutes (add shea last), then cool quickly in the fridge, freezer, or an ice bath.
• Melts in the heat? Store in a fridge, sealed jar, or metal tin. If traveling, wrap in wax wrap or keep in a small container in a cool spot.
• Sticky texture? Usually from too much shea butter – add cocoa butter (if soft) or more oil (if hard) to rebalance.

Storage & shelf life

• Lasts up to 12 months.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and water.
• If the scent fades, you can remelt gently and add a few extra drops of essential oil.

FAQ

How long do lotion bars last?
If stored properly, your lotion bar can last up to 1 year since all ingredients have a long shelf life. Always check the expiration dates of your butters and oils just to be sure. Keep the bar away from water and contaminants to prevent spoilage.

How long does it take to harden?
Freezer: 1.5 hours | Fridge: 3–4 hours | Room temp: Overnight.

Can I remelt lotion bars?
Yes, just keep in mind that essential oils are heat-sensitive, and the key is to not overheat when remelting. So, re-melt gently in a double boiler on low heat. Add essential oils after cooling slightly, since heat will probably weaken the scent. If needed, stir in a few extra drops before re-pouring into molds.

Final thoughts

Making a lotion bar recipe without beeswax that’s actually non-greasy is surprisingly easy – and way more satisfying than buying one in plastic.

With just a handful of natural ingredients, you’ll have a travel-friendly, gift-worthy, skin-loving bar that you made yourself.

If you try this, let me know in the comments how you customized yours. I love seeing your versions!

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