Some things to know about body butters/lotions:
These are all natural and free of preservatives, so they do have a shelf life of 6-12 months—longer if you want to store them for later use. It is the oils (and bacteria) on your hands that will make your stash not last quite as long. Some solutions are:
Keep a 2-3 month supply separate from your long-term supply, which you can put in the refrigerator. In the fridge, untouched, I keep lotion for a year or longer.
If it smells rancid or looks different—don’t use it! Remember, these are all food-grade oils and butters. You wouldn’t eat rancid olive oil left in your pantry for 2 years—this is no different!
Essential oils should be used with caution in children under 8 years of age and are not recommended for babies, infants, or pregnant women. See the "introduction to EOs" section for more information.
The Lotion Story:
Lotion was my gateway beauty product. I was programmed from early childhood to slather on body lotion after every shower. After having kids, though, I learned that most products are filled with chemicals that none of us need. Shea butter seemed like the perfect base for my skin—you know, the “largest organ in (our) bodies,” and after some experimentation, I found the ideal texture that stays solid at room temperature but immediately melts on skin contact to moisturize face and body. At the same time, I gave up all commercial perfumes—recognizing that they are potentially dangerous chemicals as well—and replaced them with my own blends of essential oils, which are superior in every way!
The lotions work for the face or body and are suitable for daily use. I have had a few friends report back to me that their loved ones have experienced remarkable improvement in their eczema, and the best part is that you can apply as much lotion as you want, as there are no dangerous or artificial ingredients. I also started making "sun lotion" for my summer days and family ski trips: the non-nano particle zinc oxide affords some sun protection without skin absorption (less chemicals into the blood stream). I do not SPF-rate this lotion as I haven't had it formally tested, but the 15% zinc oxide confers good protection without the chemicals in most commercial products. I hear only positive feedback from my fans (including my fair-skinned husband) as long as you reapply often.
