This decadent Vanilla Coco Body Lotion smells wonderfully of vanilla, chocolate, and coconut. I may or may not have spent an embarrassingly long time smelling my hands after testing it out for the first time (and after every subsequent use, if we’re being honest). This lotion has become a quick favourite with many of my female friends, and they can’t stop sniffing their hands either. So yes, it smells awesome, and it’s not just me.

How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion

The idea for this lotion came from Zil, who wanted something that smelled like a vanilla cupcake. Now, this doesn’t quite smell like a vanilla cupcake as the folks at Betty Crocker cake mixes might imagine it, but that’s because “vanilla cupcake” smell has come to mean something very strong and chemically, that smells too sugary to be real. This takes its awesome scent from a host of delicious natural ingredients.

How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion

The oil part of the lotion is virgin coconut oil and unrefined cocoa butter (USA / Canada), which pair to create a decadent dessert-like smell that smells a lot like white chocolate.

How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion

Up next, I spiked the lotion with vanilla essential oil (which is water soluble, so really only good for lotions as it’s too weak/expensive for soaps) and benzoin essential oil, which is mysteriously vanilla-like.

How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion

The final lotion is silky smooth and decadent, leaving your hands soft and smelling delicious. I’m in love, and I think you will be, too.

How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion

Vanilla Coco Body Lotion

7g | 0.25oz emulsimulse/ritamulse (or other complete emulsifying wax—not beeswax!)
9g | 0.32oz virgin coconut oil
9g | 0.32oz cocoa butter (USA / Canada)

73g | 2.57 oz water
2g | 0.07oz vegetable glycerine (USA / Canada)

4 drops vanilla 10-fold essential oil
2 “blobsbenzoin essential oil

Broad spectrum preservative of choice (why?)

Weigh out the emulsifying wax, coconut oil, and cocoa butter (USA / Canada) into a small saucepan and melt over medium heat.

While the oils are melting, combine the water and vegetable glycerine (USA / Canada) in a small glass measuring cup. Warm through, and stir to blend.

Once the oils have melted, add the water mixture. Let everything heat through to ensure everything is melted, and remove the pan from the stove.

Whisk as the mixture cools, and then whisk in the essential oils and preservative. The mixture will thicken up as it cools (the thickening will take a few days if you are using a different emulsifying wax than emulsimulse/ritamulse). Decant into a jar or tub—this lotion doesn’t pump well. Enjoy!

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How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion How to make Vanilla Coco Body Lotion

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