Introduction – Lotion Use in the UAE

Lotions are among the most important products in the cosmetic and skin care industry. They’re designed to keep our skin moist and smooth, prevent sunburn and dryness, and help with anti-aging and wrinkles, among other benefits. 

The United Arab Emirates is one of the hottest countries in the world, with temperatures exceeding 40°C during summer. Since hot weather is one of the leading causes of water loss from the skin, the UAE cosmetic market is witnessing massive growth spurts as modern residents become more health-conscious. 

As a result, lotion and skin care product sales are booming every year. According to Techsciresearch,  the industry is expected to reach over $3 billion by 2025. 

However, most people remain blissfully unaware of the fact that their body lotions are contributing to environmental degradation. Therefore, at Recapp, we aim to spread awareness about the environmental impact of store-bought skincare products. 

Moreover, we’ll also share how to make lotion from scratch at home so you can save money and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. 

The Environmental Impact of Store-Bought Lotion

As you know, the majority of lotions come in plastic containers. This is a huge problem from an environmental perspective. Plastics are a product of petroleum, meaning they’re made from refining crude oil, which is an energy-intensive process that leaves a significant carbon footprint. Moreover, plastic is nonbiodegradable, meaning it will not decompose even if it’s left to rot for hundreds of years. 

As a result, millions of tons of your favorite body lotion containers end up in landfills and the oceans - leaching into the soil and water to release toxins that disrupt the ecological system and food chain. 

Secondly, although most FDA-approved lotions are minimally toxic, most commercial lotions contain synthetic fragrances that emit harmful VOCs and cause allergies, respiratory problems, and even cancer in extreme cases. 

Making Homemade Lotion from Scratch – Our Recipe

Lotions and other skincare products have been around for thousands of years. However, before the age of industrialization, they were generally made at home using natural ingredients, such as oils, fragrances, ceramides, water, and fruit/plant extracts, to name a few. 

However, with the growing demand and the rise of large-scale manufacturers, the process changed significantly and involved the use of chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients. Moreover, buying store-bought lotion has become a popular practice in the last few decades due to the convenience it offers and the variety of products available. 

Gradually, the practice of making homemade lotion steadily declined over the years. However, as locals become health and eco-conscious, they’re taking the DIY route to skincare by learning how to make lotion from scratch. 

If you’re looking to do the same but don’t know how to get started, we have a simple recipe that you can use to reduce your reliance on store-bought lotions:

Materials/Equipment

Here’s a list of things you’ll need for the process:

• A container (preferably made from glass or recycled plastic. You can use an old store-bought lotion jar or bottle)
• Broiler or pot
• Stove
• Blender
• Utensils for mixing

Ingredients 

Any essential oil (coconut, soybean, avocado, almond, palm, lavender, sunflower, etc.)

• Water
• Glycerine or grated Beeswax
• Cocoa or shea butter
• Vitamin E oil

Note : There are hundreds of ingredients you can use to make homemade lotion from scratch. It all depends on what’s easily available and how much you’re looking to spend. Ideally, you should stick to organic products as they have a relatively lower carbon footprint. 

Steps

Making homemade butter is no different from making aioli or homemade mayonnaise, as the key process involved in both cases is emulsification. Once you have everything ready, you only need to follow two steps, and you have your first batch of DIY lotion ready to use. 

Step 1- Melt and Combine

Add your oils, butter, and beeswax/glycerine to a pot or broiler and let everything melt on low or medium heat. Make sure you let it simmer and not bring it to a boil. Once it’s done, add some vitamin E oil. This is great for your skin and also makes your homemade lotion last longer in storage. 

Step 2 – Blend and Emulsify

Once you’ve completed the first step, add some water to your blender and turn it on. Then, slowly transfer your heated mixture to start the emulsification process. After a few seconds, you should see a thick and creamy mixture, just like any store-bought lotion. All you need to do is transfer it into a container, and you’re good to go. 

Conclusion

At Recapp, we do more than simply provide a recyclables door-to-door collection service in UAE for households and businesses. We also aim to help educate and guide our readers and clients regarding different ways they can reduce their carbon footprint and lead a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Learning how to make lotion from scratch at home is a great way to reduce plastic and other forms of waste from your property. Plus, it’s a great way to step into the do-it-yourself world and try out different projects at home, especially those related to recycling.