Easy Breast Milk Lotion Recipe for Sensitive Skin

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Hey there, mama! Did you know that breast milk isn’t just for feeding your baby? It’s also a powerful ingredient for DIY skincare. In this post, I’m sharing a simple and natural breast milk lotion recipe that can nourish and moisturize your skin. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin or looking for a gentle, all-natural lotion, this homemade breast milk lotion is the perfect solution!

As mothers, we know that breast milk is a true liquid gold, packed with nutrients and love, and it turns out it can work wonders for your skin too!

So, if you’re ready to make the most of that extra breast milk stash, keep reading. I’m about to spill the beans (or should I say, milk!) on how to make your very own breast milk lotion from the comfort of your kitchen. Let’s get started!

I was recently cleaning out our deep freezer trying to make room for the half steer we order once a year, when I found a few ounces of breast milk left over.

Of course I was not about to throw this liquid gold away, so I put it to the side until I could figure out a good idea for what to do with it.

I had just three or four ounces left, not quite enough for a sippy cup for my toddler, but definitely enough to put to good use.

And that’s when this breast milk lotion recipe came to mind.

Is Breast Milk Good for Skin? Here’s Why You Should Try It

Yes, you can absolutely use breast milk as lotion, and it’s more common than you might think!

Using your own breast milk in a homemade lotion is a personal choice, but many moms swear by it for its gentle, nourishing properties. Here’s why you might want to give it a go:

Natural & Gentle: Breast milk is an all-natural ingredient that’s super gentle on the skin, making it perfect for babies and adults.

Extra Milk? Don’t Let It Go to Waste: If you have some extra milk left over from pumping or breastfeeding, turning it into lotion is a great way to make use of it.

Skin Soothing & Moisturizing: Breast milk contains lauric acid, a fatty acid known for its moisturizing and soothing effects. It’s often used to calm irritated skin, reduce dryness, and even help with conditions like eczema. (Source)

Custom Skincare for You and Baby: DIY breast milk lotion lets you make a personalized skincare product that’s free of harmful chemicals. You can even add a few drops of essential oils for extra benefits!

How to Make Your Own Homemade Breast Milk Lotion

Ready to make a nourishing, natural lotion? Here’s how to make it step-by-step!

Supplies You’ll Need:

Glass jar or container to store your lotion.

Double boiler (or a glass bowl and pot if you don’t have one).

Whisk.

Ingredients:

1-2 tbsp Beef tallow or Beeswax (I’m using beeswax, but tallow works great too).

1/4 cup of Coconut oil, Grapeseed oil, Avocado oil, or Olive oil (I’m using avocado oil).

6 drops of Vitamin E oil.

Room temperature breast milk.

Essential oils (optional) – I love Lavender or Frankincense for their skin-loving properties.

If you need help sourcing some of these ingredients, I get the vitamin E oil from Thrive Market and the beef tallow from fedfromthefarm.com.

Everything else you can find at your local natural store or of course on Amazon….everything except the breastmilk that is.

Directions:

1. Melt the Base Ingredients: Start by melting your beeswax (or tallow) and your chosen oil in a double boiler. If you don’t have one, you can easily use a small saucepan with a glass bowl on top. Just add 2 cups of water to the pan and bring to a simmer on low heat. Place your beeswax and oil in the glass bowl to melt together.
2. Cool it Down: Once everything is melted, remove the bowl or double boiler from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. Add Vitamin E: When the mixture has cooled, whisk in about 6 drops of Vitamin E oil. This helps moisturize and protect the skin.
4. Add Breast Milk: Slowly pour the room temperature breast milk into the mixture while whisking everything together. Keep whisking until it’s fully incorporated.
5. Essential Oils (Optional): If you want to add a little extra skin goodness, now’s the time to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender and Frankincense are great choices for skin care.
6. Mix & Store: Once everything is well-mixed, pour your homemade lotion into a glass jar or container. Let it cool and solidify, and you’ll have a lovely, creamy lotion ready to use.

Storage:

Store your lotion in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.

If kept at room temperature, it will last about a month. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge, where it’ll last up to 3 months. Just note that it may harden in the fridge, but it softens up quickly when rubbed between your hands.

Note: I don’t recommend storing this lotion in the freezer, as the consistency will change once it thaws.

Tips & Troubleshooting for Making Breast Milk Lotion

Making your own lotion at home is such a rewarding process, but if it’s your first time, here are a few tips to help things go smoothly and troubleshoot any little hiccups along the way:

1. If Your Lotion Is Too Runny

If your lotion doesn’t set up as thick as you’d like, don’t worry! It might just need a bit more beeswax or tallow. If you’re using beeswax and it’s still too runny, add a little more to the next batch. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you.

2. Lotion Won’t Fully Incorporate

Sometimes the breast milk and oils can separate or not mix as well as you’d like, especially if the milk is too cold.

Make sure your breast milk is at room temperature before adding it. If you’re still having trouble, keep whisking! The more you mix, the better it’ll come together.

3. What if It’s Too Hard?

If you store your lotion in the fridge (which helps it last longer), it may harden a bit more than you want. No problem! Just warm it up in your hands for a few seconds, and it’ll soften right up.

You can also leave it at room temperature if you prefer a smoother consistency.

4. If It’s Too Greasy

If your lotion feels greasy, you might have used a bit too much oil. Next time, try using a little less oil or add more tallow or beeswax to help balance things out. You want it to feel hydrating but not heavy on the skin.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils are optional, but they can give your lotion a lovely scent and boost the skin benefits.

If you’re using them, always test on a small patch of skin first to make sure there’s no sensitivity. A little goes a long way, start with just a few drops, and you can always add more.

6. Storing Your Lotion

This lotion is best stored in a cool, dark place.

If you notice it’s getting too soft or runny in warmer weather, you may want to pop it in the fridge. Just remember, the lotion will firm up in the fridge, so take it out a few minutes before you want to use it to let it soften a bit.

RELATED: Easy Cocoa Body Butter Lotion Recipe

Health Benefits of the Ingredients in This Breast Milk Lotion Recipe

Grass Fed Beef Tallow

You might be wondering, what exactly is beef tallow? Simply put, tallow is rendered beef fat—and it’s packed with skin benefits!

Here’s why tallow is so great for your skin:

• Nourishing Fatty Acids: Tallow contains the same fatty acids that are found naturally in our skin, which is why it works wonders as a moisturizer. It helps to keep your skin soft and hydrated without feeling greasy.
• Vitamins A, D, E, and K: Grass-fed beef tallow is loaded with these essential vitamins, all of which are known for their healing and nourishing properties. They help promote healthy, radiant skin by supporting skin repair and reducing inflammation.
• Absorbs Quickly: Unlike some oils that can leave a greasy residue, tallow absorbs quickly into your skin, leaving it smooth and moisturized without that heavy feeling.

I’ve been using tallow-based skincare for over four years, and I’m hooked! It’s become my go-to for keeping my skin soft and nourished.

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RELATED: Breast Health: Can I use body lotion on my breasts?

Oil Variations For Breast Milk Lotion

1. Coconut Oil is antimicrobial and it reduces inflammation. It’s full of antioxidants which helps reduce fine lines. It’s a good oil to use for eczema, diaper rashes, and other inflammatory skin irritations.
2. Grapeseed oil is best to use for very sensitive skin. If you will be using this lotion for baby’s skin, this oil will be the most gentle, just make sure to try it on a small patch of skin first to make sure there’s not an adverse reaction. Use this oil if you have dry skin that causes persistent scratching or need to treat acne.
3. Avocado oil is what I am using for this recipe. This oil is loaded with potassium, lecithin, and vitamin E, which help to moisturize and nourish skin. The antioxidants in this oil are great for fighting eczema and psoriasis.
4. Olive Oil is an all around well known oil. It is said to increase collagen and decrease your chance of developing acne.
5. Sweet almond oil is gentle on the skin and can help soothe irritation, making it suitable for sensitive inflamed skin. Sweet almond oil can provide relief for certain skin conditions like eczema.

Vitamin E oil

You will want to add the extra drops of vitamin E oil even if you’re using one of the above oils that already has vitamin E in it.

Vitamin E acts as a barrier to help your skin retain moisture. The antioxidant properties in this vitamin help protect the skin from damage from the sun make your skin feel softer.

It will also help reduce the appearance of scars and dark spots.

Breast Milk

Okay this entire blog post could be spent on the health benefits of breast milk, but for the sake of time I will give you the cliff notes.

Breast milk truly is liquid gold.

It not only is a complete nutrient food source for an infant, but its properties continue to evolve as your child grows to meet baby’s needs and support proper growth and development.

Actual medicine studies have found breast milk to be an effective treatment for things like:

• Eczema.
• Dry cracked nipples.
• Itchy dry skin.
• Diaper rash.
• Eye problems like pink eye.
• Umbilical cord care.
• Cradel cap treatment.
• Ear infections.
• Nasal congestion.
• Minor scrapes and burns.
• Even help with psoriasis.

More specifically for the skin all the vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, stem cells, lauric acid, and antimicrobial properties found in this miracle liquid can help with the healing process and restoration of our largest organ.

Breast milk has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years.

For all you new moms out there with an oversupply of milk, especially those first few weeks postpartum when your milk comes in full force, or when you’re pumping extra to avoid a clogged duct or mastitis. Making your own breast milk lotion is a great way to put that extra milk to good use.

And if you’re like me and found a few precious ounces left in your freezer, this is the perfect solution!

Breast Milk Lotion Recipe FAQ’s

How long does breast milk lotion last?

Since this is a homemade lotion, its shelf life is much shorter than store-bought products.

If you keep it at room temperature, it should last around 1 month. If you store it in the fridge, you can extend that to 3 months.

Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.

Why does my lotion feel hard in the fridge?

No worries, it’s totally normal for your lotion to firm up in the fridge.

The oils and beeswax will solidify when chilled. The good news is that it’ll soften as soon as you rub it between your hands, or you can take it out a few minutes before you use it. It’ll melt back to a creamy consistency once warmed up!

Can you use breast milk directly on your skin instead of making lotion?

Yes, absolutely! You can apply fresh or frozen breast milk directly to your skin for a quick moisturizing boost.

It’s especially great for soothing dry patches, diaper rash, or even minor skin irritations. But if you want a longer-lasting moisturizer, the lotion recipe is a great way to go.

Can I use this lotion on my baby’s skin?

Yes! This lotion is gentle and made with safe, natural ingredients. It’s a great option for moisturizing your little one’s skin.

Just be sure to do a patch test first to make sure there’s no sensitivity or allergic reaction, especially if you’re using essential oils.

What if I don’t have breast milk to use?

If you don’t have any extra breast milk on hand, don’t worry! You can still make the lotion with the same base ingredients (beeswax, tallow, oils, and Vitamin E).

Just skip the milk and follow the same steps to create a nourishing, all-natural body lotion.

Can you freeze breast milk lotion?

I don’t recommend freezing your breast milk lotion. While you can freeze breast milk to use later, freezing the lotion can change the texture once it’s thawed. It’s best to store it in the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Is this lotion safe if I have a dairy sensitivity?

If you have a dairy sensitivity or if your breast milk contains dairy proteins, I’d recommend skipping this recipe, or testing it on a small area of skin first. For those without dairy concerns, this lotion is a great way to use extra milk and enjoy its skin benefits!

Can I add other oils or ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can swap out the oils for your favorite skin oils, or add soothing ingredients like aloe vera gel or raw honey for extra hydration.

If you add honey to the recipe, though, I recommend waiting until your baby is over a year old, as honey can pose a risk of botulism for younger babies.

Just be mindful of the consistency, you might need to adjust the amounts of beeswax or tallow if you add a lot of liquid ingredients.

Closing thoughts on this breast milk lotion recipe

Before we wrap up, I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make your own breast milk lotion!

It’s such a fun and meaningful way to care for your skin (or your little one’s), and it’s always nice to use something that’s all-natural.

That said, if you have any concerns or if you or your baby have sensitivities or allergies, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor before using breast milk on your skin.

I’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe, did you make any tweaks or have a favorite ingredient you used?

Drop a comment below or share your creations with me on Instagram!

And remember, mama, you’re doing an amazing job. Keep taking care of yourself and soaking up those special moments with your little one.