Mango Papaya Body Lotion

Mango Papaya Body Lotion: a light and fragrant all-over moisturizer made with papaya seed oil and mango butter.

When it comes to winning folks over to using handmade and natural skin care products, introducing them to a great handmade lotion is almost like cheating. Who can resist the luscious texture, delightful aromas, and deep moisturizing benefits that only hand crafted lotion can offer up? Our Mango Papaya Body Lotion is definitely one of those special recipes.

This lotion is light and fluffy, does an excellent job quenching thirsty dry skin, and even smells great – all using plant-derived ingredients. One thing that users often notice about handmade lotion versus mass-produced is that natural lotions tend to have a richer texture and remain present on the skin for longer periods of time. This can sometimes take a little getting used to, which is what makes lighter, more easily absorbed formulas, like our Mango Papaya Body Lotion, such a great choice for folks who are new to using artisan crafted products.

We used a combination of two fruity Plant-Based Fragrance Oils to scent our Mango Papaya Body Lotion. Our choice was inspired by the tropical nature of our main ingredients, but the lotion itself has very little aroma and can be scented however you like. Try substituting the Plant-Based Fragrance Oils we chose with your own favorite aromatic ingredients. Be sure to double-check the usage rate for your substitute ingredient before starting the recipe.

About the Ingredients

Caprylic Capric Triglycerides (MCT Oil)

Another super stable carrier oil, MCT is an odorless and fully liquid oil derived from coconuts. MCT is a staple ingredient in commercial skin and hair care products but has numerous advantages for artisan formulators as well. MCT can be paired with any scent, tinted any color, and will remain fresh for extended periods of time.

Papaya Seed Oil

Papaya seed oil has a light, pleasant texture that absorbs easily into the skin. This makes this highly moisturizing oil extremely versatile. Papaya seed oil can be used in both skin and hair care products as a lubricant, moisturizer, or conditioner.

Mango Butter, Refined

With similar properties to cocoa and shea butter, mango butter offers a highly moisturizing benefit with a relatively non-greasy texture. Unlike cocoa butter, mango butter retains almost no characteristic scent and is mostly odorless. Mango butter is an excellent choice for baby care, child care, and for users with highly sensitive skin as it is typically hypoallergenic.

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Easily the most popular natural skin care ingredient of the day, virgin coconut oil helps provide both moisturizing and astringent benefits. This makes it an excellent choice for all skin types, but especially beneficial to oily or combination skin. We love the light texture and dreamy aroma of virgin coconut. It’s semi-solid texture also helps to give body to creams and lotions.

Emulsifying Wax (Vegetable)

Our emulsifying wax is an easy to use, vegetable-based wax formulated specifically for creating stable emulsions. While the wax itself is not naturally occurring, it is made using naturally sourced ingredients and components. Emulsifying wax makes a fantastic alternative to beeswax, as it does not usually require additional emulsifiers or stabilizers (like borax) to work.

Stearic Acid

Stearic acid is a plant-derived substance used to thicken and bind creams and lotions. It is also added to soaps to increase hardness and opacity.

Plant-Based Fragrance Oils

Our line of plant-based fragrance oils use components derived from natural essential oils and plant isolates and extracts. Our carefully curated selection of plant-based fragrance oils offers up an exciting variety of scents including fruit, floral, and spice inspired blends.

Pearlescent Micas

Pearlescent Micas are used to add color and sheen to beauty, cosmetic and personal care products. They are primarily used in the formulation of lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows. They are also widely incorporated into loose mineral make-up since colors can be combined to create virtually any shade. Micas are also used to color a huge variety of cosmetics including lip balms, bath products, lotions, soaps, and body powders.

Mango Papaya Body Lotion

Makes about two 4-ounce (120 ml) jars

Ingredients

• 185 ml Distilled Water
• 7.5 ml Caprylic Capric Triglycerides (MCT Oil)
• 30 ml Papaya Seed Oil
• 3 grams Mango Butter, Refined
• 3 grams Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
• 10 grams Emulsifying Wax (Vegetable)
• 4 grams Stearic Acid
• 1/16 ounce Plant-Based Pina Colada Fragrance Oil
• 1/16 ounce Plant-Based Grapefruit Splash Fragrance Oil
• 2 grams Sun Gold Mica Powder, optional
• 2 grams Tangerine Mica Powder, optional

Directions

1. In two separate mixing cups, pre-mix mica powders with ½ teaspoon of MCT oil each and blend into a slurry. (This will help to distribute the mica evenly throughout the lotion.)

2. In a double-boiler, combine the Mango Butter, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Papaya Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Stearic Acid and any remaining MCT Oil until fully melted. (If you are using a microwave for this phase, heat in 30-second intervals until the ingredients have fully melted and about 160° F.)

3. Place distilled water in a heat-safe container and heat to 160° F. Set aside to cool.

4. Check the temperature of both the water and oil portions of the recipe to make sure they are both within 150°-160°.

5. Slowly drizzle water portion into oils portion while whisking continuously. Continue to mix with stick blender for 2-3 minutes, ensuring both phases are fully emulsified. If mixing by hand, whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes.

6. Divide the mixture into two separate mixing bowls.

7. In one bowl, add your Plant-Based Pina Colada fragrance oil and your pre-mixed Sun Gold Mica Powder slurry. Blend very well to make sure the mica is evenly dispersed.

8. In the second bowl, add your Plant-Based Grapefruit Splash fragrance oil and your pre-mixed Tangerine Mica Powder slurry. Blend very well to make sure the mica is evenly dispersed.

9. Distribute the lotions into containers, alternating batches to create layers of color and scent. The lotion will become thicker as they cool. Allow lotions to reach room temperature before placing caps on jars.

Usage & Packaging

• We packaged our Mango Papaya Body Lotion in our 4-ounce Flint Glass Jars. They would also look gorgeous in our 4-ounce PET Jars.
• To use, apply a generous dollop of lotion to dry skin and massage gently until absorbed.

Please Note: This formula does not contain a preservative and should be stored and handled accordingly. As-is, you can expect your lotion to remain fresh for several days at most. Storing it in the refrigerator and handling it indirectly with clean tools or by using a squeeze bottle or pump, can help extend the shelf life up to one or two weeks. In order to give the formulation a longer shelf life or make it suitable for sale, a preservative would be needed.

If you wish to add a preservative, we recommend our Lactobacillus Ferment, Water Soluble Preservative along with our LactoCoconut Extract, Water Soluble Preservative. This is a great starting point, but please keep in mind that any formula intended for sale or commercial use should be professionally challenge tested.

Shelf Life & Stability: Please note that the formulations featured here on The Natural Beauty Workshop have not been challenge tested for stability or shelf life, and may not be suitable for commercial use as-is. For more information on shelf life, stability, and working with preservatives, check out the following article from our Information Library.

Looking for more information on crafting your own handmade creams and lotions? Check out our guide: Emulsion, The Magic Trick of Creams and Lotions.