When it comes to luxurious body lotions, Lush’s Sticky Dates Lotion stands out for its deep hydration, rich scent, and soothing properties. This favorite product has garnered a large following, thanks to its unique blend of date syrup, vanilla pod decoction, and a mix of nourishing oils and butters. If you’re a fan of this indulgent treat, or simply curious about making your own high-quality lotion at home, this DIY guide is for you! We’ll explore step-by-step how to recreate this velvety, lush cream with easily accessible ingredients. Get ready to pamper your skin and delve into the world of homemade skincare.

What Makes Sticky Dates Lotion Special?

Lush’s Sticky Dates Lotion is known for its ability to deeply nourish and hydrate, thanks to a carefully crafted formula that includes:

• Date Syrup: Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, date syrup gives the lotion its rich, sweet fragrance and moisturizing properties.
• Vanilla Pod Decoction: Adds a sweet, warm scent and has calming benefits for the skin.
• Nourishing Oils & Butters: A blend of jojoba oil, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, and illipe butter helps lock in moisture and provide a smooth, silky finish.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s break down the key ingredients you’ll need to recreate this luxurious lotion:

1. Water:
   • Role: Solvent for dissolving the other ingredients.
   • Substitute: Rose water offers additional soothing benefits.
2. Sunflower Oil:
   • Role: Provides nourishment and hydration to the skin.
   • Substitute: Olive oil or avocado oil.
3. Vanilla Pod Decoction:
   • Role: Adds a warm, sweet fragrance and calming properties.
   • Substitute: Vanilla extract diluted in water.
4. Organic Jojoba Oil:
   • Role: Closely mimics skin’s natural oils and provides excellent moisture and balance.
   • Substitute: Argan oil or fractionated coconut oil.
5. Glycerine:
   • Role: Humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
   • Substitute: Honey or vegetable glycerine.
6. Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter:
   • Role: Deep moisturizing and nourishing benefits.
   • Substitute: Mango butter.
7. Stearic Acid:
   • Role: Acts as a thickener and gives body to the lotion.
   • Substitute: BTMS-50.
8. Organic Illipe Butter:
   • Role: Provides intense hydration and skin barrier support.
   • Substitute: Kokum butter or shea butter.
9. Triethanolamine:
   • Role: Adjusts the pH to ensure the lotion is skin-friendly.
   • Substitute: Sodium hydroxide (used in small amounts).
10. Carob Resinoid:
    • Role: Fragrance and emollient.
    • Substitute: Carob powder (though the texture differs).
11. Benzoin Resinoid:
    • Role: Natural preservative and fragrance.
    • Substitute: Tincture of benzoin or other natural preservatives.
12. Sandalwood Oil:
    • Role: Provides a woody, exotic scent and soothing properties.
    • Substitute: Cedarwood oil.
13. Gardenia Extract:
    • Role: Floral fragrance.
    • Substitute: Jasmine extract or rose extract.
14. Cetearyl Alcohol:
    • Role: Acts as an emulsifier and thickener to stabilize the lotion.
    • Substitute: Emulsifying wax.

Tools

To ensure you achieve the best results, gather the following tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Double boiler
• Immersion blender (stick blender)
• Whisk
• Storage container
• Thermometer (optional, for precise temperature control)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Ingredients

First, ensure all ingredients are measured accurately. This precision helps maintain consistency and quality. If you need to prepare the vanilla pod decoction, here’s how:

• Slice open a few vanilla pods and scrape out the seeds.
• Simmer the pods and seeds in water for about 10 minutes.
• Strain and let it cool.

2. Melting the Butters and Emulsifiers

In a double boiler, melt the following ingredients together:

• 20g Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter
• 20g Organic Illipe Butter
• 10g Cetearyl Alcohol
• 5g Stearic Acid
• Stir occasionally until fully melted and combined.

3. Blending the Oils

Once melted, remove from heat and slowly add:

• 50g Sunflower Oil
• 30g Organic Jojoba Oil
• Stir to combine and allow the mixture to cool slightly (ensure it doesn’t solidify).

4. Preparing the Water Phase

In a separate container, gently heat:

• 60ml distilled water or rose water
• Gradually add 20g glycerine and 50ml vanilla pod decoction.
• Stir well to mix.

5. Emulsifying with a Stick Blender

With the water phase ready, it’s time to emulsify:

• Slowly pour the water, glycerine, and vanilla pod decoction mixture into the melted butter/oil blend.
• Immediately use the stick blender to blend. Move the blender around the bowl to ensure all parts are emulsified.
• Blend until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

6. Adding the Aroma

Once the emulsion has cooled to near room temperature, incorporate the aroma components to infuse the lotion with its signature scent:

• Add 2g Triethanolamine (pH adjuster)
• 5 drops Carob Resinoid
• 5 drops Benzoin Resinoid
• 5 drops Sandalwood Oil
• 5 drops Gardenia Extract
• Use the stick blender again to blend thoroughly, ensuring even distribution.

7. Achieving the Perfect Texture

For that perfect, creamy consistency:

• Optionally, whisk the mixture again briefly to ensure it’s perfectly smooth.

8. Storage

Transfer the final lotion into a sterilized, airtight storage container. Label it with the date of creation for reference.

Pro Tips

• Patch Test: Always perform a patch test before using on a larger area to avoid any allergic reaction.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. For a longer shelf life, consider refrigerating.
• Use By: Given its natural ingredients and absence of strong preservatives, it’s best to use this lotion within three months.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can create your own version of Lush’s Sticky Dates Lotion, offering your skin the same nourishing and hydrating benefits with the satisfaction of a DIY approach. Enjoy the luxurious feel and rich scent of this homemade lotion, and let your skin thank you for the indulgent treat.