Nettle Lotion: The Best Herbal Remedy for Your Skin

Nettle lotion is one of my favorite skincare remedies for calming irritated skin, easing dryness, and promoting a radiant complexion. This soothing herbal lotion features nettle leaf, also known as Urtica dioica, a medicinal herb valued across North America for centuries. If you’ve struggled with dry skin, fine lines, or even oily skin types, nettle lotion might be just what your routine needs.

As a nurse and a mother of five, I’ve tried just about every remedy for sensitive, reactive skin. Over the years, I’ve returned again and again to natural ingredients—especially fresh herbs like nettle—for their calming, balancing effects. The version I share today is rich in fatty acids, calming to histamine receptors, and gentle enough for regular use.

Let’s talk about why this humble plant is such a valuable ingredient, and how to turn it into a deeply nourishing lotion you can feel good about using.

---

Why Use Nettle Leaf in Skin Care?

Nettle leaves are full of skin-loving compounds like chlorophyll, antioxidants, and minerals. When used topically, the extract of nettle has been shown to support the inflammatory response, making it a wonderful option for inflamed or irritated skin.

Nettle also contains natural antihistamines, which may help reduce itching. The fresh leaves and nettle extract are rich in vitamins A and C, magnesium, and silica, all helpful in softening rough or flaky skin. These nutrients help protect the skin from free radicals, support sebaceous glands, and promote balanced oil production—great for both dry and oily skin types.

Some research also links leaf extract from nettle to support for blood sugar levels, which can impact skin health over time. Nettle is truly a tonic plant, working from the inside out.

---

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When making a homemade nettle cream or lotion, using quality oils and butters makes all the difference. I prefer to infuse olive oil with dried nettle leaf, but you can also use fresh nettles as long as they’re wilted first to remove the sting.

For the base, I rotate between mango butter, shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii), and organic cocoa butter. Each has its own benefits for smoothing the skin and sealing in moisture. I also add organic coconut oil, which brings antimicrobial properties and a soft texture to the lotion.

This recipe is free of chemical preservatives like benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, or potassium sorbate, although I encourage you to store it in a cool area and use clean hands when applying. If you’re looking to make shelf-stable body creams, you may want to explore natural preservatives like citric acid, and xanthan gum, or emulsifiers like cetearyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate.

For scent and added skin benefits, I include the essential oil of rosemary. You can also use aromatic rosemary water if you prefer a gentler option.

---

Save for Later!

How to Make Nettle Lotion at Home

This soothing herbal lotion makes about 8 ounces and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Here’s how to make it with ease.

Don’t want to make this yourself? No problem! Head over to my shop and buy this very lotion already handcrafted with care!

Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need nettle-infused olive oil, your choice of mango butter, shea butter, or organic cocoa butter, along with beeswax, organic coconut oil, kaolin clay, and rosemary essential oil.

Set Up a Double Boiler

Fill a saucepan with a few inches of hot water and place a heat-safe bowl over the top to act as a double boiler. This helps melt everything gently without burning.

Melt the Oils, Butter, and Beeswax

Add ½ cup nettle-infused oil, ⅓ cup butter, ¼ cup beeswax, and ¼ cup coconut oil to the bowl. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth.

Add Kaolin Clay

Remove the bowl from heat. Allow to cool slightly and then mix in 1½ teaspoons of kaolin clay. I use an emersion blender for best results. This gives the lotion a silky feel and helps soothe dry skin.

Add Essential Oil

Add 20–30 drops of rosemary essential oil. It blends beautifully with nettle and adds an uplifting scent.

Pour and Cool

Pour your lotion into jars or tins right away. Let it cool fully before capping. It will thicken as it cools into a soft, spreadable consistency.

Tips for Infusing Oil with Nettle

To make your own nettle-infused olive oil, place dried nettle leaves in a clean jar and cover with olive oil. Let it steep in a sunny window for 4-6 weeks, shaking gently every day. Strain before using. You can also use fresh nettles, but let them wilt first and ensure no moisture is left, as this can spoil the oil.

---

How to Use Nettle Lotion

Apply a small amount to clean skin as needed. I love using this after a bath, especially when my skin feels dry or tight. It absorbs best on damp skin. For children or those with sensitive skin, test a small patch first to make sure the essential oils are well tolerated.

This lotion is gentle enough to use on the face, especially in areas prone to fine lines or irritation. It’s also a great alternative to magnesium lotions if you want hydration without the tingling sensation magnesium can cause.

---

Why I Keep This on Hand

As someone with a deep love for herbs and natural living, I always come back to this recipe. I’ve used variations of it for everything from post-garden hands to dry winter elbows. With the power of extract of nettle and nourishing oils, it’s an easy way to support the skin’s natural healing process.

Many of my customers ask for alternatives to store-bought body creams and are concerned about preservatives like hexyl cinnamal or synthetic emulsifiers. This recipe skips all of that, relying on whole, simple, skin-loving ingredients. Plus, it smells amazing with a hint of rosemary essential oil.

---

Final Thoughts

Nettle lotion is more than just a moisturizer. It’s a way to bring a tonic plant into your everyday skincare routine. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin or sensitive spots, or you just want to simplify your body care with natural ingredients, this recipe is a beautiful place to start.

If you’ve never used nettle cream before, this handmade version may surprise you. The gentle scent, silky feel, and lasting moisture are a welcome change from commercial lotions. Best of all, it puts the power of herbs—like nettle leaf, fresh herb infusions, and pure oils—right in your hands.

Want to keep learning? Check out my other herbal recipes, including homemade magnesium lotions, lip balm, and salves. You can also find many of these ingredients in my shop if you’d rather purchase than make your own.

Have you tried making lotion before? I’d love to hear how it turned out or help troubleshoot if you have questions!

---