Homemade Body Butter Recipe
I made my first batch of body butter today. I think my life has changed forever. Delightful, decadent and easy, I have wanted to try making it for a long time. I was convinced that it would be difficult and not work the way I wanted. Boy, was I wrong.
I love creamy body butters. Living in a climate that gets quite cold and dry in the winter, they are a must in my house. But two things have always bothered me. They can be quite expensive and also, full of ingredients that are less than desirable for your skin and health.
We often forget that our skin is the largest organ on our body and absorbs what we put on it. If you are using lotions and body butters with chemicals in them (fragrances, preservatives, color additives, etc.) be aware that your skin absorbs the chemicals, too. Not exactly desirable. I often just use almond oil on my skin after a shower but sometimes I want something a little more decadent. Body butters, made with pure oils and essential oils for fragrance are just the thing.
I called my friend Jen Vertanen, who writes the blog, “The Wholehearted Life”, knowing that she has spent years playing with recipes for home made soaps and lotions and asked her opinion on ingredients. She told me to use 75% solid to 25% liquid oil. Sounded easy enough.
I measured out shea butter (I use this shea butter: organic raw shea butter
I wanted to use rosemary as one of my scents. I didn’t have any rosemary essential oil so I added fresh rosemary as the oils were cooling. I also stirred in the almond oil at this point. Once the oil was cool, I strained out the rosemary, added peppermint (just a few drops, it is strong) and sweet orange essential oils and tried to whip the butter as instructed in other body recipes that I had researched. Nothing happened. I was about to give up and just let the oil harden when I had an idea.
I placed the oil mixture outside (it’s cold…it’s Minnesota) and let it partially set up. At that point, I tried whipping it again in the kitchen aid mixer and, success! A beautiful body butter, so simple to make, smelling delicious and with a texture that was like clouds of silk.
*Because of the popularity of this recipe on pinterest, I am getting many, many questions that are more suited for an expert. This is a raw food site, this was my first attempt at body butter, it worked better than I could have hoped for and if you make this recipe as stated, it will work great for you too!! I am sorry but I can’t answer the technical questions. Cheers!*
IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BODY BUTTER WHIPPING: you probably rushed this step. It needs to be cooled significantly….like in the picture.
I have to admit, I am pretty excited at how easy it is to make. I used sweet orange, lemon and lavender in my second batch. Heavenly. You can just use the basic recipe and add your favorite essential oils. Just make sure they are skin friendly!
A few people have asked about jars. I use these: Weck Jars
TIPS: PLEASE READ!
- You can use what ever oils you wish, just make sure you keep the ratio 75% solid to 25% liquid. SO IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED OILS, JUST REPLACE THEM WITH AN OIL THAT YOU ARE NOT ALLERGIC TO. Just make sure you replace a solid for a solid and a liquid for a liquid.
- The chilling step is crucial. If you don’t chill it properly, it won’t whip or stay whipped. About 20 minutes in the freezer usually does the trick for this batch. Make sure you scrape down the sides before mixing.
- Since this recipe does not contain any water, it will not mold. You should keep in a cool place but it does not have to be refrigerated.
- I do not know the exact shelf life but I know it will keep at least a few months, plus.
- The body butter melts as it goes on and gets a little oily but absorbs beautifully, quickly and leaves your skin very soft.
- You can order the shea butter here: Raw Shea Butter
You can order the coconut oil here: Coconut Oil
You can order the almond oil here: Almond Oil
You can order the Weck Jars here: Weck Jars
Alternatively, coconut oil and almond oil are quite easy to locate at your local coop, Whole Foods or health food store.
- This recipe has been tested many times. If you don’t follow the recipe, you will not get the same results.
- Many people ask for exact amounts of essential oils. I start with at least 20 drops of what ever oil I want to use and just increase slowly until I am happy with how it smells. So…be free! Use your own creativity here.
Body Butter
MAKES 2 1/2 to 3 CUPS WHIPPED BUTTER
- 1 cup organic raw shea butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (solid)
- 1/2 cup almond oil (liquid)
- Melt shea butter and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
- Stir in almond oil and essential oils of your choosing.*
- Place oil mixture in freezer or outside to chill.
- Wait until oils start to partially solidify (see photo) then whip until a butter-like consistency is achieved.
- Place in clean, glass jar and enjoy! A little goes a long way.
*Not all essential oils are skin friendly or child friendly. Please do your research before adding.
min wrote on March 23, 2016
trying to make a lotion out of shea butter, using 2 essential oils and whipping it. great until it sets, then hardens. what can i do to keep it soft
Lesley wrote on March 23, 2016
Hi! IF you don’t have any other oils as in almond or jojoba or anything “Fancy” if your just starting to make Organics, you can also use a nice extra virgin olive oil
Even! From your kitchen! Or also Sunflower Oil is a very good inexpensive oil( as long as not overprocessed) it’s very similar to our own sebum in our skin and absorbs quite well. I have made a nice Butter from just Shea and Coconut Butter/ Oil however you look at it , it is a bit firm, but it’s nice ! Also from a market, cold pressed and organic, Walmart also carries it ….. A few suggestions… It’s SO fun to get creative and infuse your oils with dry organic herbs like Comfrey or / and Marshmallow Root…. THEN using the infused oils to your Shea! OH! Chamomille and Lavender buds are one of my Favs to infuse and add to Shea and I love Mango Butter, also Kokum & Illipe (so Ck?)…. Butters… They are truly amazing!!!! Have fun !!! Wow I sure do! Sometimes I get so involved I am awake all nite lol…. Also if want to get it done in a hurry , don’t forget a good “Ice Bath” whole whipping! Large bowl FULL of ice cubes , place your whatever bowl you have melted oils and butters in, inside of ice bowl, being careful NOT to introduce ANY water to your oils, not difficult… And start whipping! You will be amazed how quickly you ha d a solid butter forming!!!! Then use a spatula to scrape sides , a good time to remove from ice bath and just whip by itself or it will get TOO COLD to whip, just use instinct…. You can tell….. By consistency of what your scraping from sides of bowl. It can be as easy or intricate as you make it! It’s a very creative outlet for your energy! Friends and Family love your gifts also!!! Again, have fun!!! 🙂
Susan wrote on March 23, 2016
I would suggest following the recipe here. If you are only using shea butter, once it hardens, it is just shea butter with essential oil. You need a more liquid oil added if you want it to be softer.
Erin W wrote on March 14, 2016
Hi!!!! I made this exact recipe (from someone else) but mine came out beautiful at first… It even looked like whipped cream, but once I put it in a jar and sealed it, it harden back up… Im still able to scoop it out with my finger, but it’s def harder than it was when I was done whipping… Does yours do the same? Or does yours stay soft?
Susan wrote on March 14, 2016
Hi, Erin, I haven’t had problems with that but if it is the exact same recipe, maybe it was your oil combination? Cheers!
Ciara C wrote on March 11, 2016
I’m allergic to tree nuts, so I clearly can’t use almond oil as your recipe calls for. Have you considered or tried another oil aside from almond oil?
Susan wrote on March 14, 2016
Hi, Ciara, You can use many oils, such as avocado as a substitute for almond oil. Check the post. Cheers!
Lesley wrote on March 3, 2016
I try my BEST to keep the temps way down, in fact, yes I make a double boiler style BUT I also place a metal strainer,
(Decent sz holes in it)…In the pit which contains water, then, I place my bowl
Or jar usually glass, ON the strainer, so, the contents of my butter never even comes n contact with the bottom of the pan with the water in it and flame under it. Easier to control temps… And I can let like my Shea and Mango (Whichever usually a blend)… The she’s especially CAN get grainy if it’s not swished around for approx 20 min. Very low temp , but longer in the container so I can swish around with a bamboo skewer…(save a bit on clean up and doesn’t splash the butters,. Then after the butters have been done I remove from heat and wait till temp is well under 110° to ADD my carrier oils and essential oils, I
Make certain they retain ALL
Of the benefits for sure :)… AndN essential
Oils don’t get heated either, I MAY be a bit OCD about it, but, I know it’s good stuff that myself and whoever is applying to their skin :)…
Then I do place in fridge or outside n cold to make it nice and whipable:)
Many times that when I add the essential oils, can really tell what you want then, scent and ALSO benefits.
I have never used “Fragrance”
Oils, don’t be fooled thinking that you CAN use on skin, but I sure wouldn’t … Not sure what’s in them at all. A waste!
So, sorry for my rambling , but if I can help anyone it makes me happy 🙂
I’ve been at this many years now lol… I guess you could say it truly is my passion. Cheers ALL y’all !!! Keep up the great work! Natural organic is THE Only way to roll 🙂
Kamisha wrote on March 3, 2016
Hi. I love this recipe so much. I see it says you can use any essential oil that you want is peppermint oil ok or what oil do you recommend?
Lesley wrote on March 3, 2016
Oh, I also have my essential oils ready to be added to the cool mixture at the end, I blend usually 3 Ess oils together. I read about the Ess oils benefits and what they blend well with, as far as scent and what desires benefits your trying to attain.
I usually stick to a single benefit I’m wanting when I blend , SO many for each one! Like okay,,sleeping or relaxing….. Then I start usually with lavender, rosemary is also relaxing grounding and stimulates circulation very very well, it can make skin glow, careful not too much on face always … Make sure not near eyes and it doesn’t in anyway make your face feel anything but wonderful 🙂
Patchouli is great for skin, it’s also a great “Base Note”… Helps retain scent of Ess oils as long as possible and when all others have absorbed, the scent of patchouli remains quite a while, also true of Frankincense… Great Base … Read up on blending essential oils, it’s really interesting and valuable do you don’t waste money or time with them, many blends available if you search ,as in like Google… Essential oils blends DIY…. You learn a lot… There’s so much to learn, I try and read and learn one more thing everyday, a goal…..:)
Susan wrote on March 3, 2016
Hi, Kamisha, I think it is important to note you can use any “skin-friendly” essential oil. Peppermint can be used but in very small quantities. Just research your oils. Cheers!
Florence wrote on March 1, 2016
I want to made lotions, and soap; but I’m concern about the shelf life and mold. How long does this does last. Can give this as a gift?
Susan wrote on March 2, 2016
Mine typically last 4-5 months, at least. Just don’t introduce water. That will make it mold. Cheers!
April wrote on February 26, 2016
Can I use cocoa butter in place of coconut?
Susan wrote on March 2, 2016
You could but the butter will be much harder. Cheers!
Ann wrote on February 14, 2016
Could you use olive oil instead of almond?
Lesley wrote on February 15, 2016
You know, almost any carrier oil can be used. I try to blend my oils as to what benefits I’m trying to attain.
Also consider the absorbtion quality of the oils, as to how “Dry” ness of oils, as to how you want the feel to be. Olive Oil is a pretty good “Go To” oil for almost anything I would say…. Just my thoughts…:) have fun !
Lesley wrote on February 15, 2016
Oh! I’ve been wondering? As to using the fresh rosemary in your oil(?)… I’ve read not to do that as some sort of water may be released into the butter? I would LOVE to do it as pictured but wondering if you have had any trouble with using fresh as to dried herbs????
Susan wrote on February 16, 2016
I haven’t had any problems with the fresh rosemary as it is used in the recipe. 🙂
Lesley wrote on March 2, 2016
Thanks!
Lesley wrote on February 15, 2016
Oooo it’s me again!
This butter LooKs just Lushious I must say!!!! The jar, your tag, all really nice and the butter itself, ya, I’m going to melt it up
And whip it! Whip it good! Isn’t it fun making body butters? I just started using some Kokum Butter in mine, OH! LOVE!!! And from what I’ve read, it’s even more beneficial than Mango Butter
(Which I also love to use) but in going to put this together just as you did I want this
“LooK!” Great job! First time? Wow! Way to play!!!:)
Suzanne wrote on February 8, 2016
I am going to try this with my 10 year old step-daughter today…I was curious about the solid: liquid ratio & # of drops. What do you mean by moulding when there is water added? Is that a good or a bad thing?
Susan wrote on February 8, 2016
Water = mold. Not a good thing. Cheers! If it is your first time, just follow the recipe. Solid to liquid ratio is about using solid (at room temperature) oils and liquid (at room temperature) oil.
Lesley wrote on March 2, 2016
Yep , Mold = Awdul!
When tho king I. Terms of waters, I have read recipes that add aloe juice or a tea to a butter recipe. Wrong! UNless your experienced and have some form of preservative and or humectant. I have been making body butters for years. The only time I have seen mold is when I used aloe juice as was instructed . Not a good idea at all. I don’t work with preservatives with exception of a tsp. If VitE oil…. In my butter, that does help with keeping it nice and fresh. But. Oils and butters ONLY. Use aloe juice with a few drops Ess oil and a tsp of witch hazel as a great toner/body spray / freshener… Feels amazing!