Author: Whip up your own rich, creamy body butter with just five simple ingredients. This DIY recipe melts into your skin, leaving it smooth and deeply moisturized without feeling greasy. It's the kind of everyday luxury that feels indulgent but takes only minutes to make.
FEATURED COMMENT:
I made this yesterday! It feels lovely on my skin -- very hydrating. My skin feels so soft! - Cindy
I have extremely sensitive, dry skin, and most store-bought lotions and creams just don't work for me. Instead of guessing which ingredient was causing the irritation, I decided to make my own body butter so I could control exactly what goes into it. The difference was immediate. This whipped body butter is rich, smooth, and deeply moisturizing. Plus, it smells incredible.
What I love most is how customizable it is. You can choose the oils, butters, and scents that work best for your skin, without any fillers or mystery additives. Once you see how simple it is to make, you may never go back to store-bought again.
Ingredients for Homemade Body Butter
- Shea butter: A natural moisturizer and emollient that hydrates and softens skin.
- Cocoa butter: This hydrates and soothes the skin. It also has slight chocolate aroma!
- Oil: Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, or sunflower seed oil, (see notes below for info about each oil).
- Starch: Cornstarch, arrowroot starch, or tapioca starch help keep the body butter from separating.
- Essential oil: I used this vanilla essential oil, but you can use any oil you like or a combination.
How to Make Body Butter
You can either use a double boiler, or the microwave to melt the oils. Below, you'll find an overview for both methods, but the full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Double boiler method: Set up a double boiler and add the shea butter, cocoa butter, and oil of choice.
- Melt all the ingredients together, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave method: Add the shea butter, cocoa butter, and oil to a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt the ingredients together in the microwave in 20-second increments, or until the mixture is smooth when stirred.
- Chill: Pour the melted oils into the bowl of your stand mixer or another heat-proof bowl (or leave them in the bowl from the double boiler if you used the stove method), then refrigerate for 45 - 60 minutes.
- Whip: Add the starch and essential oil. Use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk to whip the body butter until fluffy.
- Store: Scoop the body butter into a jar. Store at room temperature, or in the refrigerator in the summer if your home is hot.
Choosing the Right Oil
Here's how to select the right oil for your skin's needs.
- Jojoba Oil: Known for its similarity to the skin's natural sebum, jojoba oil moisturizes, soothes, and balances the skin, making it suitable for various skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
- Grapeseed Oil: Lightweight and non-comedogenic, grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, helping to moisturize, tighten, and tone the skin while supporting its natural collagen production.
- Coconut Oil: With its moisturizing properties, coconut oil can nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and supple. It also has antimicrobial properties that may be beneficial for certain skin conditions, although it can be comedogenic for some individuals, meaning it may clog pores and lead to breakouts. Unrefined coconut oil has a strong coconut smell whereas refined coconut oil is scentless, so if you do not want a coconut smell use refined coconut oil. This oil will also make your body butter quite firm in cooler temperatures.
- Almond Oil: Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, making it a great emollient and moisturizer for the skin. It can help improve complexion, reduce inflammation, and soothe dry and irritated skin.
- Olive Oil: A versatile oil with antioxidants and fatty acids, olive oil provides moisturizing benefits, helps protect against free radicals, and can aid in improving skin elasticity. It is commonly used for dry or mature skin. It is a heavier oil that may not suit all skin types. For individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, using olive oil may potentially clog pores and cause breakouts.
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, sunflower seed oil helps retain moisture, soothes and calms the skin, and can assist in enhancing the skin's natural barrier function, making it suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
Will this body butter feel greasy?
This body butter is rich and deeply moisturizing, so it will feel more nourishing than a typical lotion, which contains water. For best results, apply it to slightly damp skin, such as right after a shower, and allow a few minutes for it to absorb. If you prefer a lighter feel, try using a lightweight oil like grapeseed or jojoba oil.
Can I use this on my face?
This body butter is quite rich, so it may be too heavy for some facial skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin. If you choose to use it on your face, use a very small amount and consider using lighter oils such as jojoba or grapeseed oil.
Can I customize the texture?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. For a softer body butter, add a bit more liquid oil. For a firmer body butter, increase the cocoa butter or use coconut oil.
Tips for Perfect DIY Body Butter
Why did my body butter melt?
Body butter is made from natural oils and butters, so it can melt in warm temperatures, typically around 32°C (90°F) or higher. If your body butter melts, simply place it in the fridge to firm it back up. You can re-whip it if needed to restore a fluffy texture. In warmer months or climates, storing it in the fridge can help maintain its consistency.
Why is my body butter hard?
If your body butter feels too firm, it's usually due to a cooler room temperature or the use of firmer oils like coconut oil. To soften it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, or warm a small amount between your hands. For a softer texture next time, try increasing the amount of liquid oil or using a softer oil like jojoba.
Why is my body butter grainy?
Natural butters like shea butter can sometimes develop a grainy texture if they cool too slowly. To fix this, gently melt the mixture again, chill it more quickly in the fridge, and then re-whip. This helps create a smoother, creamier texture.
Essential Oil Scent Blends for Body Butter
Here are some of my favorite scent combinations (with exact ratios so you can recreate them easily)! You can use one blend per batch of body butter.
Start with 10-20 total drops, then adjust to your preference.
Relaxing & Spa-Like
- 🛁 Bedtime Bliss: Lavender (6 drops) + Vanilla (4 drops), Calming, cozy, and perfect before bed
- 🌙 Spa Day: Lavender (5 drops) + Eucalyptus (3 drops) + Peppermint (2 drops). Fresh, soothing, and totally spa-like
Warm & Cozy
- 🍰 Vanilla Almond Dream: Vanilla (6 drops) + Almond (4 drops). Soft, sweet, and comforting
- 🥥 Coconut Cream: Vanilla (5 drops) + Coconut (5 drops). Warm, creamy, and tropical
- 🔥 Spiced Sugar: Vanilla (5 drops) + Cinnamon (2 drops) + Clove (1 drop). Warm and cozy (use cinnamon/clove sparingly, they're strong!)
Fresh & Bright
- 🍊 Orange Creamsicle: Orange (6 drops) + Vanilla (4 drops). Sweet, citrusy, and nostalgic
- 🍋 Fresh & Zesty: Lemon (6 drops) + Lime (4 drops). Light and fresh
- 🌞 Citrus Burst: Grapefruit (5 drops) + Lime (3 drops) + Orange (2 drops). Bright, zesty, and energizing
Dessert-Inspired
- 🍫 Chocolate Vanilla Swirl: Cocoa absolute or chocolate fragrance (5 drops) + Vanilla (5 drops). Rich and indulgent
- 🌿 Mint Chocolate: Peppermint (3 drops) + Vanilla (5 drops) + Chocolate (2 drops). Cool, sweet, and refreshing (like a peppermint patty!)
- ☕ Coffee House: Coffee (5 drops) + Chocolate (4 drops). Warm, cozy, and slightly energizing
Floral & Soft
- 🌹 Rose Garden: Rose (5 drops) + Geranium (4). Soft and romantic
- 🌼 Floral Sunshine: Ylang Ylang (4 drops) + Orange (4 drops) + Vanilla (2 drops). Floral with a bright citrus twist
If you try this homemade body butter recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. Let me know in the comments if you want more homemade skin care recipes!
(click stars to vote)
Homemade Body Butter
Servings: large tub of body butter (about 1 ¼ cups)
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Equipment
- 1 double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- 1 spatula
- 1 standing mixer, hand mixer, or whisk
Ingredients
- ½ cup (3.4 oz) shea butter
- ½ cup (2.1 oz) cocoa butter
- ½ cup jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, or sunflower seed oil, (see notes for info about each oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, arrowroot starch, or tapioca starch
- 10 - 30 drops essential oil of choice, (optional, see notes for scent ideas)
Instructions
Step 1: You can either use a double boiler, or the microwave to melt the oils.
Double boiler method:
- Use a double boiler or place a heatproof bowl on top of a pot filled with a couple of inches of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water. To the bowl, add the shea butter, cocoa butter, and oil of choice.
- Gently melt all the ingredients together using a spatula to stir them every now and then. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and place it in the fridge to cool for about 45 - 60 minutes.
Microwave method:
- If you prefer you can use the microwave instead of the double boiler. To a large microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl, add the shea butter, cocoa butter, and oil of choice. Melt the ingredients together in the microwave in 20-second increments, stopping to stir, and being very careful not to burn or overheat the oil. Pour the melted oils into the bowl of your stand mixer or another large heat-proof bowl, then place the bowl in the fridge to cool for about 45 - 60 minutes.
Step 2: Whip the body butter:
- You will know the oils have chilled long enough and are ready for whipping when the oils around the edges of the bowl are solid but it is still a bit melty in the middle.
- Now to the bowl add the starch, and essential oil. I like to start with 10 drops of essential oil and then add more as needed if I want the scent to be stronger. Use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk to whip the body butter until it is fluffy and lightens in color.
- Transfer the body butter to a sealable jar. I like to store my body butter at room temperature, but if it is a hot summer day you may want to store it in the fridge as it can melt at about 90℉ (32℃). It should keep for up to 1 year.For optimal results, I recommended applying this body butter immediately after showering. Allow it to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before getting dressed. I prefer to use it before bedtime and wear cotton pyjamas so that I wake up with soft and moisturized skin.
Shabnam says
My first attempt at making body butter and your recipe was perfect! I used shea butter and jojoba oil, arrowroot powder, a few drops of vitamin E oil, geranium essential oil. It is perfect ! Feels silky and smooth and easily absorbed into the skin !
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks Shabnam! That combination sounds wonderful. I love the idea of adding geranium essential oil. So glad the recipe worked well for you!
LaTerrial Jones says
I made this tonight for my grandmother who is a diabetic and has dry skin issues. I ended up making too much that I was able to give some jars to my family and a friend! I love the smell and consistency! I added no essential oils for fragrance as I like the natural aroma that shea and cocoa butter gives off! I highly recommend this homemade body butter recipe. I can’t wait to see the difference it makes in my family and I’s skin!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi LaTerrial! This is SUCH a lovely comment 🥹 I’m so happy it turned out well, and I love that you made enough to share with family too! 💛
Laura says
Awesome recipe! Any advice on what to add and how much to prevent it from melting in high temperatures?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Laura, I would recommend just storing it in a cool place or your fridge. 🙂
Ilene says
Hi— easy recipe, used jojoba oil and lavender essential oil. However when I use the whipped body butter on my skin, the scent doesn’t last at all. Should I use a different combination of base butters?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Ilene! That’s totally normal 😊 Lavender is a lighter scent and fades quickly. You can try adding a bit more essential oil or blending it with a deeper scent like vanilla or sandalwood to help it last longer. I hope that helps!
Jen Sugg says
Hi I seem to have been whipping for a long time and is still only the texture of whipped cream. How long do i have to whip for ?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Jen! If it’s still soft like whipped cream, it just needs a bit more chilling before whipping. The edges should be firm with a soft center, that’s when it whips up thick and fluffy. Try popping the bowl back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, then whip again. It should thicken right up! 💛
Erika says
Thanks very much for the recipe.
it looks very manageable.
How long does the body bitter keep for after it's been made?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Erika! So glad you like the recipe! 😊 The body butter keeps well for up to a year if stored in a sealed jar at room temperature. If it’s a hot day or your home is quite warm, you can keep it in the fridge to prevent melting. 💛
Bailey says
do I have to whip it?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
HI Bailey, yes follow the Step 2 whipping instructions 🙂
Anonymous says
fantastic 1st try. used peppermint and lavender infused jojoba oil and added same essential oils. Bit too much peppermint for my sister so will augment more lavender. This is my go too for Christmas gifts (2025) this year instead of lotion bars. Can't thank you enough for recipe!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That's fantastic! We're sure they will make great gifts!
Vanessa says
I made this with about a cup of shea butter and 1/2 c of jojoba that I wanted to use up. I used about 2 tsp cornstarch and orange, cinnamon and patchouli oils for scent. Turned out awesome!!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That sounds lovely!
Jenny says
I’ll bet this smelled amazing! Can you give me the portions of each essential oil you used?
Thanks!
Noleen says
what are the quantities. I do not see it in the recipe
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
They are there if you scroll to the recipe box.
Chai says
would avocado oil be good as the add on oil?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Great question, Chai! Yes, avocado oil would work well! It’s super moisturizing and packed with skin-loving nutrients 🥑