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5 from 21 votes

Easy Homemade Body Butter

Make your own Easy Homemade Body Butter! This DIY body butter recipe is just 5 ingredients to make and it's incredibly thick and moisturizing. Pamper yourself and your skin with this natural luxurious treat that will leave you feeling soft, nourished, and revitalized. Your skin will thank you! This recipe also makes a wonderful homemade gift!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Chilling time:45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: skin care
Servings: 1 large tub of body butter (about 1 ¼ cups)
Author: Sam Turnbull
Cost: $8.70 to $15.79 per large tub (depending on the additional oils you use)

Equipment

  • 1 double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 standing mixer, hand mixer, or whisk

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

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.

    Notes

    What oil to use:

    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.