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 mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Chilling time:45 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: skin care
ingredient tag: soy-free
Servings: 1 large tub of body butter (about 1 ¼ cups)
Cost: $8.70 to $15.79 per large tub (depending on the additional oils you use)
1 double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
1 spatula
1 standing mixer, hand mixer, or whisk
- 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)
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.
How long does homemade body butter last?
This body butter can last up to 1 year when stored properly. Because it doesn’t contain water, it’s less prone to spoilage than traditional lotions. To keep it fresh, always use clean, dry hands when scooping. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s best to discard it.