If you’ve ever glanced at the label of a store-bought body butter and thought, “What even is that ingredient?”, you’re not alone. Between the synthetic fragrances and the lab-made preservatives, it’s no wonder our skin gets irritated or just plain unenthused. The good news? Making your own rich, creamy, skin-loving body butter at home is easier than you think.
This recipe uses real ingredients your skin can recognize and absorb. No mystery chemicals. Just good, clean nourishment—like a tall drink of water for dry, cracked skin.
Let’s break down what you’ll need and how to whip it up.
Why Make Your Own?
- It’s deeply moisturizing: Natural butters like shea and cocoa sink in and stay in.
- No fillers, no water: Unlike most store-bought lotions, this is 100% active ingredients.
- Customizable: Add essential oils you love or keep it unscented for super sensitive skin.
- It’s affordable: A little goes a long way, and you’ll get multiple jars out of one batch.
Basic Homemade Body Butter Recipe
This version makes about 2 cups. You can scale up or down depending on how much you want.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup shea butter
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup cocoa butter (or mango butter for a lighter feel)
- ¼ cup sweet almond oil (or jojoba, avocado, grapeseed)
- Optional: 10–20 drops essential oils (lavender, orange, peppermint, frankincense, etc.)
Tools:
- Double boiler or heat-safe glass bowl over a saucepan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Jar or metal tins for storage (glass is best for longevity)
How to Make It
Step 1: Melt the Butters
Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter to a double boiler. Heat gently over medium-low until everything is fully melted. Stir occasionally. Don’t overheat—just warm enough to liquefy.
Step 2: Add the Liquid Oil
Remove from heat and stir in the sweet almond oil (or whatever liquid carrier oil you’re using). Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Chill
Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for about 1 hour, or until the edges start to firm up and the middle is opaque but still soft. This step is key—if it’s too liquidy, it won’t whip properly.
Step 4: Whip It
Once it’s partially solidified, grab your hand mixer and whip for 5–7 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and cloud-like. It should look like thick whipped cream.
Step 5: Add Essential Oils
Once whipped, add in your essential oils (if using) and whip again for another minute or two to incorporate.
Step 6: Store
Transfer your body butter into clean glass jars or tins. Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. If your home runs hot, pop it in the fridge to keep it firm.
Scent Ideas (Optional, but Lovely)
- Lavender + Vanilla: Calming and warm
- Orange + Peppermint: Bright and tingly
- Frankincense + Geranium: Earthy and balanced
- Eucalyptus + Lemon: Clean and refreshing
Start with 10–12 drops total per batch and adjust to your liking.
A Few Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the chilling step—whipping works best when the mixture is semi-solid.
- Use clean, dry hands or a spoon to scoop—no dipping wet fingers to avoid contamination.
- If your butter melts in warm weather, just re-whip it after chilling again.
How to Use
Scoop out a small amount (a little truly goes a long way) and warm it between your hands before applying. Best used after a shower or bath, while your skin is still slightly damp—it’ll help seal in moisture better.
Use it on elbows, knees, heels, arms, hands, even as an overnight face mask if you’ve got dry or sensitive skin. It also makes a fantastic belly butter during pregnancy or a soothing balm for winter windburn.
Final Thoughts
Once you make your own body butter, it’s hard to go back. The texture, the simplicity, the effectiveness—it just hits different. You’ll find yourself reaching for it daily, gifting it to friends, and wondering why you didn’t do this sooner.
Want to level up? Try infusing your carrier oil with calendula or chamomile before making your batch. Or swirl in a bit of arrowroot powder if you prefer a lighter, less oily feel.
This is one of those back-to-basics, homestead-approved recipes that proves simple is better. And your skin will thank you for it.
