Body butter

Course DIY

Keyword body butter, diy skincare, homemade gifts, shea butter

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil and a liquid oil. Whip and store in a jar for dry skin.

What You’ll Need

1/4 cup organic cocoa butter (grated)
1/4 cup unrefined shea butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup liquid oil (olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, apricot oil, etc.)
2 tsp arrowroot powder (or tapioca starch or non-GMO cornstarch)
1 tsp naturally derived vitamin E (optional)
15-30 drops lavender frankincense, or peppermint essential oil (optional; up to 50 drops, a 1.5% dilution)
Double boiler or stainless steel bowl or pot stand or hand mixer, airtight glass jar

Directions

Grate the cocoa butter, then measure it into a stainless steel pot or bowl along with the shea butter, coconut oil, and liquid oil.
Melt everything together over medium heat in a double boiler (prep 5 minutes, cook 15 minutes).
Once fully liquid, lift off the heat and put the stainless container in the freezer for about 15 minutes, until a finger pressed into it leaves a dent.
Mix in the essential oils and vitamin E, if using.
Begin whipping on the lowest speed, raising it as the butter softens, until the color shifts from yellow to white; then slow down and whip a bit longer for a fluffy texture.
Add the arrowroot and whip again until blended.
Keep in an airtight glass jar, away from direct sunlight.

Notes

Apply right after a bath or shower to damp skin; start with a small amount. it is relatively shelf stable for several months, shorter with old oils or warm, sunny storage; keep it cool. Safety: patch test; peppermint oil is not for babies, young children or pets; sweet almond and apricot oils are nut concerns; use a clean dry spoon (no water in the jar).