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How to Make Body Butter: A Simple DIY Recipe for Soft, Glowing Skin

If you love creamy, luxurious skincare, then making your own body butter is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can try.

Body butter is rich, deeply moisturizing, and incredibly simple to create using just a few natural ingredients.

Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it, or adding it to your handmade skincare business, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — step by step.

What Is Body Butter?

Body butter is a thick, whipped moisturizer made from natural butters and nourishing oils. Unlike lotion, it contains no water, which means:

  • It’s richer

  • It lasts longer

  • It deeply hydrates dry skin

  • It has a long shelf life

Common butters include shea, cocoa, mango, and kokum.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Basic Body Butter Recipe

This recipe makes a fluffy, whipped butter that melts into your skin.

  • ½ cup shea butter (super moisturizing)

  • ¼ cup coconut oil (softens and hydrates)

  • ¼ cup sweet almond oil (adds slip and absorption)

  • 10–20 drops essential oil (optional)

You can swap sweet almond oil for avocado, jojoba, or grapeseed oil.

Equipment Needed

  • Double boiler or heat-safe measuring cup + pot

  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

  • Mixing bowl

  • Silicone spatula

  • Clean jar with lid

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Melt Your Butters and Hard Oils

Step 2: Add Your Liquid Oil

  • Remove from heat.

  • Stir in the sweet almond oil.

  • Mix well.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

  • Place the bowl in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.

  • It should become thick and opaque, but not fully solid.

Step 4: Whip It

  • Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture for 3–5 minutes.

  • It should become light, fluffy, and creamy.

  • Add essential oils during whipping if desired.

Step 5: Whip Again After Chilling

  • Pop the bowl back into the fridge for 10 more minutes.

  • Whip again for 2 minutes for extra fluff.

Step 6: Store

  • Spoon into a clean, dry jar.

  • Store at room temperature away from heat or sunlight.

Best Essential Oils for Body Butter

  • Lavender

  • Vanilla

  • Peppermint

  • Sweet orange

  • Rose

  • Eucalyptus

  • Lemon

  • Chamomile

Always use skin-safe amounts.

Variations

Cocoa Body Butter

  • Replace shea with cocoa butter for a chocolate-like scent.

Mango Body Butter

  • Use mango butter for a lighter, faster-absorbing feel.

Ultra-Firm Body Butter

  • Add 1 tbsp beeswax for a firmer texture (especially for hot climates).

Extra-Luxurious Body Butter

Add one of the following:

  • 1 tsp vitamin E oil

  • 1 tbsp jojoba oil

  • ½ tsp arrowroot powder (reduces greasiness)

Shelf Life

  • Lasts 6–12 months

  • Keep it dry and store in a cool place

  • Add vitamin E to extend shelf life

Tips for Perfect Body Butter

  • If your butter melts in warm weather, store it in the fridge.

  • Whip longer for a fluffier texture.

  • Use high-quality butters for the best results.

  • Don’t add water — it can cause mold.

  • If using shea butter, avoid overheating to prevent graininess.

Conclusion

Making body butter at home is simple, fun, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few natural ingredients, you can create a rich, luxurious moisturizer that beats store-bought brands in both quality and cost. Experiment with different butters, oils, and scents to create your perfect blend — your skin will thank you!