A few years ago I started making the switch to all natural products. I found that many common lotions that claimed to be natural had hidden ingredients, like alcohol which can dry out the skin, BHA, which is an endocrine disruptor, and parabens, which have been linked to breast cancer. I decided to try to make my own. The beauty of this homemade body butter
is that, since it only contains healthy oils and no water, it requires no preservatives to keep it from spoiling on the shelf. It took along time to perfect my recipe and I will include some variations to make it fit different skin types!
EQUIPMENT
To whip my body butter I use a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with the whip attachment. You can also use a hand beater and large bowl. You will also need a pot and rubber spatula.
HOW TO MAKE
To start making your own body butter you need quality oils and butters. I order all my oils and butters from Brambleberry. For this recipe you can use and combination of hard oils and butters as long as the ratio stays the same. I do 3:1 solids to oil. Some good alternative oils and butters include: kokum butter, sunflower oil, unrefined shea butter, castor oil, calendula oil.
Recipe
・1/4 Raw or refined Shea Butter
・1/4 Coconut Oil
・1/4 Mango Butter
・1/4 Sweet Almond Oil
・Essential oils
In your bowl add all your oil and butters. Add hot water to a pot big enough to hold your bowl and turn to low. Add the bowl over the pot to make a double boiler. Leave over heat until just melted, then remove to cool. When cooled to room temperature place in the refrigerator. When the liquid has solidified and is no longer transparent, remove from refrigerator. Whip until just light and fluffy, add your essential oils or leave unscented for sensitive skin. Add to an airtight container and store for up to 9 months.
HELPFUL HINTS
・It is very important to the structure of the body butter that it is given enough time to cool. The constancy will be very runny if you whip it it while it is still warm.
・ If you forget about your butter and it gets to hard in the fridge, you can pull it out and let sit until soft enough to whip.
ESSENTIAL OIL COMBINATIONS
Anti-Aging
・Rose Essential Oil
・Geranium Essential Oil
・Lemon Essential Oil
Acne
・Tea tree
・Clove
・Marjoram
・Orange
Relaxation
・Lavender
・Frankincense