How to Make Body Butter – Ultimate DIY Whipped Body Butter at Home

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own skincare products, especially luxurious body butter. If you’ve ever wondered how to make body butter at home, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to create rich, nourishing body butter that rivals any high-end product.

Whether you’re looking to avoid synthetic ingredients, save money, or simply enjoy the relaxing process, homemade body butter offers the perfect solution.

Quick Answer: How to Make Body Butter in 5 Steps

For those seeking immediate answers:

1. Melt 1/2 cup shea butter, 1/4 cup cocoa butter, and 1/4 cup coconut oil in a double boiler
2. Cool the mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until edges solidify
3. Whip with a hand mixer for 5–10 minutes until fluffy and white
4. Add essential oils (optional): 12 drops lavender + 8 drops vanilla + 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
5. Store in clean glass jars for 6–12 months

Time required: 45 minutes total | Yield: 8 ounces | Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

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Benefits: Calming scent that helps you relax; gentle for sensitive skin.

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What Is Body Butter?

Body butter is a thick, rich moisturizer made primarily from natural plant-based butters like shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter. Unlike lotions with 60-80% water content, body butter is an intensive moisturizer that creates a protective barrier while delivering deep hydration.

The texture is luxuriously thick and creamy, similar to soft-whipped frosting. When applied, it melts from your body heat, making it easy to spread while providing long-lasting moisture—particularly beneficial for dry skin, rough patches, and areas needing extra attention like elbows, knees, and heels.

Body Butter vs. Lotion: Key Differences

Feature	Body Butter	Body Lotion
Water Content	0-10%	60-80%
Texture	Thick, rich, creamy	Light, fluid
Absorption	Slower, creates barrier	Quick absorption
Best For	Very dry skin, winter	Daily use, summer
Shelf Life	6-12 months	3-6 months
Preservatives	Not needed	Required

What Is Body Butter Used For?

Body butter serves multiple purposes in your natural skincare routine:

• Deep Moisturization: Provides intensive hydration and helps restore skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Skin Barrier Support: Creates a protective layer against cold weather, wind, and dry air
• Nourishing Problem Areas: Helps improve the appearance and feel of rough patches on elbows, knees, heels, and hands
• Caring for Sensitive Areas: Natural fatty acids may help improve the feel of skin that tends to be delicate or easily dry
• Supporting Skin Elasticity: Rich in vitamins A, E, and fatty acids that may help support the appearance of skin’s natural suppleness
• Massage Medium: Thick texture perfect for massage while nourishing skin
• Pregnancy Skin Care: May help keep belly skin moisturized and support the appearance of supple skin during stretching (no product can guarantee prevention or removal of stretch marks)

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Body Butter

Base Butters

Shea Butter (40-60% of recipe)

• Rich in vitamins A, E, and F
• known for its rich, nourishing texture
• Melting point: 89-100°F
• Best for: All skin types

Cocoa Butter (20-30% of recipe)

• Firm texture, chocolate aroma
• Naturally rich in supportive compounds
• Melting point: 93-101°F
• Best for: Very dry skin

Mango Butter (Alternative)

• Softer, easily absorbed
• Non-comedogenic
• Rich in vitamins A and C
• Best for: Combination skin
• Melting point: 86-98°F

Carrier Oils

Sweet Almond Oil

• Light texture, vitamin E-rich
• Suitable for most skin types
• Helps create smooth, spreadable texture
• Shelf life: 12-18 months

Jojoba Oil

• Mimics skin’s natural oils, very stable
• Helps balance the appearance of oil production
• Indefinite shelf life (liquid wax)
• Non-comedogenic rating: 2/5

Coconut Oil (Fractionated)

• Light, non-greasy, known for its fresh, clean-feeling texture
• Stays liquid at room temperature
• Note: Can be comedogenic (rating 4/5)

Argan Oil

• Luxurious, supports the appearance of supple skin
• Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E
• Lightweight despite being nourishing
• Excellent for mature-looking skin

Grapeseed Oil

• Very light, non-comedogenic (rating 1/5)
• Rich in linoleic acid
• Shorter shelf life: 6-12 months
• Good for oily skin types

Optional Additives

Essential Oils: 10-15 drops per 8 oz (0.5-2%)

• Add aromatic benefits and natural fragrance
• Popular choices: lavender, peppermint, vanilla, citrus
• Always dilute properly

Vitamin E Oil: Natural supportive compound, extends shelf life

• Use at 0.5-1% of recipe
• Helps maintain freshness of oils
• Adds skin-nourishing benefits

Arrowroot Powder: Reduces greasy feel (1-2 tablespoons)

• Creates silkier, more matte texture
• Helps body butter absorb faster
• Corn-free alternative to cornstarch

Tools and Equipment

Essential Equipment:

• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl: For gentle melting without direct heat
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: For whipping to fluffy consistency (stand mixer works best for larger batches)
• Digital kitchen scale: For precise measurements – weight is more accurate than volume
• Spatula (silicone): For scraping and mixing, easy to clean
• Glass jars with lids (4-8 oz): For storage, blocks light better than plastic
• Measuring cups and spoons: For smaller ingredient amounts
• Labels: For dating and identifying your creations

Nice-to-Have Equipment:

• Piping bag with decorative tip for professional presentation
• Candy thermometer for monitoring temperature
• Small funnels for easier jar filling

Pro Tip: Sanitize all equipment with 70% rubbing alcohol or run through dishwasher before use. Keep everything completely dry as water can introduce bacteria and reduce shelf life.

Basic Body Butter Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (113g) shea butter
• 1/4 cup (57g) cocoa butter
• 1/4 cup (57g) coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) sweet almond oil
• 10-15 drops essential oil (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Cost per batch: ~$6.25 (versus $15-30 store-bought)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Clean and sanitize all equipment and your work surface. Ensure everything is completely dry. Set up your double boiler by filling a pot with 2-3 inches of water.

Step 2: Melt the Butters Create double boiler with simmering water (don’t let bowl touch water). Add shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil. Stir occasionally until completely melted (5-7 minutes). Keep heat on medium-low to preserve beneficial properties.

Step 3: Add Liquid Oils Remove from heat. Stir in sweet almond oil and vitamin E oil until smooth and uniform in color (golden yellow to light amber).

Step 4: Cool the Mixture This is crucial for texture! Refrigerate 20-30 minutes until edges solidify but center remains soft (like thick pudding). Test readiness: drag spoon through—it should leave a trail that holds shape for a few seconds. If it solidifies completely, let it sit at room temperature until it softens slightly.

Step 5: Whip to Perfection Beat with mixer on medium-high for 5-10 minutes. You’ll observe these transformations:

• 0-2 minutes: Mixture becomes lighter in color
• 2-5 minutes: Volume increases, becomes opaque
• 5-8 minutes: Fluffy, whipped cream texture develops
• 8-10 minutes: Maximum volume, light and airy

Color changes from yellow to white, creating fluffy texture.

Step 6: Add Essential Oils Add essential oils (if using). Mix 30-60 seconds to incorporate evenly. Don’t over-mix as this can reduce potency.

Step 7: Transfer to Containers Spoon into clean jars. Use spatula to create decorative swirls. A piping bag with star tip creates beautiful rosettes. Tap jars gently on counter to remove air pockets.

Step 8: Let Set Let set at room temperature for 1-2 hours before use. Texture will stabilize as it cools.

Storage: Cool, dry place (60-70°F ideal) | Shelf Life: 6-12 months | Label with: Date made and ingredients

How to Use Body Butter Effectively

Best Times to Apply

After Showering (Optimal Time) This is the best time to apply body butter. Your pores are open from warm water, and your skin is slightly damp, which helps seal in moisture. Pat your skin dry with a towel, leaving it about 80% dry, then apply body butter generously within 3-5 minutes. The slightly damp skin allows the body butter to spread more easily and helps trap water in your skin layers.

Before Bed (Deep Overnight Nourishment) Nighttime application allows the body butter to work while you sleep, giving it maximum time to absorb and nourish your skin without clothing friction. This is especially beneficial for hands and feet—apply generously and wear cotton gloves or socks to enhance absorption overnight. You’ll wake up with incredibly soft skin.

Cold Weather (Protective Barrier) Apply body butter before going outside in winter to create a protective barrier against harsh winds and cold temperatures. Focus on exposed areas like hands. The rich formula helps prevent moisture loss in dry, cold air.

Post-Shaving (Comforting) Apply immediately after shaving to comfort skin and help soothe the feeling of post-shave sensitivity. The natural fatty acids may help comfort areas that feel sensitive after shaving.

Application Techniques

Step-by-step for best results:

1. Start Small: Body butter is concentrated—a little goes a long way. Use a quarter-sized amount (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) for each body area (one arm, one leg, torso section).
2. Warm It Up: Rub the body butter between your hands for 5-10 seconds. You’ll notice it becoming more liquid and silky as it warms from your body heat. This makes application much easier.
3. Circular Motions: Massage into skin using gentle circular motions. This supports a pleasant experience and helps with absorption. Use upward strokes on legs to support a relaxing massage feel.
4. Focus Areas: Pay extra attention to elbows, knees, heels, and any particularly dry patches. These areas may need a second thin application.
5. Absorption Time: Allow 5-10 minutes for the body butter to absorb before getting dressed, especially if you’ve applied a generous amount. This prevents transfer to clothing.
6. Layering: For extremely dry skin, you can layer body butter. Apply first thin layer, let absorb for 2-3 minutes, then apply second thin layer.

Areas That Benefit Most

Recommended application areas:

• Feet: Helps improve the appearance and feel of dry, rough heels and dry soles
• Hands: Protection against frequent washing and environmental exposure
• Elbows and Knees: Helps improve the feel of rough, dry patches
• Body: All-over moisture, especially after shaving
• Legs: Comforts and moisturizes, particularly in dry weather
• Arms: Great for rough upper arms
• Chest and Neck: Nourishment for delicate skin
• Cuticles: Intensive nail and cuticle care

Areas to Avoid:

• Face (unless specifically formulated for facial use – too heavy, can clog pores)
• Between toes (can create overly moist environment)

How Much to Use:

• Full body: 1-2 tablespoons total
• One leg: 1 teaspoon
• One arm: 1/2 teaspoon
• Hands: Pea-sized per hand
• Feet: 1 teaspoon per foot

Frequency:

• Very dry skin: Twice daily (morning and night)
• Normal to dry skin: Once daily (preferably at night)
• Maintenance: 3-4 times per week
• Targeted areas (heels, elbows): Daily until improved

Advanced Body Butter Recipes

Recipe 1: Lavender Vanilla Sleep Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup mango butter
• 3 tbsp jojoba oil
• 12 drops lavender essential oil
• 8 drops vanilla essential oil
• 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil

Benefits: Calming scent that helps you relax; gentle for sensitive skin

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Recipe 2: Peppermint Foot Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp sweet almond oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder

Benefits: Cooling sensation, tea tree is traditionally used for its fresh, crisp aroma, adds a refreshing feel for tired feet

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Recipe 3: Citrus Energy Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter
• 3 tbsp grapeseed oil
• 10 drops sweet orange EO
• 5 drops lemon EO
• 3 drops grapefruit EO

Caution: Photosensitive oils—avoid sun for 12 hours or use sunscreen

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Recipe 4: Unscented Sensitive Skin Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter (refined)
• 1/4 cup mango butter
• 1/4 cup sunflower oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil

Benefits: Hypoallergenic, minimal ingredients, suitable for delicate skin

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Grainy Texture

Cause: Temperature fluctuations during cooling
Fix: Remelt to 175°F, cool slowly at room temp, then refrigerate briefly

Too Soft/Melting

Cause: Too much liquid oil or warm storage
Fix: Add 2-4 tbsp more solid butter, store below 70°F

Too Hard

Cause: Too much cocoa butter
Fix: Remelt and add 2-4 tbsp liquid oil

Won’t Whip

Cause: Not cooled enough
Fix: Refrigerate until semi-solid (edges firm, center thick)

Greasy Feel

Fix: Add 2-3 tbsp arrowroot powder and re-whip

Safety and Storage

Safety Guidelines

Patch Test: Apply small amount to inner forearm, wait 24 hours

Essential Oil Safety:

• Maximum 2% for body products (15-20 drops per 8 oz)
• Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy, especially with: clary sage, rosemary, cinnamon, basil, sage
• Photosensitive oils: All citrus (avoid sun 12-18 hours)

Hygiene:

• Sanitize all equipment before use
• Use clean, dry utensils always
• Never introduce water into jars

Storage Guidelines

Best Storage:

• Temperature: 60-70°F
• Dark glass jars
• Cool, dry place (not bathroom)
• Away from direct sunlight

Shelf Life: 6-12 months (depends on oils used)

Signs of Spoilage:

• Rancid smell
• Color changes
• Mold growth
• Separation that won’t mix

Customization Ideas

Natural Colorants

• Pink: Rose clay (1/4 tsp), beetroot powder (1/8 tsp)
• Green: Spirulina (1/8 tsp), matcha (1/4 tsp)
• Purple: Alkanet root (1/8 tsp)
• Yellow: Turmeric (1/16 tsp – may stain)

Texture Enhancers

• Silky Feel: Arrowroot powder (2-3 tbsp)
• Firmer Hold: Beeswax (1-2 tbsp)
• Cooling: Menthol crystals (1/4 tsp), peppermint EO
• Exfoliating: Fine sugar (2 tbsp), coffee grounds (1 tbsp)

Beneficial Additions

For Mature-Looking Skin:

• Rosehip oil (2 tbsp): Naturally rich in nourishing compounds
• Argan oil (1 tbsp): Deeply nourishing
• Frankincense EO (10 drops): Comforting aroma, traditionally used in wellness routines

For Very Dry Skin:

• Evening primrose oil (2 tbsp): Rich in GLA
• Calendula oil (1 tbsp): Traditionally used for its naturally comforting properties
• Colloidal oatmeal (1 tbsp): May help improve the feel of skin that feels itchy

For Post-Activity Relaxation:

• Arnica oil (2 tbsp): Traditionally used in massage blends for a comforting experience
• Eucalyptus EO (12 drops): Naturally refreshing
• Wintergreen EO (10 drops): Warming sensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use body butter on my face?

Generally no—it’s too heavy for facial skin and may clog pores. Coconut oil (rating 4/5) and cocoa butter (rating 4/5) are highly comedogenic. Exception: For very dry facial skin, perform a patch test on the jawline first. For facial care, explore our natural skincare options formulated specifically for the face.

Why is my body butter melting?

Normal! Shea butter melts at 89-100°F, coconut oil at 76°F. This is actually a feature—it melts at body temperature for easy application. If melted, refrigerate to resolidify and re-whip if desired.

How long does homemade body butter last?

6-12 months when stored properly. Factors: ingredient stability (jojoba lasts indefinitely, grapeseed 6-12 months), storage conditions, contamination prevention, and vitamin E addition.

Can I make body butter without shea butter?

Yes! Substitute with:

• Mango butter: Softer, more easily absorbed
• Cocoa butter: Firmer texture
• Kokum butter: Non-comedogenic, firm
• Combination: 1/4 cup mango + 1/4 cup cocoa

Is body butter safe during pregnancy?

The base ingredients (butters and carrier oils) are generally considered safe, but consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils during pregnancy. Some oils to discuss with your provider include: clary sage, rosemary, cinnamon, basil, sage, wintergreen. Generally considered safer after the first trimester: lavender, chamomile, neroli, mandarin. Safest option: Make an unscented version.

Can body butter help with stretch marks?

Body butter may help maintain skin hydration and support the appearance of supple skin. No product can guarantee prevention or removal of stretch marks—genetics play the biggest role. Think of it as supportive care for your skin’s comfort and appearance, not prevention or removal.

Realistic expectations: Some users report gradual improvement in the appearance of marks with consistent use over several months, especially on newer marks.

Why does my body butter feel greasy?

Usually means:

1. Using more than the recommended amount
2. too high a ratio of liquid oils
3. or not allowing enough absorption time (5–10 minutes).

Fix: Add 2-3 tbsp arrowroot powder and re-whip.

Can I add water to make it lighter?

No! Water and oil don’t mix without emulsifier, and water creates bacterial growth without preservatives. Instead:

• Add more liquid oils
• Use arrowroot powder
• Change butter ratios (more mango, less cocoa)

How do I travel with body butter?

TSA Rules: Max 3.4 oz in carry-on, unlimited in checked luggage

Prevent Melting:

• Use 2-4 oz metal tins
• Double-bag in ziplock
• Keep in personal item (not hot cargo)
• Use insulated bag with ice pack

Travel Formula (higher melting point): Add 1 tbsp beeswax to raise melting point to 90-95°F

Can I sell homemade body butter?

Yes, but requires:

• Business license and seller’s permit
• Product liability insurance ($300-800/year)
• FDA-compliant labeling (ingredients, net weight, manufacturer info)
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Avoid making health or medical claims

Allowed claims: “Moisturizes,” “Nourishes,” “Softens,” “Supports skin’s appearance”
Not allowed: “Treats eczema,” “Cures acne,” “Prevents stretch marks,” “Heals scars”

Conclusion: Your Journey to Natural Body Care

Learning how to make body butter opens the door to natural, personalized skincare that’s both luxurious and effective. With just a few natural ingredients and basic equipment, you can create a product that rivals expensive store-bought alternatives—with complete control over what goes on your skin.

What You’ve Learned:

• What body butter is and how it differs from lotion
• Essential ingredients and step-by-step process
• How to use body butter effectively
• Troubleshooting common problems
• Safety and storage guidelines
• Endless customization possibilities

Your Next Steps:

Beginners: Start with the basic recipe, master the technique, experiment with one variation at a time.

Intermediate: Try advanced recipes with beneficial additions, create seasonal variations, or explore other natural body care products.

Considering Selling: Perfect consistency, research regulations, invest in insurance, develop professional packaging.

Remember: Consistency is key. Regular application yields the best results. Your skin will thank you with improved softness and a healthier appearance. For more natural beauty solutions, explore our guides on natural haircare and holistic wellness practices.

Start with a single batch—your journey to naturally beautiful skin begins now. May your skin always be soft, nourished, and glowing!

Written by Doo & Rita
Doo and Rita are sisters, herbal wellness enthusiasts, and DIY beauty lovers who explore plant-based ingredients through hands-on experiments. We share tips and recipes we personally test, always with a gentle, nature-first approach.

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Disclaimer: All content is for educational purposes only. We are not medical professionals. Always patch test new ingredients. Contact: [email protected]

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Keywords: how to make body butter, body butter recipe, DIY body butter, homemade body butter, what is body butter, how to use body butter, natural body butter, whipped body butter

Last Updated: November 2025 | Reading Time: 15-18 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly