Do you know every ingredient in your lotion or moisturizer? Maybe you do. Or maybe you’re a die-hard supporter of Nivea or Jergens and haven’t even thought about it. This is a problem. But don’t fret, a DIY body butter is the answer to your moisturizing needs. We spend so much time thinking about what we put into our bodies, that sometimes we forget to question what we use on the outside.

Two years ago, after a breakout scarred my skin, I started to heavily question everything that touched my body and ditched my commitment to lotion. I first opted for using pure cocoa butter, coconut oil, and olive oil as skin moisturizers. Those products didn’t work efficiently on their own, so I opted for a homemade body butter.

The results were amazing! The butter melts in your hand for easy application. It moisturizes your skin and keeps it moisturized throughout the day. If you make this, you’ll never return to the world of lotion again.

FYI: you don’t have to be an avid DIY-er to make this. If you can cook, you can make this recipe. Think of it as a slightly complex version of your favorite meal. However, please note that even though the body butter will smell BOMB, we’re not advising you to eat it.

RECIPE:

Yields —2 16oz mason jars worth of body butter.

Ingredients:

½ cup of coconut oil
½ cup of shea butter
½ cup of cocoa butter
½ cup of almond, jojoba or olive oil
optional: 10 – 30 drops of essential oil

Step 1:

Combine all ingredients except essential oils in a double boiler or glass bowl.

ingredient_double boiler — Photo: Kadisha Phillips

Step 2:

Bring to medium heat and stir until all ingredients are melted.

Step 3:

Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Once the mixture has cooled, move it to the fridge and allow it to set for one hour.

Step 4:

Once the mixture has become slightly hard (see picture above), use a hand-mixer to whip for 10 minutes until fluffy. Then return mixture to the fridge for 10-15 more minutes.

Step 5:

Store your new favorite body butter in a glass jar with a lid and enjoy!

finalized product — Photo: Kadisha Phillips

Disclaimer: If your home is at 75 degrees or higher the mixture will soften, but this can be placed in the fridge.

Are you thinking of trying this out? Or do you have a body butter or homemade lotion recipe of your own? Share your experience with us below!

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