This whipped body butter feels luxurious and delivers maximum moisture to the skin. Here's how to make body butter that's non-greasy and works for any skin type.
First, make a double boiler: Partially fill a saucepan with water (about 1/4 the way full). Then place a glass (or metal) bowl on top of the saucepan. Place the butter(s) in the glass bowl. Turn the stove-top to medium heat, placing the double boiler on top of the heat. Allow the butter(s) to fully melt (about 3-5 minutes).
If you're planning to use arrowroot starch/flour, in a small bowl, whisk the starch into the carrier oil of choice. Set the mixture aside. If you're not using arrowroot flour, skip this step.
Carefully remove the glass bowl (and melted butters) from the heat source. Add the oil (with the arrowroot flour mixed in, if using), and stir to combine the ingredients.
At this point, the mixture should be cooler (along with the bowl). If not, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then place the bowl in the fridge and allow the mixture to solidify (about 30-60 minutes, depending on location in the fridge and fridge temperature).
Once the mixture is opaque and a bit firm (not solid as a rock), remove the bowl from the fridge. Add the essential oil of choice, if desired.
If you used cocoa butter, whisk the mixture with a fork until it appears "whipped." If you used shea and/or mango butters, you can use the same technique with a fork, or use a hand-mixer to "whip" the mixture. Don't over-whip!
Spoon the whipped body butter into a glass storage jar with a lid. Place the lid on the jar. It's now ready to use. Store at room temperature (out of sunlight) for up to 6 months.
How to Use:
Use this product anytime your skin needs moisturizing. Scoop a small amount from the jar, then massage onto the skin. As you massage, the butter will melt into your skin. You only need a small amount at a time.
I love to use this product after bathing when my skin is still moist. I apply a small amount of product to my fingertips, then massage on my skin: arms, legs, feet, neck, chest.
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Notes
Which Butter Should You Use?Mango butter will yield a softer body butter, when mixed with the shea butter. Cocoa butter will yield a thicker, denser body butter that smells like chocolate, when mixed with the shea butter. Or use 100% shea butter, without mixing in other butters. Unrefined shea butter has a strong scent, so refined shea butter may be better to use if you're sensitive to scents.Which carrier oil should you use? I like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil as they work for all skin types and are light and easily absorb into the skin. Coconut oil and olive oil are also options, but they can be very heavy and clog pores if used on the face.Why use arrowroot starch? The arrowroot cuts through the greasy feel that's often associated with body butter. It's optional.How much essential oil should you add? I use a 1% dilution in my recipe. Before using any essential oil, read the back of the bottle for specific dilution recommendations. This is also optional.
Servings: 6ounce jar
Author: Kristin Marr
Cost: $4-6 per jar (depending on butter and oil used)