I made my first batch of body butter the other day. I think my life has changed forever. Delightful, decadent and easy, I have always wanted to try making it. But I was convinced that it would be difficult and not work the way I wanted. Boy, was I wrong.
I love creamy body butters. But two things have always bothered me. They can be quite expensive and also, full of ingredients that are less than desirable for your skin and health.
We often forget that our skin is the largest organ on our body and absorbs what we put on it. If you are using lotions and body butters with chemicals in them (fragrances, preservatives, color additives, etc.) be aware that your skin absorbs the chemicals, too. Not exactly desirable. Body butters, made with pure oils and essential oils for fragrance are just the thing.
So I went to my friend called “google” and looked up recipes for homemade body butter. Wow this must be a thing because ALOT came up. In the end most recipes called for a combination of 75% solid to 25% liquid oil. Sounded easy enough.
So I measured out 1 cup of shea butter and 1/2 cup of coconut oil for the solid, and melted them in my home-made double boiler. (If you don’t have a double boiler, make sure there is space for the steam to escape and you are using a heat proof bowl).
Once melted I let it cool down for 30 minutes on the counter and then added my essential oils (I used Lime and Stress Away for this batch) and placed the oil mixture in the freezer to let it partially set up. At that point, I whipped it in the kitchen aid mixer and success! A beautiful body butter, so simple to make, smelling delicious and with a texture that was like clouds of silk.
IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR BODY BUTTER WHIPPING: you probably rushed this step. It needs to be cooled significantly.
I have to admit, I am pretty excited at how easy it is to make. And you can use any essential oil combo you wish to scent it and give it extra healing punch.
Here is the recipe: Enjoy!
Body Butter
Makes 2 1/2 to 3 cups whipped butter.
- 1 cup organic raw shea butter
(solid)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (solid)
- 1/2 cup almond oil (liquid)
- 20 drops essential oil
1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
2. Stir in almond oil and essential oils (20 drops to start) of your choosing.
3, Place oil mixture in freezer or outside to chill.
4. Wait until oils start to partially solidify then whip until a butter-like consistency is achieved.
4. Place in clean glass jar and enjoy! A little goes a long way.
TIPS: PLEASE READ!
1. You can use what ever oils you wish, just make sure you keep the ratio 75% solid to 25% liquid.
2. The chilling step is crucial. If you don’t chill it properly, it won’t whip or stay whipped. About 20 minutes in the freezer should do the trick. Make sure you scrape down the sides while mixing.
3. Since this recipe does not contain any water, it will not mold. You should keep in a cool place but it does not have to be refrigerated.
4. I do not know the exact shelf life but I know it will keep at least a few months, plus.
5. The body butter melts as it goes on and gets a little oily but absorbs beautifully, quickly and leaves your skin very soft.
6. I only recommend Young Living Essential Oils. Order some here
Kathy Thomas 