Learn how to make an all-natural, homemade body butter with just a few simple ingredients and minimal time. Your skin will thank you!
I’ve wanted to share this homemade body butter recipe for a long time. I’m not usually a lotion person—I dislike that sticky or greasy feeling—but winter changes everything. My skin gets very dry, and for as long as I can remember my hands have cracked and sometimes even bled during the cold months. I’ve tried many lotions, and some help more than others, but nothing has helped like this body butter.
What I love most about this recipe is how gentle it is. It’s made from simple, natural ingredients, so I don’t worry about slathering chemicals on my children’s skin. I especially enjoy using the lavender-scented version on them after bath time; it feels soothing and helps settle them before bed.
The recipe is easy to make, yields a generous amount, and a little goes a long way. My first batch lasted many months—almost a year—and the current jar will likely last several more. My husband also uses it nightly to treat dry winter hands and swears by it.
Ingredients for Homemade All-Natural Body Butter Recipe
- 1 cup organic shea butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup almond oil or jojoba oil (both work well; I prefer almond oil)
- 30 drops of your preferred essential oil (lavender is lovely for bedtime; choose a high-quality essential oil you trust)
How to Make All-Natural Body Butter
1. Melt the shea butter and coconut oil
Combine the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler or use a makeshift double boiler (a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water). Heat gently until both are fully melted, stirring occasionally to combine evenly.
2. Let the mixture cool
Remove the bowl from heat and let the mixture cool for about 30–40 minutes. It should still be slightly warm and mostly melted but not steaming.
3. Add carrier oil and essential oils
Stir in the almond or jojoba oil and add about 30 drops of essential oil to start. You can increase or decrease the amount to suit your preference. If you want two scents, you can split the batch and scent each portion differently—for example, lavender for bedtime and a calming blend for daily use.
4. Chill until semi-solid
Place the bowl in the freezer for 20–30 minutes so the mixture firms up but is not rock hard. If it becomes completely solid, let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before whipping.
5. Whip to a fluffy butter
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cooled mixture for 5–8 minutes, scraping the sides occasionally, until it reaches a light, fluffy butter-like consistency. Taste the texture with your fingertips; it should be smooth and airy.
6. Store and enjoy
Spoon the whipped body butter into clean glass or plastic jars. I prefer glass jelly jars, but any airtight container will do. Store in a cool, dry place. The butter will stay solid in most bathroom environments and will melt quickly when rubbed into skin.
This body butter feels luxurious and replenishes the skin with nourishing oils rather than harsh chemicals. A small amount provides ample hydration, so the jar should last a long time.
Making your own skin care is an easy step toward reducing chemicals in your home. Little swaps like this add up—baby steps, but meaningful ones. I’ll share other DIY recipes soon, like a homemade foaming hand soap.
Lavender Bath Salts // Lemon Sugar Scrub
More posts you may enjoy:
- Top Gifts for the Essential Oil Lover
- 10 Amazing Uses of Purification Essential Oil
- Essential Oils Every Home Needs: Stress Away
- 14 Amazing Uses for Lavender Essential Oil
- 11 Amazing Uses of Peace & Calming Essential Oil
Disclaimer: This article shares personal experiences with essential oils and homemade skincare. I am not a medical professional. Do your own research and consult a healthcare provider with questions about allergies, sensitivities, or medical concerns. When mentioning essential oils, I refer to high-quality oils chosen by the author. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.