Body Butter

A body butter is a moisturiser designed to be applied the body. They are known to be effective at nourishing and rejuvenating dry skin, whether used all over or on problem areas such as elbows, knees and hands. Here at Dotty’s Oils, we love a bit of body butter particularly at the moment when we are inside and sometimes in need of a bit of self-care. 

Body butters are made with a combination of solid butters such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and solid coconut oil. Liquid oils include fractionated coconut oil, almond, jojoba, and olive oil. Some of the faster absorbing oils are grapeseed oil, macadamia nut oil, apricot kernel oil, and rosehip oil. You could experiment with one of those, or a combination of those, as your liquid oil. 

You can use a variety of essential oils, but we wouldn’t recommend using more than three single oils or one oil blend e.g. Peace, and two single oils.

Ingredients 

100g Shea Butter 

100g Cocoa Butter 

100g Coconut Oil – solid 

100g Fractionated Coconut Oil 

14 drops Grapefruit 

14 drops Wild Orange 

A variety of containers with lids. We like to save empty containers and reuse them! 

Method 

Measure all the butters and oils and put them into a glass bowl. 

Put 3-5cm of water into a saucepan and bring to the boil. 

Rest the bowl on top of the saucepan (the bowl should not touch the water) and stir the oils and butters until they have melted and are fully combined. 

Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5-10 mins then add the essential oils and mix. 

Rest the mixture in a fridge for 30 minutes or 15 minutes in a freezer, until starting to become opaque and harden around the edges. You should be able to press your finger in easily and make a dent. If it doesn’t whip up, put it back into the freezer to harden a little more.

Use a stand mixer or a handheld mixer to slowly combine the ingredients into a light and fluffy consistency. 

Transfer the mixture into glass jars, label and store the whipped body butter in a cool place. Sylvia uses a small spatula (you could also use a small spoon) to remove the butter from the container. Best applied after bath or shower when the butter just melts into the skin!

When stored away from moisture and light, homemade body butter should last 6-8 months.

This is a great product to make as gifts for birthdays and Christmas, and special occasions or just to pamper yourself!

The Verdict 

This is an easy way to make a luxurious body butter that quickly dissolves on the skin leaving a light fragrance. One way you could easily adapt this recipe is by adding Lavender and/or Serenity instead of the Grapefruit and Wild Orange. Apply before going to bed to help improve the quality of your sleep.  

Body butters make an excellent gift and you can experiment with so many combinations of essential oils. Why don't you give it a go?