Body butter, a type of thick, heavy cream or lotion, typically contains well-known skin conditioners and moisturizers such as cocoa butter and coconut oil. Cocoa butter, a highly concentrated natural fat extracted from the cocoa plant, contains natural antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that soothe and nourish the skin. According to Botanical.com, cocoa butter slows down moisture loss from the skin, and it melts at body temperature for easier absorption. This recipe yields approximately 4 oz. of natural body butter made with cocoa butter, although it is easily doubled for a larger batch.
Step 1
Combine 1/4 cup cocoa butter, 2 tbsp. light sesame oil, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 1 tbsp. avocado oil and1 tbsp. grated beeswax or beeswax pearls in a glass measuring cup. Place the cup in the center of a small saucepan filled with 1 to 2 inches of water.
Step 2
Place the pan over medium-low heat until the water comes to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the beeswax and cocoa butter melt completely, about five minutes.
Step 3
Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the ingredients have melted. Take the measuring cup out of the saucepan, and stir the oil mixture vigorously with a wire whisk for about two minutes.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid after whisking. Allow the body butter to cool for at least 30 minutes, and then secure the lid on the jar. Once cool, the cream will be thick and butter-like in consistency.
Step 5
Store your natural body butter in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not in use. No refrigeration is required if used within four to six weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- To use, spread the body butter on your skin and massage in with your fingertips. Use anywhere the skin feels dry, flaky or tight. In her book "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox warns against using body butter on your face, however, because it is heavier than normal lotions and creams. Cocoa butter has a natural shelf life of about three years, but the addition of other oils into the body butter recipe shortens the shelf life considerably. If not used within six weeks, refrigerate the mixture, where it will keep for an additional two to four weeks.
- Do not use cocoa butter on your skin if you suffer from eczema or other persistent skin conditions without consulting your doctor or dermatologist first. Do not use cocoa butter if you have nut allergies, as it may cause an allergic reaction.
Things You'll Need
- 1/4 cup cocoa butter
- 2 tbsp. light sesame oil
- 1 tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 tbsp. avocado oil
- 1 tbsp. grated beeswax or beeswax pearls
- Glass measuring cup
- Small saucepan
- Wire whisk
- Clean jar with lid
References
- Botanical.com: Cocoa Butter Profile
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2002
- "Ecobeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, Rinses, and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends"; Lauren Cox, Janice Cox; 2009
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