Homemade Whipped Body Butter (non-greasy!)

Homemade Whipped Body Butter Product

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From the moment that the electric heater kicked on in my apartment this fall, my hands began to crack.  We are talking like sticking to fabrics, scratching my children dry.  So, I knew it was time to stock up on what I believe is the BEST non-greasy homemade whipped body butter.  It is luxurious, it absorbs quickly, and most importantly it truly works.  

Many of us spend a lot of time and energy monitoring what we eat.  But it is sometimes easy to forget that what we put on our bodies can hugely impact our health.  Many of the creams and lotions available at the store are full of less than desirable ingredients.  Known and probable carcinogens like formaldehyde, 1,4-Dioxane, phthalates, coal tar dyes, and petroleum by-products are prevalent in many commercial cosmetic products.  Additionally, many ingredients are hormone disruptors like parabens and triclosan.  And of course, whatever is in that “fragrance” is often problematic (and manufacturers are not required to disclose.)  Here is a quick read with a bit more information about the most egregious ingredients in skin care products. 

Alright, so that’s gross.  But this is an easy fix!  In this post, I will walk you through my absolute favorite homemade whipped body butter recipe made with all natural ingredients that you can pronounce.  No chemicals.  No nasty stuff.

This nourishing body butter is adapted slightly from Carly Daley’s recipe at Modern Hippie Health & Wellness, which is fantastic- check it out!  I’ve made her exact version several times with great success.  However, it does require several ingredients that I didn’t initially have.  So, I’m going to share with you a slightly pared down version, to hopefully lower the intimidation factor if you are just diving into making your own products.  

Homemade Body Butter Ingredients

Here's what you'll need.

Ingredients:

  • 53 g Shea butter
  • 26g Virgin Coconut Oil (solid)
  • 33g Jojoba oil (or other liquid oil of your choice)
  • 4g Beeswax pellets
  • ½ T Arrowroot powder
  • ¼ tsp Vitamin E oil
  • Optional: 15-20 drops essential oil

Equipment: 

  • A clean container (for storage)
  • A double boiler OR a small heat proof bowl and saucepan
  • An electric stand or hand mixer
  • Optional but useful: A kitchen scale

What is all this stuff?

Shea butter is fat from the nut of the African shea tree and is super moisturizing, yet absorbs easily.  It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and is safe for virtually everyone, even those with nut allergies. (source)  I have used this one several times with great success.

Coconut oil, yes the kind you can get at the grocery store, is a staple of crunchy kitchens and beauty cabinets.  I usually buy the giant tub of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil from Costco and grease up my babies with it before bed.  Rich in nourishing fatty acids, it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and reduces inflammation.  Coconut oil really is as amazing as everyone says it is.  (Although, I would caution against using it on your face because it can clog your pores.)

Jojoba oil is one of my favorites, as you may already know.  It comes from the nut of the dessert-growing jojoba plant and is anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and wonderfully moisturizing.  In this recipe, you can swap out the jojoba oil for another liquid oil of your choice.  Sunflower, sweet almond, grape seed, etc would all work as well.

Beeswax helps this recipe “set up” and prevents melting in warmer temperatures.  Additionally it helps seal in moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin.  It is naturally soothing and antibacterial.  I like to buy the pellets because it is easier than chipping off chunks from a wax brick.  

Homemade Body Butter Oils in the Bowl

Arrowroot powder: the secret ingredient that makes this homemade whipped body butter non-greasy!  Sometimes called arrowroot flour or starch, it’s a grain-free/gluten-free starchy substance that is often used in place of cornstarch.  You can usually find it in the flour/baking section of a natural or well stocked grocery store.  

Vitamin E oil contains antioxidants which act as a natural preservative in this recipe.  That being said, this is a butter which means it is all oil and no water.  This is great news for shelf life!  And the vitamin E oil will help give it an extra boost- plus it’s great for skin.

If you want to add essential oils, you can absolutely do so.  In this recipe, 15-20 drops is a good amount.  I actually prefer to keep this whipped body butter fragrance free.  I like the nutty smell of the shea butter and oils on their own.  Also, I originally made this for someone who was looking for a deeply nourishing cream for her mastectomy scars, and she needed something without fragrance.  (By the way, she says that it was very helpful!)

How is homemade whipped body butter frugal?

One of the concerns I hear most often when it comes to making body care products at home is, “I don’t have all that stuff and it’s too expensive to buy it!”  I hear you.  But, I believe that making an initial investment to stock up on a few ingredients that will last you a long time and are versatile will save you money (and be healthier) in the long run.

Here’s an idea that I have personally used to kick start my natural beauty cabinet.  Plan to make gifts!  The thing about these ingredients, like shea butter, is that they come in large packages- way more than you need to make one jar.  For example, the 16 oz package will make about 8 batches.  So if you can roll the initial investment into your holiday gift giving…voilà!  This is exactly what my friend and I did last year.  We made 15 batches of this gorgeous homemade whipped body butter to give as gifts.  They were a huge hit!

Let's get cracking. How's it made?

This, and most DIY cosmetics recipes, is a little easier with a kitchen scale.  I have this little one and it works great!  However, if you don’t have one, don’t panic.  I will give you the approximate conversions to teaspoons and cups in the printable card at the bottom of this post.  Keep in mind this isn’t exact, but I don’t want a little thing like a kitchen scale to stand in the way of you giving this a go.

First, we need to melt the solids.  Combine shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and jojoba oil in a double boiler or a heat safe bowl that fits on top of a saucepan.  I have a small metal bowl that I reserve for making DIY’s like this one.  Next, heat an inch or two of water in the saucepan to a simmer and set the bowl on top.  Gently stir until everything is melted.

Homemade Body Butter Add Arrowroot

Then, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.  From this point, you could allow this mixture to cool completely on the counter, but quite frankly that could take a long time.  So, I like to stick it in the fridge for about 30 minutes or so until the oils begin to thicken.  It should begin to turn opaque but you should still be able to squish it with your finger.  If it turns rock solid, you’ve gone too far.  No worries, just let it sit out for a while to soften or re-melt if necessary.

Next, transfer your oil mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer if using.  Add the arrowroot powder, vitamin E oil, and optional essential oils.  Whip on high for about 5 minutes until peaks form, very similar to whipping cream.  When the mixture has reached the optimal point, it will cling to the back of a spoon or spatula without falling off.

Finally, spoon your luxurious homemade whipped body butter into a clean jar or container.  It will produce approximately 5- 6 ounces of cream.  When I make this for gifts, I like to package it in these 4 oz Mason jars because they are adorable, reasonably priced, and reusable.  (Plus the glass will not react to essential oils the way some other materials could.)  Just note that there will be a little extra product left over if you use these.  

Homemade Body Butter Spoon Test

I can’t wait for you to try this out!  I think you are really going to love it and the end product is pretty impressive.  Check out this video tutorial for some visual tips and tricks.  Tell me how this worked out for you and please let me know if you have questions! 

Looking for more skin saving and giftable recipes?  Check out these other ideas!

Stack of calming lotion bars
Calming Lotion Bars
DIY Sugar Scrub Duo
2 Ingredient Sugar Scrub
Earl Grey Lip Balm main image
Earl Grey Lip Balm
Yield: about 6 oz

Homemade Whipped Body Butter (non-greasy)

Homemade Whipped Body Butter

This non-greasy homemade whipped body butter is made with all natural ingredients that you can pronounce. It is luxurious, absorbs quickly, and most importantly, it truly works! Easy enough for beginners and impressive enough to make the perfect gift.  

Active Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Difficulty easy

Materials

  • 53g (approx. 1/4 c) Unrefined Shea Butter
  • 26g (approx. 2 T) Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
  • 33g (approx. 3 T) Jojoba Oil or other liquid oil
  • 4g (approx. 1 tsp) Organic Beeswax Pellets
  • 1-1/2 tsp Arrowroot Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
  • Optional: 15-20 drops essential oil

Tools

  • A clean container (for storage)
  • Double boiler OR small heatproof bowl and sauce pan
  • Electric stand or hand mixer
  • Optional but useful: Kitchen scale

Instructions

    1. Combine shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and jojoba oil in a double boiler or heat safe bowl that fits on top of a saucepan.  Heat an inch or two of water in the saucepan to a simmer and set the bowl on top. Gently stir until everything is melted. 
    2. Remove bowl from the heat and let cool for a few minutes.  Place the bowl in the fridge for about 30-40 minutes or until the oils cool and thicken. The mixture will begin to turn opaque but you should still be able to squish it with your finger.  (If it turns rock solid, you’ve gone too far- just let it sit out for a while or remelt it if necessary.)
    3. Transfer your oil mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer (if you’re using one.)  Now add the arrowroot powder, vitamin E oil, and optional essential oils. Whip on high for about 3-5 minutes until peaks form, very similar to whipping cream.  When the mixture has reached the optimal point, it will cling to the back of a spoon or spatula without falling off.  
    4. Spoon your luxurious homemade whipped body butter into a clean jar or container.  

Notes

This recipe is adapted slightly from Carly Daley’s recipe at Modern Hippie Health & Wellness, which is fantastic!  I’ve made her version several times with great success- check it out. To hopefully lower the intimidation factor for those just diving into making their own products, I’ve pared down the ingredient list a little.   

94 thoughts on “Homemade Whipped Body Butter (non-greasy!)”

  1. Pingback: Calming Lotion Bars • The Crunchy Ginger

  2. Can you double or triple this and get the same results. I would like to make larger batches. Also how long does this keep for? Thank you!!

    1. I tried to make this by using the exact name brand product you recommended and measured on scale but something went wrong, IT WILL NOT WHIP. Do you have any ideal why?

  3. Just finished up with this body butter. tried a little and it absorbed perfectly.
    I would like to ask a question. If you continue to put it back in the fridge and take out to whip some more will it get thicker? or does it get to a certain point and that’s it? also, does it stay this consistently stay at this thickness til used up? or will it thin out over time?? thanks for a great recipe, I’ve been wanting to make some body butter for a long time and this seems to be wonderful…

  4. Pingback: Homemade Whipped Body Butter (non-greasy) – Inner Beauty

  5. Tried this today. Chose this recipe because it was supposed to be non-greasy….wrong… it is greasy. I won’t make it again and probably won’t use what it did make.

  6. I loved this recipe! I may have done something wrong though. Mine hardened up but melts when you touch it so it still works great! Just wondering if you had any advice on how to keep it at that wonderful whipped consistency?

  7. Hi!
    I want to ask you about a powder.. can I use colloidal oatmeal instead?! Because my goal to make this body cream is for my son who has eczema… he is 4 years old and I am fighting with his eczema right now. And is it ok if I don’t have vitamin e oil?!

  8. Can I use colloidal oatmeal instead of arrowroot powder??
    And also can I mix with other oils too such as cocoa butter and lanolin?!
    I know I just should try it myself but I wish you can give me advise ?!
    I am fighting with my 4 years old sons eczema right now..
    I stopped using medication from skin doctor. I really want it to be natural way to cure eczema!
    So if there is another suggestion, please let me know!!

    1. Aya, while this has nothing to do with body butter.. I know how to heal your son! Please look up Medical Medium Celery Juice. 16oz of fresh celery juice first thing in the morning every day WILL heal his skin! No meds, no products.. just real healthy healing! Please try!

  9. Hi,

    I’m buying all the ingredients to make this – thanks for the recipe! I’m wondering if I could sub Caster Oil for the carrier oil. I have been reading that Caster Oil is much more effective at reducing scars, and that’s mostly what I want it for.

    Thanks!

  10. jeanette dobbs

    Due to my shea butter already being soft and not using the wax pellets or arrowroot, I just whipped all the ingredients without melting them but there is a small grit texture. Not sure why. Any ideas?

  11. Hi, I just came across your post and am looking forward to trying it. I am new to this and wondered How you thought ginger essential oil might smell with the Shea and coconut mixture from your recipe.? I saw another recipe that uses cocoa butter and thought that those scents might now mix well together.

  12. Hi! I love the idea to try this cream for my daughter’s very dry skin. I would like to use it on her face, as well. Is there another ingredient I could use instead of coconut oil to be able to use it on her face? I could do 2 batches (one for her face and one for her body). Also, I would love adding colloidal oatmeal to this cream to alleviate my daughter’s eczema. How much should I use? Would I use both arrowroot powder and colloidal oatmeal? Thank you for your help!

  13. Hi!! Can I use babassu butter instead of coconut oil? I’m wondering if I can use it on the face with this change since babassu butter is non-comedogenic. Also, can I use both arrowroot powder and colloidal oatmeal? 1/2 tbs of each? Thank you!

  14. Hello, I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how to keep it from melting so easily. I love it so much and I wanted to take it with me on a trip to California. The car never got hot and it melted down to a liquid. 🙁 can I add something to help with that?? Maybe more wax?
    Thank you
    Christina

  15. Hello. I’ve read through the comments but no one asked my question so I’ll do the honors lol. Can this be used as a lip butter? I don’t see why not but just curious if you’ve used it on your lips

  16. Hi ! What would be the ratio if I want to skip 33 gms of herbal oil in your recipe ? Could you please chalk out the ratio of all the ingredients skipping herbal oil for body butters

  17. I made this tonight for my girlfriends birthday and it didn’t thicken up when I was whipping it. Don’t know what I did wrong but it turned out like soup consistancy. I followed the recipe exactly. 🙁

  18. Hi. This is the most helpful site I’ve seen to date. Can’t wait to make it for my niece’s spa package. But I’d like to use a less greasy carrier. What would you recommend in place of the coconut oil??? I can’t order any less available products (bombassu?) as I have to shop local because I’m short on time. Thanks so much!

  19. Hi there! Saw your recipe after I saw the hippie one, and agreed that I needed one with a few less ingredients to start…
    So I had some rosehips, and wanted to infuse some sweet almond oil with them for extra benefit. The problem is that it got too hot, and now it’s more like toasted almond/rosehip oil. Can I still use that? Or does toasting break down the oil so it wont work in the recipe? Or have some other harmful side effect? I’ve tried googling this, and no luck. Thought you may have an idea.
    Thanks, Sara

  20. Just finished a test batch with a few substitutions…
    shea butter = shea butter (I love the benefits here)
    Coconut Oil = Sunflower Oil
    Jojoba Oil = Sweet Almond Oil
    Beeswax = Candelilla wax (does melt at a higher temp so it takes longer in fridge to cool)
    Arrowroot Powder = Colloidal Oatmeal (4.5 g)

    It whipped up really nice and has been sent out to friends for testing against dry skin.

  21. I just made this and I love it! I didn’t have shea butter so I used cocoa butter. Also, I used sweet almond oil instead of jojoba oil. I showered and shaved my legs while it was cooling. When I put it on my legs it was so nourishing. And I love the amount it makes. I’ve tried other recipes that made a lot. I’d rather made small batches so it’s fresh when I use it. This recipe is a keeper.

  22. Hi! I tried your recipe and included all the brand names you recommend, including the glass jars! I’m sorry to say that it turned out very greasy. The body cream hardened into a big solid lump after leaving it overnight. I can’t use it for holiday gifts, because it is so greasy. Since I spent so much on the ingredients, I’ll use it myself until it’s gone, but I’m left wondering what I did wrong.

  23. I live in the high mountain desert. Hot during the day and cool at night. I’m not wanting to refrigerate the body butter. Any suggestions on keeping its consistency? Thank you so much!!!

  24. I love this recipe. I just made some orange boys butter for a friend’s birthday gift. Along with some homemade orange creamsicle sugar scrub. This body butter recipe is the best. Thank You.

  25. Hi. Thank you for this recipe. It worked out great for me. Due to a coconut and shea allergy, I made a few subsitutions if it is helpful for anyone.

    53g (approx. 1/4 c) Unrefined Shea Butter – replaced with mango butter
    26g (approx. 2 T) Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – replaced with babassu oil
    33g (approx. 3 T) Jojoba Oil or other liquid oil – replaced with half jojoba and half sunflower oil
    4g (approx. 1 tsp) Organic Beeswax Pellets
    1-1/2 tsp Arrowroot Powder
    1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
    Optional: 15-20 drops essential oil

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