Ultra-fast absorbing, a gorgeous dry satin finish, dreamy cloud-like fluffiness, and a scent so sweet and juicy it will make you want to eat it (don't!). This non-greasy body butter is out of this world! I'll say it again: body butter that doesn't feel greasy - how's that even possible? I'm going to show you how right here.
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Shea butter - has amazing skin benefits, is excellent for eczema, and is easy to find, but ugh, for most people (including myself), it's way too sticky and tacky to be enjoyed by itself. Greasy fingerprints all over your screen, anyone?
Over the years, I've come up with several DIY body butters, like easy whipped body butter, mango body butter, and even body butter with beeswax, but this one will knock your socks off - it's so good!
What is Body Butter?
Homemade body butter is essentially a rich body cream made of natural butters (like mango and shea) and a small amount of liquid oil to help make it softer and more lightweight. Most recipes call for whipping the butter to make it even more spreadable and airy.
Unlike homemade lotions, body butters don't contain any water. They're essentially comprised of 100% fats and oils, which can feel quite greasy. But not this one!
This recipe feels delightfully non-greasy due to the addition of isopropyl myristate. It helps a rather greasy butter (shea!) absorb into the skin faster and into deeper layers.
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links, read my full disclosure here.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shea butter- ultra-moisturizing, rich in fatty acids, Vitamin E, and great for soothing irritated or sensitive skin
- 2 tablespoon oil - nourishes the skin and acts as an emollient, I prefer apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil or rosehip seed oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon isopropyl myristate - an extraordinary emollient that will help absorb shea butter and carrier oil faster into the deeper layers of your skin
- 36 drops of favorite essential oils (optional) - for this, I chose 30 drops of sweet orange essential oil and 6 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
- ⅛ teaspoon cosmetic grade mica (optional) - to add a fun color
Equipment
- a medium-sized bowl or Pyrex (big enough to fit both beaters of a handheld mixer)
- a handheld mixer or standing mixer
- a spatula
- 2 jars with lid
How to Make Whipped Body Butter
- Measure out the shea butter - use room temperature butter to whip it easily. You can weigh the shea butter on a small kitchen scale (3.5 oz) or use ½ cup
- Whip until smooth - this should take about 1 minute to get to a smooth, airy texture. The shea butter will start to look whiter and feel softer.
- Add the oil and whip - mix until you see no more oil present in the shea butter
- Add isopropyl myristate, essential oils and colorant (if using) - whip until everything is combined
- Scrape the sides of your bowl - this will ensure all ingredients are being whipped evenly
- Whip for 10 more seconds
- Transfer into an airtight container and enjoy!
FAQs
How long is the shelf life?
Between 6 - 12 months depending on the freshness of your ingredients. If your body butter starts to smell "off," please discard it and whip up a new batch.
Do I need to add a preservative?
No. This body butter is completely oil-based and doesn't require a preservative.
Can I use different kinds of butter?
Maybe. Every butter has a different consistency and melting point. By swapping out the shea butter you will get a different end product. This is not to say that it won't be good, you'll simply have to experiment.
Can I use a different oil or essential oil?
Yes, you can use any lightweight carrier oil. You can use your own essential oil blend as long as it's a safe amount and you're not using essential oils that can cause photosensitivity (like lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot).
Will body butter melt in warm temperatures?
Yes. Shea butter has a melting point of about 90℉, that's why it's best stored at room temperature.
Until next time. Happy Tinkering!
DIY Body Butter (Non-Greasy)
A fast absorbing and skin soothing body butter with fluffy cloud-like consistency
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add shea butter at room temperature to medium sized bowl
- Whip using a handheld mixer or stand mixer until smooth and airy (1 minute)
- Add carrier oil and mix until incorporated
- Scrape sides of bowl using a spatula
- Add isopropyl myristate, essential oil and colorant (if using)
- Whip until incorporated
- Scrape sides and whip 10 more seconds
- Transfer into 4oz mason jars
Karen says
Can you Used a different oil than rosehip?
Celine says
Absolutely
keke says
What about the ylang ylang what is it used for?
Celine says
In this body butter it's for the scent. You could use a different essential oil instead if you like.
Cassie says
Quick question: I want to make a whipped body butter for friends during the holidays. I would just use my kitchen appliances for this and would disinfect everything with alcohol ahead of time, but would I be able to use the appliances again for food preparation? Of course, after thorough washing!
Celine says
I’ve been using my kitchen appliances and have used them for food after. I feel that it’s safe, but I’m no chemist 😉
Ellie says
When making a body butter can I heat the ingredients to help them? And put in fridge and whip?
I do that for one I tried a recipe for emollient body butter .
Just probs easier to whip if its melted wondering if its ok
Celine says
Hi Ellie, Yes you can melt the shea butter, if you wish.
Christ says
Is there anything I can use in place of isopropyl myristate?
Celine says
Nothing that would cut down on the greasiness in quite the same way. But you can leave it out and replace with more liquid oil, like Camellia oil or another lightweight oil.