Non Greasy Shea Body Butter Recipe

Super fast absorbing, a gorgeous dry satin finish, dreamy cloud-like fluffiness and a scent so sweet and juicy it’s going to make you want to eat it (don’t!). This non greasy shea body butter recipe is out of this world! I’m going to say it one more time: non-greasy shea body butter- how’s that even possible? I’m going to show you how, right here.

Shea butter – amazing skin benefits, great for eczema, not that hard to get, but ugh, for most people (including myself) it’s way too sticky and tacky to be enjoyed by itself. Greasy fingerprints all over your phone, anyone?

In my Fluffiest Body Butter Recipe, I tried to remedy said greasiness by adding cornstarch and clay which works quite well and I still love that recipe for it’s insane mousse-like consistency, BUT this formula will nock your socks off! So, what’s the secret sauce here? – Isopropyl myristate.

What is Isopropyl Myristate?

Isopropyl myristate (IPM) is a synthetic oil made from two components. The first component is isopropyl alcohol, which is derived from propane and used as the antimicrobial agent in some hand sanitizers. The second component is myristic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid found in coconut oil, palm oil and lard (an animal fat) — together these two elements form an exceptional emollient. 

Emollients help keep the skin’s natural barrier healthy and prevent moisture from evaporating through the skin. Another added benefit of IPM is that it enhances the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. Meaning that other key ingredients in your products can work in the deeper layers of the skin, not only on the surface. 

This all sounds great, but are there any downsides?

Yes.

IPM can be too much for oily skin types and lead to clogged pores. That’s why we’re using it in a body butter today, rather than in a face cream.

If you wanted to sell this non greasy body butter, be aware that IPM is not considered a “natural” ingredient since it’s a synthetic oil produced in a lab. So keep this in mind when labeling your goodies.

FAQs About This Non Greasy Shea Body Butter Recipe

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.

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 butters?

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 instead of rosehip seed 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, bergamot, for example).

Will the 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.

Now, let’s get to the interesting part:

How to Make this Otherworldly Whipped Non Greasy Body Butter

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you will I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Equipment needed:

• Medium sized bowl or pyrex (big enough to fit both beaters of a handheld mixer)
• Digital kitchen scale
• Handheld mixer or standing mixer
• Spatula
• Jars with lid for storing

Ingredients (makes 5.3oz / 150g of finished body butter that fills 2 x 4oz jars):

• Shea Butter (refined): 3.4oz / 97g
• Rosehip Seed Oil: 1oz / 30g
• Isopropyl Myristate: 0.77oz / 22g
• Orange Essential Oil: 30 drops
• Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: 6 drops
• Orange Mica (optional): a pinch

Instructions:

Measure out shea butter into a bowl

Whip shea butter on medium speed until smooth and airy

Measure out rosehip seed oil and mix it with shea butter until combined

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Scrape sides occasionally and whip some more

Add Isopropyl Myristate and whip

Add essential oils and whip

Add colorant (optional) whip until well combined

Transfer into air tight container and enjoy!

Until next time. Happy Tinkering!