Making body butter at home is a natural and very beneficial way for those looking to have smooth silky skin without introducing unwanted chemicals and dyes into their beauty regimen. This butter can be made in just a few hours and can last for months if stored properly.

Butters

Shea butter is full of antioxidants and vitamins and its fat is derived from the nut of the African shea tree. This butter has an ivory color when raw and is classified as a saturated fat and can be eaten in moderation, I have never tested this theory so reading and following the manufacturer’s product directions and cautions is highly advised. Benefits of this butter on the skin are amazing. It is a natural SPF, softens skin, calms irritating skin from sunburn.

Cocoa butter is extracted from the cocoa bean and much like shea butter has antioxidants and it is also edible, again I have not tested this theory so please follow the manufacturer’s product directions and cautions. This butter has a pale-yellow color and a cocoa aroma that is unmistakable. The benefits of this butter are most notably for penetrating the skin and healing stretch marks from pregnancy.

Oils

Coconut oil is derived from the meat and milk of the coconut milk and meat of the fruit and is edible, I have tested this theory, and melts easily at warm temperatures and solidifies at regular or cooler temperatures. Benefits include skin protection and hydration.

Olive oil, a liquid fat, is derived from pressing whole olives together and extracting the oil. This oil has many uses such as frying foods, making salad dressings and of course skin care. It helps to moisturize the skin and helps reduce the signs of aging.

Essential oils, depending on the type you choose, can either boost energy, relax the body and mind, or even improve skin conditions. Please do your research before using it may be best to wait a day before using the body butter to avoid skin irritation.

Supplies

·Glass or stainless steel bowel, stock pot, wooden spoon, Hand mixer, Glass

container.

Butters- ½C Raw Shea Butter, ½ C Cocoa Butter

·Oils- ½ C Coconut oil, ½ C Olive or any oil that helps maintain skin hydration, and (optional) 1 TSP your choice Essential oils

·Vitamin E (optional)

Step 1: Step 1. Melt

•Step 1. Melt

•Add enough water to the Stock pot to touch the bottom of the bowel. Add butters and oils to bowel and allow to melt, about 5-10 minutes. * Note butters can be added first as they take a little longer to melt

Step 2: Step 2. Chill

• Once all butters and oils have mixed completely, place the bowel in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour or until your mix has solidified

Step 3: Step 3. Mix

•After your mixture has solidified, use the hand mixer to start whipping your butter. at this point you can add your choice of essential oils and vitamin E. *Note most of the butters and oils contain vitamin E so adding extra is by choice only, this wont effect your butter consistency.

Step 4: Step 4. Store

•Add your mixture to your glass container before your butter begins to liquify. I recommend using glass containers when using essential oils as plastic containers can contribute to breaking down the oil.