Learn how to make this nourishing DIY whipped body butter recipe. Just a few simple, all natural, clean ingredients including shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and essential oils will give you hydrated and moisturized skin.
This DIY whipped body butter recipe is perfect for dry skin in the cooler months.
Read all the way to the end for a free printable label.
I never notice a need for moisturizer throughout the rest of the year. In the winter, when the wood stove is burning, and I’m taking long hot baths, my skin gets so dry. This body butter goes on smooth and is so nourishing for the skin.
Anything that you put on your skin can absorb right into your body. That is why I love making my own homemade products. All the ingredients are pure enough to eat. We really shouldn’t put anything on our bodies that we wouldn’t put in our mouths.
For this recipe you only need one part each of four basic ingredients: shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and olive oil. I also add in essential oils for scent and their amazing health properties.
Cocoa butter has the most delicious chocolate smell. It pairs well with lavender essential oil or wild orange. The smell is amazing!
This post contains affiliate links. See my full disclosure HERE.
A note on the ingredients
When I first started making my own personal care and household products, I worried I would never use up all the ingredients. Now I know the same basic ingredients can be used to make so many things!
You can modify this recipe just slightly to make homemade diaper cream and sunscreen. Just add non-nano zinc oxide.
Beeswax can be used to make hand poured candles and DIY lip balm. Get another variation of my DIY All Natural Lavender Cocoa Sunscreen HERE.
I also use cocoa butter to make Homemade Superfood Chocolate.
If you invest in these basic ingredients, they will be put to good use!
Tips For Making DIY Body Butter
- This makes a really great gift for friends and family – you can find my homemade gift basket here. Check out the printable labels below.
- Add some zinc oxide to this recipe to make it a sunscreen.
- You can double or triple this recipe.
- Be careful using citrus oils, like lemon or orange, since they can make your skin photosensitive. If you do use them, don’t go out in the sun for awhile. Or, simply use this body butter at night.
- This recipe will last about 3-6 months.
Watch The Video tutorial
Ingredients & Tools
- Coconut oil – is moisturizing, can help promote wound healing, and has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. (source)
- Olive oil – is very moisturizing, promotes wound healing while also having anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil can also have anti-aging properties. (source)
- Cocoa butter (this is what I use) – can help keep in moisture by giving skin a protective barrier.
- Shea butter (this is what I use) – is rich in antioxidants, highly moisturizing, and promotes skin healing.
- Essential oil (optional)
Half Pint Wide Mouth Mason Jars
How To Make Whipped Body Butter
1. Melt the coconut oil, olive oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter in a double boiler over low to medium heat. I just use a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water.
2. Put the mixture in the freezer until it is firm. You don’t want it to be completely hard. Just firm enough that when you push your finger into it, the mold stays. (See video)
3. Add in your favorite essential oil.
4. Whip the butter using a stand mixer or handheld mixer until it is light and fluffy. This will take 5-10 minutes.
5. Store in a glass mason jar with a lid. I like to use a wide mouth half-pint mason jar, so I can get the lotion out easily.
Grab The Printable!
Download your free printable labels HERE.
DIY Body Butter FAQ
How long does homemade body butter last?
When stored in a clean and air-tight container, this homemade body butter will last 3-6 months.
How do I make my body butter less greasy?
Luckily, whipped body butter can be less greasy then regular body butter. You can also add a teaspoon or two of arrowroot starch to make it less greasy.
More All Natural Body And Beauty Products
- Best All Natural Makeup
- DIY All Natural Lavender Cocoa Sunscreen
- How to Make Deodorant with Essential Oils
- Easiest DIY Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
- Homemade Lavender Sugar Scrub
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone
DIY Whipped Body Butter
Learn how to make this nourishing DIY whipped body butter recipe. This rich and hydrating recipe is ultra moisturizing. It's the perfect gift for the holidays.
Materials
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup cocoa butter (this is what I use)
- 1/2 cup shea butter (this is what I use)
- 40 drops of essential oil (optional)
Tools
- Double Boiler
- Stand mixer
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil, olive oil, cocoa butter and shea butter in a double boiler. I just use a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water.
- Put the liquid in the freezer until it is firm. You don't want it to be completely hard. Just firm enough that when you push your finger into it, the mold stays. (See video)
- Add in your favorite essential oil.
- Whip the butter using a stand mixer or hand held mixer.
- Store in a glass mason jar with a lid. I like to use a wide mouth half-pint mason jar, so I can get the lotion out easily.
Notes
- Add some zinc oxide to this recipe to make it a sunscreen.
- You can double or triple this recipe.
- Be careful using citrus oils, like lemon or orange, since they can make your skin photosensitive. If you do use them, don’t go out in the sun for awhile. Or use it at night.
- This recipe will last about 3-6 months.
Jill says
Hello,
I made this for myself as a tester and love it! I have tried every expensive and inexpensive lotion/ointment out there to get me and my skin through a Maine winter. I put this on in the morning after a shower and I am good until the next day. Wow
I also make a variation of this for gifts. Instead of the lavender, I added 1 TBS of organic pure vanilla extract. Smells amazing. I will look for vanilla essential oil at a later time.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Lisa says
Oh I bet you need a little moisturizer to make it through a Maine winter. I love the idea of using vanilla. I’ve always wondered how that would work for scent. I bet is smells amazing! Merry Christmas to you also Jill!
Bomma says
Hi,
When you say vanilla extract, do you mean the same as the one that is used for baking. I want to try this out
Patsy says
Is the whipped body butter supposed to be so greasy? I followed the recipe
Lisa says
It is definitely greasier than convention lotion, but not near as oily as using straight coconut oil or something. I think it goes on nicely, especially for an all natural product.
PAtsy says
Thank you Lisa
Shannob says
I add a teaspoon or 2 of arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or tapioca starch. Helps cut down on the greasy feeling and takes nothing away from the moisturizing.
Sarah says
Do you have any recipes for shampoo and conditioners?
Lisa says
I don’t, but I would love to find some good ones.
Letisha says
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Lisa says
No. 🙂
Julie says
Is this a hard lotion ? Or does it stay soft ? Thanks!!
Tamaryn says
Hi, thanks for this recipe. What is the shelf life of this lotion? I just found your website and YouTube channel recently and am enjoying your content a lot. Tam
Lisa says
Hi Tam! I would say it lasts at least a couple years. I made up a big batch a few years ago and we are still using some of it. I don’t know if that’s the official correct answer, but that’s what we do! 😉
Cindy says
Hi Lisa,
I can’t wait to make a few jars of these – thanks so much for the recipe. I am having a hard time finding cocoa butter, I was wondering whether there’s a substitute?
Lisa says
The cocoa butter adds a really nice smell, but you could probably get away with shea butter in its place. 🙂 They have many options on Amazon for cocoa butter.
Cindy says
Wondeful, thanks so much Lisa 🙂
Kristina says
How much Zinc do you add to this recipe to make diaper cream?
Thanks. I’m looking forward to trying this out!
Lisa says
1/2 cup, just like in this sunscreen recipe: https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/farmhouse-on-boone/diy-all-natural-lavender-cocoa-sunscreen/ 🙂
Kristina says
Thank you!!
Torrie says
Can cornstarch be added to cut down on the greasiness?
Lisa says
I’ve never thought about thst, but it sounds like a good idea! Or maybe arrowroot powder.
julie says
Hi!
Lisa!!
i made my whipped body butter and fallow your recipe ,but about 3 weeks ago and it went like black spats all over the jar inside the lotion
what do you think i did wrong?
thanks!!
Maureen says
Hmm I wonder if there was too much moisture in your jar? Like maybe you washed it and left it wet? Or froze too long and the moisture built up? Interesting and That’s so sad! I have not dont this as body butter but I put all those ingredients on my body lol I do make a jar of face cream and I dont freeze the ingredients. I just whisk and mush them… not as fluffy and pretty but works great! I hope you get a real answer.
Kay says
I look forward to trying this recipe! I’ve been experimenting with making natural lotions and have yet to find one that provides consistent results.
Daliese says
Hi Lisa,
I have been watching your videos about how to make natural body and household products. I am eager to make my own. I would like to start with a facial moisturizer. What would you suggest?
Thank you
Darlene says
Do you know if there is a means of substituting and adding a type of soy based product instead?
Note: Years ago Avon had a natural line of Soy based products, labeled Wellness Line, that included a moisturizing lotion that i used and was “very” effective on eczema. However, like most products they’ve dropped the entire Wellness Line and other product brands I’ve tried have not worked. Now, I have niece that is only 3 months old and she appears to have eczema on her face and Dr’s want to give her meds most likely steroids. Her mom had an extremely severe case and suffered most of her childhood, even with meds. She still has breakouts even now. Women in our family seem to genetically experience this dilemma to some degree of sorts.
PLEASE, if you can advise I would greatly appreciate it.
Michele says
I made a similar recipe to this with a while back just shea butter, coconut oil and lavender EO for my son’s eczema and it took it away with just a few applications. I can’t wait to try this one! ?
Lisa says
Enjoy!
Katie says
Hi Darlene
I would try using a goat milk based wash and lotion. My mother in law is and RN at our hospital and works with the new baby’s and she recommends this to new mothers.
Erin says
Have you tried it with anything different than olive oil?
Nicole says
Hi! I’m having trouble finding shea butter. As I don’t live in the US I cannot follow the Amazon link. I’ve read that shea butter can have a bad smell. Is that so? Could I try this recipe with only cacao butter? Thank you! 🙂
Caylie says
I bought the same cocoa butter and it came in hard pieces- how much would you say you’d use for it to be one cup?
Lisa says
I just estimate 🙂
Misty L Volinski says
Do you know if this is stable in the summer? I have tried several recipes that are either way too solid in the winter or end up like soup in the summer. Any ideas?
Lisa says
It stays stable in the summer. We use it year round!
Jennifer says
Hi Lisa! This looks wonderful! Do you know how many jars this makes? I want to make coworker employee gifts for 8!
Lisa says
You may want to double the recipe for the half pint jars, if you are making them for 8! 🙂
Ann says
I tried your recipe this evening. I had a little difficulty figuring out when to get it out of the freezer so that I could whip it with the mixer. I missed it the first time (it froze too hard) and had to re-heat. I plan to include the body butter in gift baskets for my sister-in-laws for Christmas. I tried a little of the body butter and really like it so far. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Julie says
I had the same problem with the freezer. Need some tips!
Julie says
Is the consistency really oily or did I add too much of something?
Lisa says
It is definitely more oily than regular lotion.
Carolyn says
I love your body butter. I add a touch of beeswax (we keep bees and it is good clean stuff) to help retain moisture. We live in the high desert with humidity through out the year around 10 – 13%. I also love to play with different oils with the shea and cocoa butters. Thank you for your ideas.
Caitlin White says
Hi, how much bees wax do you add please?
Lauren says
I made this last year and can’t wait to make it again! My skin is dry from the summer!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
My skin gets so dry in the winter and I need this!
Suzy says
My kids have such a terrible time in the winter with their skin! Will definitely be trying this out this winter! Thanks!
Julie says
Can you tell me how many jars you can get out of 1 pound of shea butter and 1 pound of cocoa butter?
Nikki says
Could I use avocado oil in stead of olive oil?
Thanks!
Leana says
At what stage would you add arrowroot flour to make it less greasy? And how much?
Heather says
I added tapioca starch after the freezer before whipping. Just a tablespoon or two.
wilhelmina says
This stuff is unbelievably fluffy and so luxurious! I am making a batch for gift for the holidays!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
My skin is SO bad right now! This works great!
Beth says
Is there a way to make the body butter without cocoa butter? I don’t like the smell of cocoa butter.
Thanks
Sheila says
WhenI tried to access your source for cocoa butter,it would not let me.
What is your source?
Thank you so much,
Sheila
Carter says
Hello,
Thank you for sharing these recipes? I would like to know, where did you find the pictured containers that you used to hold and store the whipped shea butter? I haven’t been able to find any so far, and the containers that you have pictured look perfect! I would love to use those. Thank you in advance for your help!
Carter says
*Thank you for sharing these recipes.
Lisa says
I found them on Brambleberry soap supply. You can find them here: https://www.brambleberry.com/shop-by-product/packaging/jars/4-oz-plastic-bail-jar/V000431.html
CarolCazz says
I’m looking forward to try this recipe but like Beth JAN 3, ..you haven’t replied to her as yet?… (I love to eat chocolate 😋)but I don’t like the smell on my body…
Does cocoa butter smell like chocolate??
If so, can we use a substitute, like bees wax or leave it out cocoa butter… do you actually smell the chocolate aroma from the Cocoa Butter? LUV your blog and vids!!! Much love Carol🌹
Stacey says
The Amazon link for the cocoa butter appears to be broken. Could you please relink it? I would like to see what kind you buy. Thanks!
Beatrice says
Love your recipe! Just wanted to know, can I add spf to it? If so how much would you suggest?
Christine says
Is there anything I can do to make it less greasy. Like, it’s really, really greasy. It looks beautiful and smells wonderful, but it’s way too greasy. Ideas???
Carmen says
Lisa,
Thank you so much for sharing. I tried the whipped body butter. Did not pack in the cocoa butter, I kind of shaved it to 1/2 cup. Did not mis while melting. I put in freezer. Put lavender and whipped. It is extremely greasy. Can I put arrow root powder after I’ve done everything? Should I melt it all down again, add more cocoa butter and then put arrow root powder?
Please help.
Thank you so much
Beverly Santillano says
Question how do you know how much essential oil is safe for adults and children in this recipe?
Lindsey says
Hi, I tried your recipe for body butter (not the whipped one, just plain) from your book and it still isn’t solidifying. Does it usually take a while or should it happen pretty quick?
Mandy says
Hi Lisa, do you have a summer recipe for body/face cream? The weather is finally getting warmer in Canada, no complain there, but I’m wondering if buttery oily creams will feel too heavy? As always, looking forward to your next video.
Georgia says
Love this recipe! I tried to subscribe to your blog but it’s not working. Please help.
Donna Bussell says
Lisa – some friends and I get together once a week and make various items. We just made your whipped body butter (saw it in the Willow and Sage magazine). Ours turned out yellow not white as shown. We used the same ingredients – for the cocoa butter we used the pastilles- not sure if the measurement
is the same as other forms.
It does smell nice and was easy to make.
Thank you
Donna
June says
I am wondering if this will hep my dry itchy skin.
Donna says
Where in the world did you get the mixer? That is the cutest thing and appears to work great.
Linda says
Love the body butter! May I add colloidal oatmeal to it & if so how much do you suggest?
idealglow says
Thanks so much for impacting us with your knowledge and time you spend to do research we appreciate.
hydrafacial new york says
Thanks so much for impacting us with your knowledge and time you spend to do research we appreciate.
Lilo says
This worked really well
Smitty says
Recipe says “(see video)” by the step for when to tell to take it out of the freezer. But I can NOT find the video. Help!
Thanks for doing this
Barbara says
Is there a reason you don’t melt these in the microwave? Thank hou.
Lisa says
I don’t have one haha. It could be done though.
Alexandra says
Hello! I’m about to make this for the first time and I would just like to ask, perhaps next time you make it you could weigh the ingredients? Measuring by weight instead of cups is so much easier – especially when some of the ingredients are solid!
Lisa says
Very true! I’m slowly, but surely trying to add more weights to my recipes.
Claudia says
I would like to learn and thank you 🙏
Wanda Roberts says
I was looking for where you got your coco butter, shea and lavendar. I love the way you teach and show us how. Thank you so much.
Lisa says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this blog! The Shea butter: https://www.amazon.com/Unrefined-Ivory-Butter-Grade-smellgood/dp/B00D62IU9M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1512178500&sr=1-12&keywords=shea+butter&linkCode=sl1&tag=farmhouseonbo-20&linkId=bd495fdb2da554069e0320eec7bc8f64
coco butter: https://www.amazon.com/Unrefined-Cocoa-Butter-Pregnancy-Moisturizing/dp/B0155I3I3W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=cocoa+butter&qid=1588787393&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMkNRREczSjZUMldCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTQ3Nzc4M09YT0FEVU43RUdVVyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTA0MTg2M05BWTNOR0RVMkhJViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=&linkCode=sl1&tag=farmhouseonbo-20&linkId=fa97e5d28c5e5711c641d7123d6c8dd8&language=en_US
(these are affiliate links)
Leni says
Thanks so much for this recipe. I am going to try it soon!
Lisa says
Hope you enjoy it!
Kinga says
Hi!
I was wondering if I could use mango butter, instead of, for example, shea one 🙂 do you maybe know if it could work?
Lisa says
I haven’t tried that, but I don’t know why it wouldn’t work! If you try it, let us know!
Gracefully Elegant says
Do you recommend olive oil over almond oil? I recently made some body butter using almond oil. I didn’t like the greasiness, I used shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, lavender essential oil, kaolin clay, arrowroot powder, and a little cornstarch. It works, but I don’t like the greasiness.
Lisa says
I think they are both equally greasy. The clay and arrow root should help though.
Roxanne says
I was wondering what is the best olive oil to use. There are so many brands, I want to use the correct one.
Thank you
Lisa says
I usually just use an organic one. Typically, I buy mine from Thrive Market.
Anita says
Do you have the recipe listed out by weight too?
Lisa says
Not on this one. Sorry!