DIY Body Butter (For Better, Buttery Bums)

One of the most common misconceptions that folks have about low waste living is that luxurious skincare is off the table. It’s true that many popular skincare brands have yet to switch over to plastic-free packaging, but there are a multitude of ways to pamper your skin without creating trash. It helps to have this magical DIY body butter recipe tucked away, which keeps skin moisturized and buttery-smooth while keeping waste to the bare minimum. With just a few bulk ingredients and a mixer (or a strong arm), you can experience this dreamy body butter and soon forget all about that overpriced cream in your cupboard. This recipe is also safe for tiny, baby bums and animal paws, and we find it to be particularly useful for tired hands post-gardening.

DIY Body Butter with Jojoba and Shea

INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup Jojoba Oil
¼ cup Shea Butter
¼ cup Mango Butter or  Cocoa Butter*
Optional: 1½ tsp. Arrowroot Powder**
Options: 10-15 drops Essential Oil

*Mango Butter lends itself to a softer final product with a more subtle scent, while Cocoa Butter creates a firmer texture and chocolatey-smell, as it comes from cocoa beans.
**Arrowroot Powder is a popular additive for body butters to cut through the greasy feel
TOOLS:
Saucepan
Medium sized bowl that can fit atop the saucepan
Small bowl
Whisk
Glass jar or lidded container
Recommended: Hand or Stand Mixer

How To Make DIY Body Butter:

• Fill your saucepan with a few inches of water and place the medium sized bowl on top. The base of the bowl should make contact with the water but not be touching the bottom of the pan.
• Place butters in the bowl and melt over low-medium heat.
• If using arrowroot powder, pour jojoba oil into your separate small bowl, add powder and whisk together until combined.
• Remove the butter bowl from heat and stir-in the jojoba mixture.
• Allow the butter and oil mixture to cool slightly until the bowl is no longer warm.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the mixture has solidified and is cold to the touch.
• If using, add essential oils.
• Using your whisk or mixer, whip the mixture until it takes on a light and airy consistency (this can take anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes depending on the temperature).
• Scoop your butter into your container.

This decadent DIY body butter can last up to six months if you use a clean spoon or small spatula for scooping, or four months if you use your fingers. Apply as needed to legs, arms, hands, and chest for deep moisture.

Enjoy!