DIY Body Butter: A Whipped And All Natural Recipe

Body butter has become a staple in so many beauty routines—touted as the ultimate solution for dry, mature, or sensitive skin. But here’s the kicker: most store-bought versions are just as packed with harsh synthetics, artificial fragrances, and chemical fillers as the very products we’re trying to avoid.

Just flip the label of any conventional cream and you’ll find a chemistry set of unpronounceables that don’t belong anywhere near your skin.

That’s why we started making our own DIY body butter.

We wanted something that was naturally nourishing—without the synthetics, greenwashed branding, or $30+ price tag. So we went back to basics with rich, skin-loving ingredients.

And the result? A thick and creamy (but non-greasy) moisturizer that melts effortlessly into the skin. It’s ultra-hydrating, smells amazing (especially if you add a few drops of essential oil), and is surprisingly easy to make in just a few steps. Plus, it’s totally customizable—whether you’re after calming lavender or chamomile, or something scent-free for sensitive skin.

It gives your skin exactly what it needs—and nothing it doesn’t.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make shea butter cream yourself, boy do we have the answer for you!

This rich and creamy honey whipped body butter recipe is perfect for dry or sensitive skin. The combination of shea butter and coconut oil provides intense hydration, while the addition of almond oil helps keep your skin soft and smooth all day long.

Ingredients:

• Shea Butter (1/4 cup): Shea butter is a deeply moisturizing ingredient that provides long-lasting hydration and helps to restore the skin’s natural elasticity. It’s great for dry skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coconut Oil (2 tbsp): Coconut oil helps lock in moisture and has natural antibacterial properties, making it perfect for keeping skin soft and healthy.
• Almond Oil (1 tbsp): Almond oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which promote skin health by improving elasticity and preventing dryness.
• Jojoba Oil (1 tbsp): Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it easily absorbed and helping to balance hydration levels.
• Raw Honey (½ tbsp): A natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to keep it soft and hydrated. It also has antibacterial and soothing properties.
• Essential Oils (5-10 drops, optional): For a natural fragrance and additional skincare benefits, you can add essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or frankincense, all of which have soothing and calming effects.

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together until fully liquefied.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the almond oil, jojoba oil, and honey.
3. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding your chosen essential oils (if using).
4. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the mixture starts to solidify around the edges.
5. Once it’s starting to firm up, use a hand mixer to whip the mixture for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. If you don’t have a hand mixer, whisk vigorously with a whisk or fork. Note that we personally find it helpful to whip the half-hardened formula for a few minutes, place it back in the fridge for another 10 minutes or so, and then continue to whip. This cuts down on the time needed to whip, which is helpful if not using an electric hand mixer.
6. Transfer the whipped body butter into a glass jar or airtight container and store at room temperature.
7. Apply to your skin as needed, especially after a shower or when your skin feels dry.

For more nourishing skin care solutions, check out our DIY Body Moisturizer recipes.

Body butter might look and feel luxurious—but that doesn’t mean it has to come with a luxury price tag. With a few nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, you can make your own rich, hydrating body butter at home for a fraction of the cost.

This recipe comes in at just about $4.59 for 4 fl oz (around $1.14 per ounce). Compare that to store-bought versions that run $20 or more for the same size, and you’re looking at savings of over $15 per batch—without the synthetic fillers or fancy packaging. Here’s how it breaks down.

All Natural Body Butter Recipe

• Shea Butter: $8 for an 8 oz tub (~$2.00 for ¼ cup)
• Coconut Oil: $9 for an 16 fl oz tub (~$0.56 for 2 tbsp)
• Sweet Almond Oil: $7 for an 8 fl oz bottle (~$0.57 for 1 tbsp)
• Jojoba Oil: $7 for a 4 fl oz bottle (~$0.87 for 1 tbsp)
• Honey: $11 for a 32 oz bottle (if not organic) (~$0.09 for 1/2 tbsp)
• Essential Oils: $7 for 1 fl oz bottle (~$0.05 for 5-10 drops)

Cost per batch: ~$4.59 (recipe makes about 4 fl oz, equivalent to $1.14 per fl oz)

Store-Bought Equivalent: ~$20 for an 8 fl oz jar (e.g., Glimmer Goddess and similar mid-tier natural skincare brands)

Savings per Batch: $5.41

Many popular body butters—especially the ones lining big box store shelves—are packed with more than just moisture. So much so that they can do more harm than good, especially for sensitive or dry skin.

Here are just a few common culprits hiding in store-bought moisturizers:

• Parabens: These preservatives are linked to hormone disruption and can irritate sensitive skin.

• Synthetic Fragrances: Often made with hidden chemical blends that can trigger allergies, rashes, or even migraines.

• Phthalates: Commonly used to make fragrance last longer—but tied to hormone disruption and other serious health concerns.

• Petrolatum & Mineral Oil: These petroleum by-products can clog pores and create a barrier that keeps skin from breathing properly.

• Drying Alcohols: Certain types (like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) can strip your skin’s natural oils, leading to even more dryness over time.

When you make your own DIY face cream, homemade body lotion or any DIY beauty product, you skip all of that—and give your skin the clean, nourishing care it deserves.