January 02, 2022

How to make a luxurious homemade whipped shea and cocoa body butter

Why Body Butter?

Any type of butter is thicker than lotion and contains less water. This means that it will take longer to penetrate the skin and therefore will sit on the skin which will soften and moisturise even the tougher driest parts of your body such as your knees, elbows, and feet. This is why at AMI London, we only use Grade A organic unrefined raw shea butter.

Why Shea Butter?

Shea butter works as an emollient that softens and hydrates especially dry skin. Because it contains several types of fatty acids — including lineoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids — it is able to improve the skin's natural barrier. Shea butter is also known to protect the skin from damage from the environment like pollutants and sun burns. Shea butter contains an estimated SPF of 3 to 4 but it is still important to apply spf of 50.

Why Cocoa Butter?

Cocoa butter contains a high amount of fatty acids which helps to hydrate the skin. This makes it well-suited as a primary ingredient in body butters. The fat in cocoa butter also creates a protective barrier that holds in moisture and prevents your skin from drying.

Why Whipped Butter?

Whipping your body body butter allows for the application process to be easier and smoother whilst still keeping the benefits of the body butter - best of both worlds!

How to Make Our Bestselling Shea and Cocoa Body Butter

This body butter is great for everyone including babies and those with sensitive skin. Essential oils can can be added to make it a custom gift for anyone (or to keep for yourself!). But do make sure that the essential oil you choose to use is safe for babies. Or better yet, enjoy the delicious scent of the natural cocoa butter used in this formulation. Click here to purchase our best selling shea and cocoa body butter.

DIY Whipped Body Butter Recipe

The combination of shea and cocoa butter with two nourishing oils makes a highly moisturising combination, but whipping the mix helps it go on smoothly without being oily.

Active Time - 25 mins

Chilling time -1 hr 10 mins

Total Time -1 hr 35 mins

Equipment:

Double boiler or bowl placed over a pan of water
Glass rod
Glass Beakers

Ingredients:

½ cup shea butter
½ cup cocoa butter
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup almond oil (or jojoba, or apricot oil)
10-30 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

In a double boiler or glass bowl, combine just the butters and coconut oil, keep the other oils and essential oils aside.
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until all ingredients are melted.
Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
Add the almond oil, jojoba oil or apricot oil and stir again for a few minutes.
Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour or until the mixture is starting to harden around the edges.
Stir in the essential oils if using.
Use a hand mixer to whip for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
Store in a glass jar with a lid and use as you would regular lotion or body butter. Remember to store in a cool dark place and keep away from sunlight/heat.
Keep for yourself, or give away! Enjoy!

Notes

Cocoa butter, shea butter, and mango butter are all interchangeable in this recipe. If you only have one or two on hand, feel free to substitute or play with different proportions.