My favourite Homemade Body Butter Recipe with just 4 ingredients.
This body butter formula is great if you are beginner or short on time and want to keep things nice and simple but still get the best results. This body butter is great for overall body care.
Why Homemade? You Can Ditch the Toxins
Have you checked the ingredients list of some of your favourite store-bought moisturiser and wondered what on earth am I putting on my body? It's really crazy the number of chemicals, preservatives and artificial fragrances that are in these creams. Unfortunately, a lot of synthetic moisturisers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feel even drier.
Natural Ingredients Your Skin Will Love
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about why homemade body butter is the ultimate skincare saviour. First and foremost, it's packed with nourishing, moisturizing ingredients that work wonders on dry, flaky skin. Here are our star ingredients of our DIY body butter recipe:
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural moisturiser rich in vitamins A, E, and F. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich and creamy and perfect for dry winter skin, easily absorbed without feeling greasy. If your skin is rough or flaky, shea butter is a great option.
Safflower Oil
This is a very lightweight luxurious oil that sinks right in- no greasy feeling! Helps restore your skin's natural glow and great for achieving that healthy, dewy look.
Benefits of the Body Butter
These natural ingredients work together to create a luxurious, velvety texture that melts into your skin, leaving it soft, supple, and deeply hydrated.
But the benefits of homemade body butter don't stop there. By making it yourself, you can avoid all the synthetic additives, preservatives, and fragrances that are often found in store-bought products. This means you're not only nourishing your skin, but you're also avoiding potentially harmful chemicals.
You can also read here more about the benefits of using a body butter.
Gather Your Ingredients
Alright, now that you're convinced that homemade body butter is the way to go, let's get started!
This non-greasy homemade body butter is made with all natural ingredients and melts on the skin on contact. Easy enough for beginners.
Active Time : Additional Time: Total Time:
20-25 minutes 20-30 minutes 45-55 minutes
Difficulty:
Easy
Here's what you'll need:
- 110g shea butter
- 105g safflower oil
- Vitamin E Oil- 1 g (for antioxidant preservation and skin repair)
- 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)
You can find all of these ingredients online. Just make sure to choose high-quality, organic versions for the best results. The above recipe will make approximately 220 grams of finished whipped body butter.
Jar size suggestions:
- Two 20ml (4oz )jars
- One 240ml (8oz) jar
Equipment
- Heat-safe glass bowl or double boiler
-
Small saucepan or pot
- Measuring scale (grams preferred)
-
Measuring spoons
– For small amounts like vitamin E
-
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
– For whipping your butter into a light, fluffy consistency. -
Rubber spatula
– To scrape down the sides of the bowl and transfer the butter
-
Clean, dry jars or tins with lids
– For storing your finished body butter (amber glass or metal tins are ideal). -
Paper towels or cloth + rubbing alcohol
– To sanitize your equipment and containers before use (optional but highly recommended).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the Butters and Oils: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, gently melt the shea butter and safflower oil, stirring occasionally until they're completely liquid.
- Cool and Whip: Remove the bowl from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge for an additional 30 minutes. This will help the mixture start to solidify. Once it's reached a soft, creamy consistency, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to whip the mixture for 2-3 minutes, until it's light and fluffy.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): If you'd like to scent your body butter, now's the time to add your favourite essential oils. Start with 10-15 drops and give it a good stir to incorporate.
- Transfer and Store: Spoon the whipped body butter into a clean, airtight container. I like to use a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, but you can use any container you have on hand. Store the body butter in a cool, dry place, and it should last for several months.
How to Fix Common Body Butter Mistakes:
1. It’s Grainy
Graininess usually comes from shea butter, which contains natural fatty acids that can crystallize if cooled too slowly.
How to fix it:
- Gently re-melt the butter using a double boiler (don’t microwave).
- Once fully melted, immediately place it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until solid.
Rapid cooling prevents the crystals from forming again.
Tip: For smoother texture, use a hand mixer to whip it once it starts to set.
2. It’s Too Hard
This happens when the recipe contains too much butter and not enough oil, or it wasn’t whipped enough.
How to fix it:
- Remelt and add a little more liquid oil (like grapeseed, safflower, or jojoba).
- Start with a teaspoon at a time. Re-whip the mix after cooling.
Tip: For warm-weather butter, use more oils and less solid butters.
3. It’s Too Soft or Melts Easily
Body butters can melt if stored in a hot room or made with too much oil.
How to fix it:
- Add more hard butters like shea or cocoa butter (not mango—it’s too soft).
- Store in a cool, dark place and avoid glass jars in sunlight.
Bonus Tip: Add a little arrowroot powder or tapioca starch during whipping for a less greasy, more stable finish.
How to Use Your Homemade Body Butter
Using your homemade body butter couldn't be simpler. Just scoop out a small amount (a little goes a long way!) and massage it into your skin, focusing on any dry, rough areas. The buttery, creamy texture will melt into your skin, leaving it nourished, hydrated, and oh-so-soft.
For best results, apply the body butter after showering or bathing, when your skin is still slightly damp. This will help lock in the moisture and ensure that your skin drinks up all the goodness.
And the best part? This body butter isn't just for your body - you can also use it on your face, hands, and feet for an all-over glow. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
Don't Want to DIY? We've Got You Covered!
Making your own body butter can be beautiful but sometimes , life is busy. If you're short on time (or just want a ready-made version that actually works), Wild Roots Body Butter is here for you.
We handcrafted it using the same skin-loving butters and oils found in our DIY recipe—like shea, mango, grapeseed oil, and sea buckthorn—but with a smoother, more luxurious feel. It melts into dry skin, soothes irritation, and supports your skin’s natural rhythm—no fillers, no fluff.
✨ Think of it as a first-aid kit for your skin—especially if you struggle with dryness, eczema, or sensitivity.
- Uncompromisingly natural
- Gentle enough for faces
- Made with intention
Here's what our customers have to say:
"It is very rare that I find a product that I want to rave about.
I have officially fallen in love with Wild and Rooted skincare products. These are seriously wonderful.
They are very soothing and light on the skin, after using for a couple of days on my son's horrible eczema flare ups ( which his GP is still not able to help with) the red puffy blisters started to reduce in size and after a week you can hardly notice them anymore. This has left his skin clearer and brighter. looking a lot more hydrated and moisturised
Thanks Wild & Rooted you are a lifesaver!"
"I absolutely love the body butters. The scents (wild citrus and wild lavender) smell so good, not overpowering. The texture is so smooth and it applies and absorbs really well. My skin feels so soft and hydrated after application. Love it."
"Love the body butters! My skin feels amazing and looks and feels hydrated all day long. They both smell good. I also applied the butter to a burn( hot oil caught my arm) and it left the area feeling soothed, no pain or redness."
FAQ
1. What is a body butter, and how is it different from lotion?
Body butter is a rich, oil-based moisturizer made from butters like shea, mango, or cocoa combined with nourishing oils. Unlike lotion, it contains no water, so it’s more concentrated, deeply hydrating, and longer-lasting—perfect for dry or eczema-prone skin.
2. Can I use body butter on my face?
Yes, but with care. Our Wild Roots Body Butter is rich, nourishing, and safe for the face, especially if your skin is very dry or sensitive. Just remember: a little goes a long way.
Because body butter is oil-based and concentrated, start with a tiny amount, about half a pea-sized dollop, pressed gently into damp skin.
3. How long does homemade body butter last?
If stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, your Homemade body butter should last 6 to 12 months. Adding vitamin E can help extend shelf life, but always use clean hands or a spatula to avoid contamination.
4. My body butter melted can I still use it?
Yes! Melting doesn’t affect its moisturizing power. Just pop it in the fridge for a firmer texture. The texture may change slightly, but the benefits stay the same.
5. Why does my body butter feel greasy?
Because it’s oil-based, body butter can feel heavy if too much is used. Try:
- Applying to damp skin right after a shower to help it absorb faster.
- Adding a little arrowroot powder to the recipe for a smoother, matte finish. Personally I prefer it without the arrowroot powder!
6. Is your Wild Roots Body Butter safe for sensitive skin or eczema?
Yes! Our Wild Roots Body Butter is handcrafted with mango butter, shea, grapeseed oil, and sea buckthorn—ingredients chosen to soothe and restore irritated, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. No synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or harsh fillers.