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    Home » Wellness Tips » DIY Skincare

    DIY Body Butter For Soft Skin

    Small mason jar with homemade body butter and sliced orange around it with text on top of the image.

    Nourish your skin and boost your mood with this DIY body butter recipe. Made with all-natural ingredients this body butter recipe uses real fruit zest (not essential oils) for its scent.

    I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here
    Small mason jar with homemade body butter and sliced orange around it.

    This citrus body butter is perfect for the winter months and makes a thoughtful gift for friends, family, and teachers!

    Note: this recipe uses the actual fruit instead of the essential oil for scent. If using the essential oil, do not apply the lotion and head outside. In particular, citrus oils are sensitive to the sun and can cause burns.

    Benefits Of The DIY Body Butter

    • all-natural
    • no chemicals
    • easy to make
    • cost-effective
    • super hydrating

    This is one of my go-to DIY body butter recipes because it's simple, hydrating, and keeps my skin smooth.

    Furthermore, since my skin has adjusted to natural products I find that traditional products only dry it out.

    Besides this, since our skin absorbs what it comes into contact with, I strive to make sure it encounters the best possible ingredients- which is why I always have DIY lotion on hand!

    The Ingredients 

    Sweet almond oil: is great to keep a DIY body butter smooth even when it's not a whipped body butter.

    Beeswax smells amazing but it also helps keep the lotion together and firm.

    Cocoa butter helps keep the DIY body butter rich. You can learn more about how to choose butters for a body butter recipe.

    Coconut oil especially has been shown to have healing and anti-bacterial benefits.

    Infusing the oil with grapefruit and orange keeps this homemade body butter refreshing, uplifting, and perfect for summer. When possible I like to use the real product, so the rinds in this case. However essential oils work also!

    Quick Tip: make sure you purchase beeswax pellets to make your life easier. I got the bright idea to buy blocks of beeswax... do you know how hard it is to cut beeswax?! I have to freeze it, hammer it, and then use it. Save yourself the trouble haha

    Mason jar with homemade body butter in it and orange zest on top.

    How To Make It

    1. In a double boiler, combine all ingredients.
    2. Bring to a rolling boil and let simmer for fifteen minutes.
    3. Stir frequently with a mini whisk until all ingredients are combined. Let boil for another two to three minutes so make sure the beeswax won't leave any chunks.
    4. Pour the mixture through a small mesh sieve into two small mason jars. If using essential oil, add in the oils and whisk to combine.
    5. Let sit on the counter for twenty four hours to set.

    How To Use The Body Butter 

    After you whip up a batch either selfishly hoard it to yourself or share it with friends! It makes a very thoughtful homemade spa gift.

    I find this cacao butter based recipe works best on legs. It's a bit oily for my face but that's what makes it perfect on my arms and legs.

    After you apply, let it sit on your skin for a couple of minutes before putting on clothes. This gives it time to absorb into your skin instead of any garments and means it won't stain your clothing either!

    The BEST DIY Beauty Products For Busy Moms

    Packed with quick, natural recipes that fit seamlessly into your busy mom life, giving you safe, glowing skin without the hassle!

    The DIY Beauty Ebook For Busy Moms contains 21 easy-to-make beauty recipes from lip chaps, to lotions, and scrubs to washes.

    Image a homemade body butter with text on the image.

    You'll also learn the exact tricks I stumbled through on my journey and how to avoid them.

    And BONUS, if you're into the self care vibe, this bundle comes with a guide to start journaling, tips to make self-care a habit, as well as the grocery list you need to make everything.. all for just $9.99.

    GRAB THE BEAUTY PRODUCTS NOW

    Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Body Butter

    What's the difference between whipped body butter and non?

    Whipped body butter is whipped after it sets to create a really light, airy texture. Non-whipped body butter has the same nourishing properties but is thicker.

    What are the best butters for DIY body butter?

    Cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter, and macadamia butter are all amazing in a homemade body butter recipe. Each one will have it's own benefits for your skin but all of them will help nourish and hydrate.

    Other DIY Recipes You'll Like

    • DIY chocolate lip balm
    • DIY body butter with beeswax
    • Homemade anxiety bath bombs
    • Do's & don't of homemade lotion
    • How and why to make bath bombs
    Small mason jar with homemade body butter and sliced orange around it.
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    Citrus Body Butter

    A six-ingredient body butter recipe with coconut to nourish your skin and boost your mood! This citrus homemade body butter uses real fruit zest (not essential oils) for its amazing scent and is made with all-natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax.
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    1 day day
    Total Time 1 day day 35 minutes minutes
    Servings 2 jars
    Author fitasamamabear

    Equipment

    • Double Boiler
    • Mini Whisk
    • Mini Mason Jars

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup almond oil
    • 4 tbs coconut oil
    • 4 tbs beeswax
    • 2 tbs cocoa butter
    • 1 tbs orange zest
    • 1 tbs grapefruit zest

    Instructions

    • In a double boiler, combine all ingredients (except oils if using). Bring to a rolling boil and let simmer for fifteen minutes.
    • Stir frequently with a mini whisk until all ingredients are combined. Let boil for another two to three minutes so make sure the beeswax won't leave any chunks.
    • Pour the mixture through a small mesh sieve into two small mason jars. If using essential oils, add in the oils and whisk to combine.
    • Let sit on the counter for twenty for hours to set.

    Video

    Notes

    If using an essential oil in place of the zest, add 5-7 drops of each. But make sure not to use this on your face or shoulders and head out into the sun. And like anything else, make sure to use pure essential oils if you want to reap the best benefits.
    This recipe uses a base of coconut oil which means that the lip balm will be softer if stored in warmer temperatures.
    The DIY body butter will last 3-5 months so long as liquid doesn't get into the jar.
    Not sure where to purchase the ingredients? I created a DIY Beauty Product Ingredients for just that purpose!

     

     

    If you're looking for a hydrating, uplifting, and easy to make DIY body butter recipe with coconut oil- this is it!

    The combination of cocoa butter and coconut oil makes your skin smooth and soft. Plus, the orange and grapefruit scents make you feel refreshed.

    More Diy Skin Care Products For Busy Moms

    • Whipped shaving lotion in an amber jar with a blue linen and calendula flowers around it.
      Best DIY Shaving Cream (Nourishing!)
    • Glass jar with DIY leave in conditioner in it on a wooden board with a linen behind it.
      Homemade Leave In Conditioner [3 Ingredients]
    • Metal tin with homemade deodorant in it and a blue linen behind it.
      All Natural Homemade Deodorant
    • Small bottle with homemade face toner in it with cotton pads, calendula, and a linen around it.
      Homemade Face Toner with Calendula

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bianca

      July 20, 2017 at 5:13 pm

      I feel like this would make a great lip balm too! I wish I wasn't allergic to citrus 🙁

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 20, 2017 at 5:20 pm

        Oh no! That would kill me being allergic to citrus! Vanilla would be a yummy one too though 🙂

        Reply
    2. Leigh

      July 20, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      Love this! Cant wait to try it. It's so nice to know what you're putting on your skin!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 20, 2017 at 11:23 pm

        Yes! I love knowing what's in my products and so much better when it's simple

        Reply
    3. Shauna

      July 20, 2017 at 5:38 pm

      I never thought to make my own beauty products, but I can definitely see the benefits since I do tend to have sensitive skin. I'm sure this must smell so delicious and perfect for the summer months!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 20, 2017 at 11:23 pm

        I never used to but got into homemade products about four years ago and now I love it! They're so simple it's awesome:)

        Reply
    4. Christie Moeller

      July 21, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      This sounds fantastic. I love DIY beauty products. I think my fav would be a vanilla/bergamot blend.

      xoxo Christie
      https://icanstyleu.com/blog/

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 22, 2017 at 12:02 am

        Ohh I haven't played around too much with bergamot- I'll need to give it a try! I struggle getting the scent right with vanilla as I find it doesn't come out as much as I'd like it to most of the time. I freaking love the smell though!

        Reply
    5. Jos

      July 21, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      I love homemade beauty products! I'll have to try some of these soon...especially that foot lotion! Looks so creamy!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 22, 2017 at 12:03 am

        I love knowing what's in my beauty products and they're so easy to make! I love the foot lotion- it forces you to rub it in lol

        Reply
    6. Monika

      July 21, 2017 at 8:01 pm

      Wow! it looks great. I have never tried to make it home and now would love to give it a try.
      Monika

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 22, 2017 at 12:04 am

        Diy beauty products are super simple (and oh so worth it) let me know if you give it try!

        Reply
    7. Luci

      July 22, 2017 at 10:48 pm

      Ooooo, that looks like it will smell really good and feel good as well.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 23, 2017 at 12:39 am

        Smells amazing! And definitely hydrating

        Reply
    8. Tracey

      July 24, 2017 at 10:03 pm

      I am going to try this with my boyfriend. He has really dry patches on his legs and this might take care of it. Plus that it's all natural!!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 25, 2017 at 12:01 am

        Definitely give it a shot- the oils make it insanely hydrating so give it a moment to absorb before putting pants/clothes on. Good luck!

        Reply
    9. Katie/Celebrating With The Bug.

      July 26, 2017 at 1:43 am

      I need to try making this my hands are ridiculously dry!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 26, 2017 at 3:36 pm

        It's a great one, super moisturizing and smells so yummy!

        Reply
    10. Zarah

      July 17, 2020 at 2:36 pm

      Hi how did you get the two different brown colours also the even darker bit half way up the bar I can see peaking out ?

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        July 18, 2020 at 4:54 pm

        Hey There,
        My apologies I'm not quite sure what you mean. There's no "bar" in this recipe? The color between the lotion versus it in the jar is from boiling the rinds into it. Not sure if that helps?

        Reply
    11. nidhi

      November 19, 2021 at 8:23 am

      what is the shelf life of this product

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        November 19, 2021 at 12:37 pm

        Shelf life is an "it depends". Technically there is no preservative in it so roughly 4-6 weeks. However, in my experience, so long as you don't get water in it (don't use wet hands to dip into the jar etc) it can last up to six months.

        Reply

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