These cold winter days really have my dry skin craving some moisture… or maybe a vacation where my skin can soak up the sun ;). I am totally daydreaming… because we are taking our first trip together outside of North America in a few weeks and I AM SO EXCITED.

What is in Commercial Lotions, Creams and Body Butters

• Parabens (hormone disruptors)
• Fragrance (Which really is a loophole for companies to add anything…)
• Petrolatum (carcinogen, hormone disruptor, organ system toxicity)
• Preservatives ex. BHT, Phenoxyethanol (hormone disruptors, skin irritants)

Ingredients

Cocoa Butter is a chocolatey smelling moisturizer that contains healthy fatty acids. It works well on really dry patches and areas of skin, such as elbows, knees, and feet. It also has healing properties which can help with scars and stretch marks. Choose a good quality cocoa butter that is raw and unrefined.

Shea Butter is moisturizing and full of vitamins A, and E. It has skin smoothing, collagen boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Shea butter is great for sun damaged and aging skin. It also contains healing properties which can help with sunburns, rashes, and other skin irritations. Choose a good quality shea butter that is raw and unrefined (it does have a distinct smell – if you don’t like the smell then opt for refined, but understand that refining removes some of the beneficial properties).

Carrier oils are moisturizing and full of incredible skin benefits. Choose a good quality carrier oil that is organic, cold pressed, and unrefined with no additives. Carrier oils I love for this recipe: sweet almond oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil.

How to Make Natural Moisturizing Body Butter

This recipe is a body butter, which is made by combining a liquid oil (carrier oils) with a solid butter (shea or cocoa). This means it is thicker and super moisturizing!

Start by melting 1/4 cup of cocoa butter, 1/4 cup of shea butter (refined or unrefined), and 1/4 cup coconut oil over a double boiler (bowl over pot of hot water). Once fully melted, remove bowl from hot water. [If using your stand mixer to mix later, use the bowl that comes with it.]

Add 1/4 cup of another carrier oil and mix it into the bowl. Put the bowl in the fridge and let it set.

Take the bowl out when it has set. This will probably take under 30 minutes. The mixture is ready when it begins to change from a liquid state to a more solid state. Push into the mixture with your finger and if it makes an indent then it is ready. If it is too hard then let it sit at room temperature until it is ready.

Mix it up! A stand mixer or hand mixer works beautifully for this. Whip it! Whip it real good! Mix for a few minutes until it is nicely whipped.

Finally, transfer to a glass jar or container of your choice and enjoy!

Psst… some extra tips

A little goes a long way! This body butter is super moisturizing and can feel too greasy and oily if too much is applied. So only use a small dab and allow it to melt and soak into skin. Add more small amounts if needed.

For a deep moisturizing treatment: Slather on lots of body butter on feet (cover with socks) and hands and go to sleep. Wake up in the morning with super smooth hands and feet!

Too greasy? This recipe is made to be super moisturizing. Try using a little less, or remelt and add 1/2 teaspoon of arrowroot powder to help with extra greasiness.

This recipe is mainly unscented (you may notice a slight scent if using raw and unrefined cocoa and shea butter). For a scented version, try my Chocolate Peppermint Body Butter!

Not a DIYer? Here are some natural alternatives to purchase

• Pronounce Skincare Body Butter
• Rocky Mountain Soap Unscented Body Butter

Happy Body Buttering 🙂

What is your favourite moisturizing treatment? Do you prefer lotions, creams or body butters?