I still remember the first time I made a body butter from scratch. I had been slowly switching out store-bought products for simpler, homemade alternatives, but the idea of making something as big as body butter seemed a little intimidating.

But one quiet evening, I melted down some shea butter, added some infused lavender oil, and gave it a good whip.

The result was dreamy, light, fluffy, and deeply nourishing. I felt so proud, not because it was fancy, but because it was mine!

This DIY shea butter body butter recipe is perfect for anyone just starting their herbal or DIY skincare journey. It’s simple, safe, and the kind of project that you will love making!

Why Shea Butter?

Shea butter is the heart of this body butter recipe, and it’s a favorite in my home for a reason. I still remember the first time I used it on my hands during winter.

They were dry, cracked, and aching from too much handwashing, and within days, my skin felt soft again, like it could finally breathe.

Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter is deeply nourishing and incredibly protective for the skin. It works to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, which is especially helpful if you’re dealing with dryness, irritation, or the gentle signs of aging.

One of the things I love most is how it melts right into the skin without feeling overly greasy. It gives your skin that healthy, supple glow, while still letting it breathe.

It’s also wonderfully gentle, which makes it a great choice for sensitive skin. I’ve used it on my little ones and even mixed it into balms for family and friends who needed something soothing but simple.

If you’re just getting started with making your own skincare, this is one ingredient I always recommend having on hand. It’s simple, effective, and kind to your skin!

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DIY Shea Butter Whipped Body Butter Recipe

Here is a simple yet effective recipe for a homemade shea body butter!

Ingredients:

½ cup shea butter
¼ cup avocado oil (or an herbal infused oil!)
1-2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (optional but helps make it not greasy)
8 drops essential oil (optional, but I love either a lavender or vanilla essential oil)
A few drops of vitamin e oil is totally optional!

Instructions:

In a double boiler, gently melt the shea butter and avocado oil over low heat.

Once fully melted, remove from heat and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. You can speed this up by placing the bowl in the fridge.

Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture while gradually adding the arrowroot powder, vitamin E oil and essential oils, if using. Whip until it reaches a light, fluffy consistency, like soft whipped cream.

Transfer to a clean glass jar and store in a cool, dry place.

To Use: Scoop a small amount into your hands and massage into skin, especially after a bath or shower.

Tips & Variations

Want a firmer body butter? Use less carrier oil.
You can use any type of carrier oil you prefer! Sometimes I like jojoba oil, while most of the time, I stick with either calendula or chamomile infused oil.

Shea Butter Body Butter

Materials

½ cup shea butter
¼ cup avocado oil (or an herbal infused oil!)
1-2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (optional but helps make it not greasy)
8 drops essential oil (optional, but I love either a lavender or vanilla essential oil)
A few drops of vitamin e oil is totally optional!

Instructions

In a double boiler, gently melt the shea butter and avocado oil over low heat.
Once fully melted, remove from heat and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. You can speed this up by placing the bowl in the fridge.
Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture while gradually adding the arrowroot powder, vitamin E oil and essential oils, if using. Whip until it reaches a light, fluffy consistency, like soft whipped cream.
Transfer to a clean glass jar and store in a cool, dry place.
To Use: Scoop a small amount into your hands and massage into skin, especially after a bath or shower.

Notes

Want a firmer body butter? Use less carrier oil.
You can use any type of carrier oil you prefer! Sometimes I like jojoba oil, while most of the time, I stick with either calendula or chamomile infused oil.

Final Thoughts

Making your own body butter is such a sweet, satisfying way to care for yourself naturally. This shea butter version is soft, nourishing, and completely customizable!

For more skin-loving recipes, you might enjoy the Tallow Recipe eBook, which is packed with rich, soothing recipes using natural, traditional ingredients.

Let me know how your body butter turns out, I’d love to see your creations!

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