DIY Turmeric Cream Recipe
A few months ago, my grandma mentioned how much her hands and feet had been bothering her. Like so many people, the aches seemed worse after a long day, and I immediately started thinking about what I could make for her.
One of the first things that came to mind was turmeric.
Turmeric has been used in traditional Ayurvedic practices for centuries, often infused into oils and balms that were massaged into the skin.
I decided to combine a turmeric-infused oil with rich beef tallow to create a deeply moisturizing body butter that would be perfect for rubbing into tired hands and feet.
After making a jar for my grandma, I started using it myself whenever my hands felt sore after long hours at the computer, gardening, or making products in the kitchen. It quickly became one of those recipes I always want to keep on hand!!
If you’re looking for an easy homemade turmeric body butter that’s wonderfully moisturizing and perfect for tired, hardworking hands and feet, this DIY turmeric cream recipe is one I think you’ll come back to again and again.
Benefits of Turmeric
I love this recipe because every ingredient has a purpose.
Turmeric has a long history of traditional use in herbal wellness, especially in Ayurvedic practices where it has been incorporated into massage oils and body treatments for centuries.
Its naturally occurring compound, curcumin, has been studied for its antioxidant and soothing properties, making turmeric a popular ingredient in homemade balms and body butters.
One study found that using a turmeric ointment helped people who were struggling with osteoarthritis in the knees [source].
The turmeric-infused oil gives this body butter its beautiful golden color while carrying many of turmeric’s traditional botanical properties into the finished recipe.
I love how this cream has a yellow tint but it does NOT stain your skin! It all depends on the type of turmeric you use.
Turmeric essential oil adds a warm, earthy aroma and has long been used in aromatherapy massage blends. I especially enjoy it after a day of gardening, working at the computer, or spending hours in the kitchen. I use it with black pepper essential oil to further the benefits of pain relief.
Beef tallow is one of my favorite ingredients for homemade skincare. It melts beautifully into the skin and creates a rich butter that’s perfect for massaging into dry, overworked hands and feet without feeling overly greasy.
Jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil all work wonderfully in this recipe. Each one helps soften the skin while creating a smooth, spreadable butter that’s easy to massage in.
Pin This Post For Later:
Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
DIY Turmeric Cream Recipe
Makes: about 6 ounces
Ingredients
For the Turmeric-Infused Oil
- 2 tablespoons dried turmeric root or turmeric powder (this one won’t stain you!)
- ½ cup carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil)
For the Body Butter
- ½ cup beef tallow
- 2 tablespoons turmeric-infused oil
- 15 drops turmeric essential oil
- 15 drops black pepper essential oil
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Turmeric-Infused Oil
- Place the dried turmeric root or turmeric powder in a clean glass jar.
- Pour ½ cup of carrier oil over the turmeric.
- Seal the jar and allow it to infuse in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Alternatively, gently heat the jar in a double boiler on low heat for 2-4 hours.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, reserving the infused oil for the body butter.
Step 2: Make the Body Butter
Add the beef tallow to the mixing bowl. Whip until light and fluffy, usually a few minutes for me.
Add the essential oils to the infused oil.
Then add in the infused oil slowly whipping as you go.
Transfer the cream to a clean glass jar.
Use daily or as needed.
Notes
- Turmeric-infused oil may give a light golden color to the body butter, but doesn’t really stain the skin as long as you use this type of turmeric. Regular turmeric DOES stain.
- Because this recipe contains no water, no preservative is required!
- Sweet almond oil creates a silky texture, while jojoba oil makes a lighter body butter. I personally use avocado oil or sometimes hemp seed oil when I want more pain benefits.
- Turmeric essential oil does not stain like turmeric powder, but be careful just in case you are worried. Mine did not have any staining!
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, this body butter will keep for 6-12 months.
How to Use It
I love using this homemade turmeric cream as part of my evening routine.
Warm a small amount between your hands and massage it into your hands, fingers, wrists, feet, heels, or anywhere that feels tired or tense after a long day. The rich tallow melts quickly into the skin, making it perfect for a slow hand or foot massage before bed 🙂
This has become my favorite way to use it, especially after typing for hours or working outside in the garden. My grandma also loved massaging it into her hands and feet every evening, and it quickly became one of those recipes I knew I wanted to keep making!!
Of course, it’s also wonderful anywhere your skin needs extra moisture, elbows, knees, heels, and rough patches all benefit from this rich body butter.
Because this recipe contains no water, it stores well for 6-12 months in a cool, dry place. If your home gets especially warm, simply keep it in a cooler room to help it stay fluffy.
As with any new skincare product, perform a small patch test before first use. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, talk with your healthcare provider before using essential oils.
Turmeric Body Butter
A rich whipped body butter made with turmeric-infused oil, coconut oil, and turmeric essential oil to deeply moisturize skin while providing a luxurious golden glow.
Materials
- 2 tablespoons dried turmeric root or turmeric powder
- ½ cup carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, or olive oil)
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons turmeric-infused oil
- 30 drops turmeric essential oil
Tools
- Glass jar
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Storage jar
Instructions
- Place the dried turmeric root or turmeric powder in a clean glass jar
- Pour ½ cup of carrier oil over the turmeric.
- Seal the jar and allow it to infuse in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally. Alternatively, gently heat the jar in a double boiler on low heat for 2-4 hours.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, reserving the infused oil for the body butter.
- Add the beef tallow to the mixing bowl. Whip until light and fluffy, usually a few minutes for me.
- Add the essential oils to the infused oil.
- Then add in the infused oil slowly whipping as you go.
- Transfer the cream to a clean glass jar. Use daily or as needed.
Notes
- Refined coconut oil will have little scent, while unrefined coconut oil will provide a light coconut aroma.
- Because this recipe contains no water, no preservative is required.
- Turmeric-infused oil may give the body butter a natural golden hue and can temporarily stain light-colored fabrics if applied heavily.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before whipping.
- If desired, add 1 tablespoon of shea butter for an even richer body butter.
Final Thoughts
This turmeric body butter has become much more than another DIY skincare recipe in our house.
It reminds me of my grandma, who loves rubbing it into her hands and feet at the end of the day, and now I find myself doing exactly the same thing after long hours at my computer or out in the garden.
I love that it’s made with simple ingredients I can recognize, takes very little effort to make, and leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft while turning an ordinary hand or foot massage into a relaxing evening ritual.
If you’re looking for a rich homemade turmeric body butter that nourishes dry skin and feels wonderful during a soothing massage, I think you’ll love this recipe as much as my family has! It has definitely earned a permanent spot on my nightstand.
