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The Best DIY Body Butters to Keep Your Skin Hydrated All Year Long

Keeping your skin hydrated year-round can be a challenge, especially with changing seasons, dry indoor air, and environmental stressors.

Store-bought lotions and creams often contain artificial fragrances, preservatives, and unnecessary chemicals that may do more harm than good. That’s where DIY body butters come in!

Jar with DIY Body Butter next to Flower and Wood

Homemade body butters are rich, nourishing, and completely customizable to suit your skin’s needs. Made with natural butters and oils, they provide intense hydration, lock in moisture, and leave your skin feeling soft and supple—all without any harmful additives.

Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and can be tailored with your favorite scents and ingredients.

In this article, we’ll share some of the best DIY body butter recipes to keep your skin moisturized all year long. Whether you’re looking for a deeply hydrating winter butter, a lightweight summer blend, or a soothing nighttime formula, we’ve got you covered!

Top 5 DIY Body Butter Recipes to Try

Try one of these luxurious body butters and give your skin the hydration it deserves!

Table of Contents

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect DIY Body Butter

Creating the perfect DIY body butter starts with selecting the right ingredients. The best body butters combine rich, nourishing plant-based butters with skin-loving oils to create a deeply hydrating and luxurious product.

Below are some of the key ingredients you’ll need, along with their benefits and how to choose the best ones for your skin type.

Butters: The Base of Your Body Butter

These natural butters are the foundation of any body butter recipe, providing deep hydration, skin protection, and essential nutrients.

Shea Butter – A deeply moisturizing and anti-inflammatory butter that is perfect for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. It has a creamy texture and absorbs well without leaving a greasy feel.

Cocoa Butter – Rich in antioxidants, this butter helps improve skin elasticity and is known for its delicious chocolate-like scent. It’s ideal for dry or aging skin and helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Mango Butter – A lightweight and fast-absorbing butter that hydrates without clogging pores. It’s perfect for oily or acne-prone skin and is rich in vitamins A and C, which promote skin repair.

Woman Applying DIY Body Butter on Skin

Carrier Oils: Boost Hydration and Nourishment

Carrier oils help balance the texture of body butters and add extra moisturizing properties. Depending on your skin type, you can choose the best oil for your needs:

  • Coconut Oil – A versatile oil that deeply hydrates and has antibacterial properties. It’s great for very dry skin but may be too heavy for acne-prone skin.
  • Jojoba Oil – A lightweight oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it great for all skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin.
  • Sweet Almond OilA gentle, nourishing oil rich in vitamin E, perfect for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.
  • Olive Oil – A deeply moisturizing oil packed with antioxidants, best suited for extremely dry or mature skin.
  • Avocado Oil – A vitamin-rich oil that promotes skin healing and elasticity, great for aging or sun-damaged skin.

Related: Nature's Skincare Heroes: The Amazing Benefits of Carrier Oils

Essential Oils: Natural Fragrance & Skin Benefits

Adding essential oils to your body butter not only enhances the scent but also provides additional skin benefits. Here are a few popular choices:

  • Lavender Oil – Soothing, calming, and great for sensitive or irritated skin.
  • Peppermint Oil – Cooling and refreshing, perfect for tired or sore muscles.
  • Tea Tree Oil – Antibacterial and antifungal, excellent for acne-prone skin.
  • Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, sweet scent without overwhelming the senses.
  • Rosehip Oil – Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, helps with skin repair and anti-aging.

Related: Essential Oils for Skincare: A Natural Approach to Glowing Skin

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Benefits

If you want to customize your body butter even further, consider these optional ingredients:

  • Vitamin E Oil – A natural preservative that extends shelf life and provides anti-aging benefits.
  • Arrowroot Powder – Helps reduce the greasy feel of body butter and gives it a silky texture.
  • Beeswax – Can be added for a thicker, balm-like consistency, ideal for extra dry skin.

By combining these high-quality ingredients, you can create a body butter that is perfectly tailored to your skin’s needs. Now that you know the essential ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part—making your own DIY body butter with our best recipes!

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The Best DIY Body Butter Recipes

Now that you know the essential ingredients, it's time to put them to use! Below are some of the best DIY body butter recipes to keep your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing all year long.

Each recipe is designed for different skin types and needs, so you can choose the one that works best for you—or experiment with your own combinations!

Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Body Butter

Best for: Dry and Sensitive Skin

This rich and creamy body butter is perfect for deeply moisturizing dry, flaky, or sensitive skin. Shea butter and coconut oil provide intense hydration, while sweet almond oil adds a silky finish.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup shea butter
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup sweet almond oil (or jojoba oil)
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for calming effects)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the sweet almond oil and essential oil.
  3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes until it starts to solidify.
  4. Whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
  5. Store in a glass jar and use as needed.

♨️ Double Boiler Hack: If you don’t have a double boiler, place a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water to gently melt your ingredients.

Whipped Cocoa Butter & Vanilla Body Butter

Best for: Deep Hydration & Stretch Marks

If you love a rich, chocolatey scent with a hint of vanilla, this is the perfect body butter for you. Cocoa butter is packed with antioxidants and helps improve skin elasticity.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cocoa butter
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 10 drops vitamin E oil (optional, for extra skin repair)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
  2. Remove from heat, then stir in the olive oil, vanilla extract, and vitamin E oil.
  3. Let the mixture cool until it starts to solidify (you can place it in the fridge for 30–40 minutes).
  4. Whip with a hand mixer until fluffy.
  5. Transfer to a jar and store in a cool, dry place.

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Light and Non-Greasy Mango Butter Body Butter

Best for: Oily & Combination Skin

If you prefer a lighter, fast-absorbing body butter, this recipe is perfect. Mango butter is non-greasy and works well in warm weather or for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mango butter
  • ¼ cup jojoba oil (or grapeseed oil)
  • ¼ cup aloe vera gel (for extra hydration)
  • 10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional, for a refreshing scent)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the mango butter in a double boiler.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the jojoba oil and aloe vera gel.
  3. Let the mixture cool until semi-solid.
  4. Whip with a hand mixer until it becomes light and airy.
  5. Store in a jar and apply as needed.

๐ŸŒฟ Prevent Greasiness: Add a teaspoon of arrowroot powder to your body butter for a lighter, non-greasy feel.

Soothing Lavender & Chamomile Body Butter

Best for: Sensitive & Irritated Skin

This gentle body butter is great for calming sensitive, inflamed, or sunburned skin. The combination of shea butter, chamomile oil, and lavender oil helps reduce redness and irritation.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup shea butter
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup sweet almond oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops chamomile essential oil

Instructions:

  1. Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.
  2. Remove from heat and mix in the sweet almond oil and essential oils.
  3. Cool until semi-solid, then whip until fluffy.
  4. Store in a jar and apply whenever your skin needs soothing.
Bathroom Essentials on the Counter

Winter-Proof Body Butter with Beeswax

Best for: Extremely Dry & Cracked Skin

This ultra-rich body butter is perfect for cold, dry months when skin needs extra protection. Beeswax adds a protective barrier, locking in moisture.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup shea butter
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup beeswax
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for extra hydration)
  • 10 drops vanilla or cinnamon essential oil (for a warm, cozy scent)

Instructions:

  1. Melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the honey and essential oil.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then whip until creamy.
  4. Store in a jar and apply generously in winter months.

Each of these DIY body butter recipes is packed with skin-loving ingredients to keep your skin soft and glowing. Now that you have the perfect body butter recipe, let’s explore how to store and apply it for the best results!

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Tips for Storing and Using Your DIY Body Butter

Once you’ve created your perfect DIY body butter, proper storage and application are key to maintaining its texture, effectiveness, and shelf life. Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your homemade skincare product.

How to Store Your DIY Body Butter

Use the Right Containers:

  • Store your body butter in airtight glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers to keep it fresh and prevent contamination.
  • Amber or dark-colored glass jars are ideal because they protect the ingredients from light exposure, which can degrade oils over time.

๐ŸŒธ Customize Your Scent: Mix different essential oils to create a unique fragrance—try lavender and vanilla for a relaxing blend!

Keep It in a Cool, Dry Place:

  • Body butters are sensitive to heat. Store them at room temperature in a cool, dry area to maintain their whipped texture.
  • Avoid placing them near direct sunlight, radiators, or steamy bathrooms where moisture can cause mold or spoilage.

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Refrigerate If Needed:

  • If you live in a warm or humid climate, your body butter may soften or melt. To keep it firm, store it in the fridge and take it out a few minutes before use.
  • Refrigeration can also extend shelf life, especially for body butters containing fresh aloe vera or honey.

Check for Spoilage:

  • Natural body butters don’t contain preservatives, so they have a shorter shelf life than store-bought products.
  • If you notice any changes in smell, texture, or color, or see mold forming, it’s time to make a fresh batch.

๐Ÿงด Boost Shelf Life: A few drops of Vitamin E oil act as a natural preservative and help prevent oils from going rancid.

How to Apply Body Butter for Best Results

๐Ÿ’ง Apply to Damp Skin:

The best time to apply body butter is right after a shower or bath when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in moisture and keeps skin hydrated longer.

๐Ÿ‘ Use a Small Amount:

A little goes a long way! Start with a small amount and massage it into your skin using circular motions until fully absorbed. If it feels too greasy, use less next time.

๐Ÿท️ Label & Date Your Jars: Write the creation date on your container so you know when to make a fresh batch.

๐ŸŒ™Use Before Bed for Deep Hydration:

For extra nourishment, apply a thick layer of body butter before bed, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Wear cotton socks or gloves to lock in moisture overnight.

๐ŸŒž Adjust for Seasons:

In winter, you might need a heavier, richer body butter, while in summer, a lighter, non-greasy formula with mango butter or aloe vera works best.

☀️❄️ Seasonal Adjustments: Use heavier oils like avocado in winter and lighter oils like jojoba in summer for year-round hydration.

How to Extend Shelf Life Naturally

๐Ÿƒ Add Natural Preservatives:

  • While body butters don’t contain water (which means they last longer than lotions), adding Vitamin E oil (a natural antioxidant) can help prevent rancidity.
  • If using fresh ingredients like aloe vera, refrigerate the body butter and use it within 2–3 months.

๐ŸŽ Make It a Gift: Pour your homemade body butter into cute jars, add a label, and give it as a thoughtful, handmade present.

๐Ÿงด Avoid Contamination:

Always use clean, dry hands or a small spatula to scoop out body butter to prevent bacteria from getting into the jar.

By following these storage and usage tips, your DIY body butter will stay fresh, effective, and luxurious for as long as possible.

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