diy: body butter

Making my own body products using essential oils has been something I've wanted to do for a while now. But I've never done anything like it before and it felt like such a daunting project, so I just let the idea simmer for quite some time. 

Well, I'm glad I finally decided to give it a whirl. It was so very easy and the benefits to my kids and family are countless.

There are only four ingredients - unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, grapeseed oil and essential oils. Adding essential oils is completely optional, so you may only need three ingredients! But my family uses essential oils on a daily basis and it just made sense to add them to our body products.

First, you melt 1 3/4 cups of unrefined shea butter and 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler. If you're like me and don't have a double boiler, you can set up the ghetto contraption pictured above that consists of a sauce pan with steamer basket and a metal mixing bowl on top. Don't hate. It works. 

Heat on low until the shea butter and coconut oil completely melt together. 

Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup of grapeseed oil. If you're adding essential oils, you can do this now, also. 20 drops total of your favorite singles or blends is all you need for this batch size.

Put the mixture in the freezer for about 40 minutes to set, but check on it every 5 minutes or so. You don't want it to completely freeze. It should be the consistency of softened butter. 

When the mixture has set, put it in a stand mixer and whip at medium to high speed until it whips up to your desired consistency. 

This batch size made just enough to fill four pint-size mason jars. Just remember that this stuff is mousturizer in its purest form. A little goes a long, long way.