Homemade Shea Butter Lotion

I love making natural beauty products to use in our home or to gift to someone. Shea butter lotion is one homemade product that can have it’s scent changed and still get the job done. Today I’m sharing how to make homemade shea butter lotion.

I’ve been trying to get some thing added to my gifting list and I think this shea butter lotion will be a winner. Now to just find some little glass jars at the thrift store to tie string around!

Homemade Shea Butter Lotion Scent Ideas

The scent of this whipped shea butter lotion is one I use year round but can be changed depending on the season or reason you want to use it. If you’re wanting a bedtime body butter, you could consider using:

• magnesium (not a scent but would help with sleep!)
• lavender
• blue tansy
• chamomile
• clary sage

If you’re wanting an energizing body butter, keep in mind that you should avoid sunlight after applying soe of the oils below. Ones that are generally safe to use before going out into the sun are the steam distilled varieties.

• sweet orange
• ylang ylang
• bergamont
• lemon
• lime

Some combos I’ve used in the past and enjoyed are:

• 1 part chamomile to 2 parts lavender
• equal parts lemon, lavender, and peppermint
• 3 parts orange, 3 parts lemon, 1 part lime
• 2 parts vanilla to 1 part peppermint

If you plan to use your shea butter lotion on children, make sure to look up essential oils safe for children. Peppermint is not one I feel comfortable using on small children. Eden’s Garden has a section on their website of essential oils that are “okay for kids” but be sure to read the fine print.

Adding arrowroot powder

I really hate when I use products and leave a “slug trail” because the product is so greasy (Justin also loves when I call it a “slug trail”. Very sexy.) Years ago when I was testing homemade deodorants I figured out that adding arrowroot helps to absorb some of the greasiness.  That’s why I’ve got a whopping 1 tbsp of arrowroot powder added. Since shea butter lotion is made of oil and butter, when you first apply is will be a little greasy, but it should quickly soak in instead of linger.

Arrowroot powder can be found in your grocery stores, usually around the baking area. I use Bob’s Red Mill arrowroot powder. I’ve read you can also substitute for cornstarch, but I’ve never tried it in this recipe.

What do I need to make Shea Butter Lotion?

• ½ cup shea butter
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup almond, jojoba, or argon oil
• 20 drops of essential oils (see list above)
• 1 tbsp arrowroot powder

How to make shea butter lotion

1. Add your shea butter and coconut oil to double boiler.
2. Once melted, add almond (or other) oil.
3. Remove from heat & allow to cool 5 minutes.*
4. Add arrowroot powder and essential oils.
5. Place in fridge or freezer to harden.
6. Once solid, but still soft enough to press into, whip for 3-5 minutes.
7. Store in a glass, airtight container.

* If you add essential oils to a hot mixture, it will degrade the oils and they will lose some of their therapeutic properties.

*If you plan to use on children, make sure to research and look up essential oils that are safe for kiddos.