Understanding Body Butters and How to Use Them in Skincare
Last updated on September 10, 2026 by Jess Healey
Originally published on January 25, 2017
Let’s talk butter. Not the kind you spread on toast (though yes, I love that too). I’m talking about the rich, creamy, skin-loving kind… body butters. These deeply nourishing, waterless moisturizers have been a game changer for my skin, especially during the colder months or after time in the sun and sand. I want to help you with understanding body butters!
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly is a body butter? or which one is right for my skin type?, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re new to natural skincare or already elbow-deep in DIY, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently choose, use, and love body butters.
We’ll explore the most popular kinds (hello, shea and cocoa), peek at some exotic newcomers, and I’ll show you how to incorporate them into your skincare routine, whether that’s straight from the jar or whipped into something luxurious and homemade. And if you’re planning to blend your butter with oils (which I often recommend), don’t miss my post on how to choose carrier oils for best results.
Grab a mug of tea (like this one that also works for skincare DIYsI), cozy up, and let’s get to know the butters your skin will thank you for.
What Is a Body Butter?
At its core, a body butter is a rich, oil-based moisturizer made from plant-derived butters. Think shea, cocoa, mango, kokum. Unlike lotions and creams, body butters are completely anhydrous, meaning they contain no water. That gives them their ultra-thick, luxurious feel, and also makes them incredibly shelf-stable without the need for preservatives.
Body butters are typically used to deeply moisturize and protect the skin, especially dry, flaky, or rough areas like elbows, knees, hands, and feet. Because they’re packed with nourishing fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, they create a breathable barrier on your skin that helps seal in moisture and support your skin’s natural barrier function (source, source).
Think of them like a warm, cozy blanket for your skin… perfect for those dry winter months, sun-kissed summer skin, or any time your body needs a little extra TLC.
And here’s a fun bonus! Since body butters don’t contain water, you don’t need a preservative when making your own DIY body butters at home.
When + How to Use Body Butter
Body butters are rich, emollient, and luxurious, but timing and technique really matter if you want to get the most out of them.
The best time to apply body butter is right after a bath or shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. That’s when your pores are clean, prepped, and ready to soak in all that buttery nourishment. Applying to damp skin helps trap water and lock in hydration, leaving your skin soft, dewy, and supple.
To apply:
- Scoop out a small amount (a little goes a long way).
- Warm it between your hands until it softens.
- Massage gently into skin using circular motions focusing on dry spots like elbows, knees, feet, and hands.
- Let it sink in. No need to rinse.
Pro tip: For an ultra-hydrating overnight treatment, slather body butter onto your feet or hands and wear socks or gloves to bed. Your skin will feel like silk by morning.
While most body butters are safe for all-over use, some may be too rich for your face, especially if you’re acne-prone. In those cases, test a small patch first or stick to non-comedogenic options like mango or kokum butter.
And if you’re combining your body butter with a carrier oil or essential oil, be sure to check out my post on how to choose the right carrier oils for your skin type.
Body Butter Benefits
If you’ve ever slathered on body butter and felt that instant wave of soft, happy skin, you already know. But here’s a deeper look at why these rich, natural moisturizers are so effective.
The Body Butter Lineup (Common Butters)
Not all body butters are created equal. Each one brings its own unique texture, scent, and benefits to the table—and depending on your skin type or the season, you might find yourself reaching for different ones.
Here’s a breakdown of four of the most popular and widely used body butters. I’ve used each of these in my own DIY skincare recipes over the years, and they all have a permanent spot in my natural skincare toolkit.
Cocoa Butter
- Texture: Dense, firm at room temp
- Scent: Light chocolatey aroma (yum)
- Skin Benefits: Deeply hydrating, high in vitamin E and antioxidants. Great for stretch marks and scar-prone skin.
- Best Uses: DIY whipped body butters, lip balms, lotion bars
- Shelf Life: ~2 years when stored properly
Try it in my Vanilla Cinnamon Body Butter
Shea Butter
- Texture: Rich, creamy, slightly grainy if unrefined
- Scent: Nutty and earthy (refined versions are milder)
- Skin Benefits: Vitamin A, E & F; intensely moisturizing and barrier-repairing. Naturally contains a mild SPF (~6).
- Best Uses: Great for feet, hands, scalp, and dry patches; pairs well in whipped body butters or used alone
- Shelf Life: ~1 year
Try it in my Herb-Infused Whipped Body Butter
Mango Butter
- Texture: Smooth, slightly firm but melts easily
- Scent: Mild and clean with a hint of sweetness
- Skin Benefits: Loaded with fatty acids; softens, smooths, and deeply conditions skin. Less greasy than shea.
- Best Uses: After shaving, on legs, or in lip balms and body butters
- Shelf Life: ~2 years
A top choice for lighter whipped blends
Kokum Butter
- Texture: Very hard and dry, slightly brittle
- Scent: Virtually scent-free
- Skin Benefits: Supports elasticity and cell regeneration; non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores
- Best Uses: Perfect in combination with other oils and butters; ideal for cracked skin, calluses, or rough heels
- Shelf Life: ~1 year
• Try it in my Kokum Butter Sugar Scrub or DIY Kokum Body Wash
Exotic Butters to Know
If you’ve already dabbled in the more common body butters and are ready to expand your DIY game, these exotic butters are well worth exploring. While they may not be as easy to find in every store, they’re growing in popularity, and for good reason.
Each of these brings something special to the table, whether it’s increased hydration, skin elasticity, or hair-loving benefits.
Shorea (Sal) Butter
- Texture: Soft, pliable, and easy to work with
- Scent: Neutral to very faint
- Skin Benefits: Rich in stearic and oleic acids, sal butter helps moisturize dry, irritated skin and smooth damaged hair
- Best Uses: A great stabilizer for whipped butters and balms; also lovely in deep-conditioning hair masks
- Shelf Life: ~2 years
Cupuaçu Butter
- Texture: Creamy, thick, very emollient
- Scent: Earthy with light cocoa notes (think tropical chocolate)
- Skin Benefits: Highly hydrophilic—can absorb water up to 440% of its own weight—making it deeply hydrating and ideal for moisture retention (source)
- Best Uses: Use alone for super dry skin or lips, or whip into lush body butters and hair masks
- Shelf Life: ~2 years
Illipe Butter
- Texture: Hard, similar to cocoa butter
- Scent: Neutral, slightly nutty
- Skin Benefits: High in oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids. Restores elasticity, improves texture, and supports mature or damaged skin
- Best Uses: Great in bar-style products (like lotion bars or lip balms) and in firming creams for mature skin
- Shelf Life: ~1–2 years
Using Body Butters in DIY Recipes
One of the best things about body butters, aside from how amazing they feel, is how incredibly versatile they are in DIY skincare. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going full alchemist in your kitchen, there are so many ways to work these nourishing butters into your routine.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:
Shelf Life & Storage
Because body butters are made from oils and fats (and contain no water), they’re naturally more shelf-stable than water-based products like lotions and creams. But they can still go rancid over time, especially if exposed to heat, light, or air.
Here’s how to get the most life out of your butters, whether you’re storing them raw or in DIY blends.
How to Store Body Butters
- Keep them cool and dry. Store in a dark cabinet or drawer away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Use clean hands or utensils. Double-dipping can introduce bacteria and moisture, so scoop smart!
- Choose the right container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal, especially amber or cobalt to protect from light.
- Avoid the fridge unless absolutely necessary (like during a summer heat wave)… extreme cold can cause graininess in some butters, especially shea.
Typical Shelf Life (Raw Butters)
| Butter | Approximate Shelf Life |
| Cocoa Butter | 2 years |
| Shea Butter | 1 year |
| Mango Butter | 2 years |
| Kokum Butter | 1 year |
| Shorea Butter | 2 years |
| Cupuacu Butter | 2 years |
| Illipe Butter | 1-2 years |
Note: If you’re combining your butter with other ingredients like oils or essential oils, your final product’s shelf life will depend on the shortest-lasting ingredient. Always label your jars with the date you made them so you can keep track.
How to Tell If Your Butter Has Gone Bad
- It smells “off” (rancid, sour, or plasticky)
- The texture is unusually gritty or sticky (particularly if it wasn’t before)
- Discoloration or visible mold (rare… but toss immediately if water was added)
Body Butter FAQs
Is shea butter supposed to sit on top of my skin?
Shea butter can feel a bit heavy at first, especially if you’re applying a large amount or using it on dry skin. For better absorption, apply it to slightly damp skin, like right after a shower. It melts into the skin more easily this way and helps seal in moisture without feeling greasy.
Can I use body butter on my face?
You can—but proceed with care. Body butters are rich and occlusive, which is great for dry or mature skin, but might be too heavy for acne-prone or oily skin. If you’re going to try it on your face, stick to non-comedogenic options like mango or kokum butter, and do a patch test first.
Should I refrigerate homemade body butter?
No need, unless your home is especially warm or humid. Refrigeration can sometimes cause butters—especially shea—to develop a grainy texture. Instead, store your butter in a cool, dark cabinet in a tightly sealed container.
What’s the best butter for crepey or aging skin?
Illipe, shea, and cupuacu butters are great for improving elasticity and deeply moisturizing thinning, crepey skin. Shea is especially popular for mature skin, thanks to its fatty acid and vitamin content.
What can I do if my body butter feels too greasy?
Try blending it with a lighter carrier oil like grapeseed or rosehip, which absorbs more quickly. You can also apply less or apply it only at night and let it soak in while you sleep.
Can I mix body butters together?
Absolutely! Blending butters is a great way to customize the texture and skin benefits. For example, combine hard cocoa butter with creamy shea and soft mango to create a balanced, spreadable mix.
Can I use body butter every day?
Yes! Daily use of body butter is especially helpful if you have dry, flaky, or sensitive skin. Just remember—a little goes a long way. Use more in colder months or after sun exposure, and consider lighter application in warm, humid weather.
What’s the difference between body butter and body lotion?
Body butters are made from oils and plant-based butters (no water), while lotions are water-based and usually include emulsifiers and preservatives. Butters are richer and more hydrating, making them ideal for dry or mature skin. Lotions tend to be lighter and absorb more quickly.
Is it safe to use expired body butter?
It depends. If your body butter doesn’t contain water and it’s only a few months past its shelf life, it might still be okay—just do a smell test. If it smells off, feels grainy, or looks discolored, it’s time to toss it. When in doubt, better safe than sorry. Always check your ingredients’ freshness before using them in new DIY recipes.
Can I use body butter after shaving?
Absolutely! Applying body butter after shaving helps soothe irritation and lock in moisture. Butters like mango or kokum are especially great post-shave because they soften the skin without clogging pores.
How do I measure ingredients for homemade body butter?
Use a kitchen scale for best accuracy—especially if you’re making a larger batch. A common starting ratio is 60% body butter, 30% carrier oil, and 10% optional add-ins (like arrowroot, essential oils, or beeswax). You can adjust those ratios to customize texture, absorption, and richness.
Where to Buy Body Butters
I’ve been sourcing high-quality body butters for over a decade, long before I ever started blogging or teaching others how to use them. Through my years running a handcrafted skincare business (and making thousands of products for customers around the world), I learned which suppliers deliver the good stuff: pure, unrefined, and ethically sourced.
If you’re just getting started or need a restock, I’ve linked a few trusted sources below. These are companies I’ve personally used, loved, and returned to again and again.
- Plant Therapy – Their essential oils are also top-notch!
- Starwest Botanicals – Also source herbs for skincare AND the kitchen here!
Wrap-Up
Whether you’re brand new to body butters or already have a shelf full of jars in your bathroom, I hope this guide helped you feel more confident choosing the right ones and understanding body butters, and inspired you to get a little creative with your skincare.
These rich, plant-based butters are more than just trendy ingredients. They’re deeply nourishing, multi-functional, and (bonus!) incredibly easy to work with in DIY recipes.
If you’re curious where to go next:
- Try your hand at a Herb-Infused Whipped Body Butter
- Learn How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil
Got a favorite body butter or a DIY recipe that never leaves your side? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. ?
Let’s keep sharing and learning from each other… it’s one of the best parts of this community.
Hi. I’ve just tried 100% Shea butter. I find it stays on top of my skin like Vaseline overnight and doesn’t absorb in. Is this normal for shea?
Hi Fran. Interesting, I don’t find that to be the case. It does take a bit of time to absorb, but it will absorb. Shea butter is the only ingredient? What is the brand. Feel free to head over to email, if you like. jessATpronounceskincareDOTcom 🙂
Hi I hope you reply i need advice on how to measure my ingredients for body butter like how much butter to use and how much oils to use because i am planning on making a big batch for an occasion and just want to make sure i have my measurement of my ingredients right
Hi Alaysia! I have a couple of recipes for body butters that you could follow…
Vanilla Cinnamon Body Butter
Herb-Infused Butter
I hope this helps. Happy DIYing!
What other butters other than mango and kokum can you make lotion bars
Hi Debbie! You could also use shea butter or cocoa butter. Happy DIYing!
Hey thanks for this wonderful article. I had never thought I’d be going back to the natural body butter so much! This product is an incredible, soft, smooth, light and most importantly, hydrating . No aluminium and chemicals are added to this butter.Only Organic shea and coca butter are used. I use it at night on my hands and arms and on my legs . It doesn’t clog pores or cause ingrown hairs and is long lasting! People have asked me why my hands feel so soft, this product is one I’ve had for years, and is a definite love of mine! It also has a nice, soothing scent to it! I will highly recommend the naural body butter. Give it a a try!!
Should you thoroughly wash the skin before applying a second layer of butter to it after 5 hours?
Hi Judy. I don’t think I understand your question. Can you explain further, please?
Thank You for the recipe 🙂 !!
wondering if it is safe to use homemade body butter, that is 3 years old?
Hi Betty~ That is a bit old and some of the oils might have gone rancid. Without knowing the ingredients I can’t say for sure. How does it smell? I wouldn’t be too terribly concerned with mold or anything (so long as it has no water, and if it does I would not use it!), but again…it could smell off if the oils &/or butters have expired. I hope this helps.
It’s best to apply butters after your skin has been moistened like after a shower. The butters than seal the moisture into the skin and prevent further moisture loss.
Right you are! My Pronounce Body Butters are UhMaaaZing right out of the bath or shower. While still a bit damp and with open pores, your skin is in prime condition to soak up all of the organic, buttery goodness.
I love mango butter! I make a whipped body butter with mango (and babassu, grapeseed, and meadowfoam) that my 13yo slathers on every day and is obsessed with! Moisturising but not comedogenic. Wonderful!
I make a mango body butter using mango butter coconut oil and a little bit of vitamin e oil, After imelt it down in my crock pot I allow it to cool till it becomes thick, but not hard and all my essential oils to it and whip it with my hand mixer. It become velvety soft and I use it regularly in both the winter and summer, especially on my feet. I love love love this butter.
I don’t know if your website is still running but I love this tutorial and I would like to share this link with my post about making handmade soaps and lotions. Awesome article
Hi Michelle! Thank you, and yes…you can share this link with your post. 🙂
Thank You for this information. I have combined these butters with great results for a number of skin problems.
I’m new to making my own whipped body butter. I am looking for recommendations for the best carrier oils that will combat/moisturize my dry skin. I have tried coconut oil, sweet almond oil with cocoa butter and coconut oil, jojoba oil and glycerin oil with shea butter and neither one of these whipped body butters truly felt like my skin was moisturized. It felt more like it sat on my skin without providing moisture to my skin.
Thanks!
Hi Tiffany! We have a post that you *must read*! You can learn all about carrier oils in this post. I’ll also suggest organic tamanu oil as a fantastic carrier oil (used in small amounts). Hemp seed oil also penetrates very well and provides a great deal of moisturizing. Hope this helps. 🙂
I love Cupuaçu! It’s an indigenous word meaning “amazon fruit which taste strong”. I’m Brazilian and back home there’s a brand called “natura”, they work with distant communities, sustainable ingredients, biodegradable, all of that. Their catalogues (works like avon) not only show their products but their work with the community. Anyway, they have Cupuaçu body butter and it is crazy good but making your own still the safest choice. And also Cupuaçu fruit taste amazing 🙂
I wondered what would be the best butter to use for crepe paper like skin?
Thanks
This is going to be helpful to me . I hope to make a wonderful skin care butter for myself. Right now I use a mix of lanolin and cocnut oil, but I still feel I need more help with my super dry skin.
I want to use the MOST moisturizing mix on my skin . any further tips would be so appreciated. thank you
Hi Flavia. Thanks for your comment. My own skin tends to be very dry certain times of year and coconut oil just wasn’t cutting it for me. I found that making a whipped body butter in a combination of shea butter (higher amount), coconut oil (lower amount) and essential oil (I used myrrh, which is great for the skin) was a great combo for me personally. Kokum butter is also great for very dry skin, just remember it will need to be combined with other butters / oils to be spreadable and effective. Have fun experimenting and I would love to hear back when you find the perfect combination!
This is so helpful, thank you! I use mango, kokum, and illipe in my homemade deodorant. It’s so easy on delicate skin. It has been my favorite for a couple of years now. I can’t wait to dive into other homemade cosmetics with these tips!
Hi there Stephanie! I love reading comments like this, and it makes me so excited that the tips you read are inspiring you to dive into other homemade cosmetics. And I just love that you use three amazing butters in your homemade deodorant…it sounds divine. You should share your recipe and tips sometime in our Life From Scratch Facebook group! I bet it would benefit many other people. Thanks so much for your comment 🙂