Making a luxurious, non-greasy hippie body butter involves a simple process of combining nourishing oils, butters, and starches to create a whipped, creamy texture that deeply moisturizes the skin.
Ingredients for Non-Greasy Body Butter
The key to a truly delightful body butter that absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue lies in the careful balance of oils, butters, and a touch of starch. Here are the precise measurements for a batch:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Shea Butter | 55 grams | Deeply moisturizing, protective |
| Coconut Oil | 25 grams | Nourishing, solidifies at room temp |
| Sweet Almond Oil | 15 grams | Light, easily absorbed, emollient |
| Sunflower Oil | 15 grams | Rich in Vitamin E, moisturizing |
| Jojoba Oil | 10 grams | Mimics skin's natural sebum, non-comedogenic |
| Beeswax | 3.5 grams | Thickening agent, creates protective barrier |
| Arrow Root or Tapioca Starch | 1/2 tablespoon | Reduces greasiness, silky feel |
| Vitamin E Oil | 1/4 teaspoon | Antioxidant, extends shelf life, skin benefits |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crafting your own hippie body butter is a rewarding process. Follow these steps for a smooth, airy consistency:
- Melt the Solids: In a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water), combine the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. Gently heat, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are completely melted and clear.
- Combine with Liquid Oils: Once the solid ingredients are melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Carefully stir in the sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
- Cool Down: Transfer the mixture to a clean, heat-safe bowl. Place it in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes, or until the mixture has solidified around the edges but is still soft in the center (it should be opaque and slightly firm, resembling a soft pudding). This cooling step is crucial for achieving a whipped texture.
- Add Starch and Vitamin E: Once the mixture has reached the desired consistency, add the arrow root or tapioca starch and the vitamin E oil.
- Whip to Perfection: Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, begin whipping the mixture on medium-high speed. Continue whipping for 5-10 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the body butter becomes light, fluffy, and doubles in volume, resembling whipped cream. The starch helps to reduce the oily feel and makes the final product feel velvety on the skin.
- Store: Carefully transfer the whipped body butter into clean, airtight jars. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. If your home is very warm, consider storing it in the refrigerator to maintain its whipped consistency.
Customization and Tips
- Scent: For a scented body butter, add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oils during step 4, before whipping. Popular choices include lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, or a blend of citrus oils.
- Storage: Always use clean utensils when scooping out body butter to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.
- Consistency: If your body butter feels too soft, you can gently remelt it and add a small amount of extra beeswax (e.g., 0.5-1 gram), then repeat the cooling and whipping process. If it's too hard, remelt and add a bit more liquid oil.
