Spices: The Secret To Fragrant, Natural Body Butter

Spices can be used to fragrance body butter. In fact, one source suggests that spices can be combined with butters and oils in a small saucepan and heated over low heat to create a spice-infused body butter. However, it is important to note that essential oils are more commonly used to scent body butter, and there are safety considerations when using spices in this way. For example, some spices may be skin irritants, and the potency of spices can be difficult to control. Essential oils, on the other hand, can be added to body butter at a concentration of 1-2% without worrying about skin irritation or an overpowering scent.

How to infuse spices into body butter

Yes, you can use spices to fragrance body butter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to infuse spices into body butter:

Ingredients:

• Refined shea butter
• Cocoa butter
• Sweet almond oil (or any relatively light carrier oil)
• Beeswax
• Whole spices of your choice (e.g. star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods)

Method:

• Measure out your desired amounts of refined shea butter, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, and beeswax. The measurements will depend on how much body butter you want to make. For example, a simple combination could be 20g each of shea butter, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil, along with 10g of beeswax.
• Combine all the dried spices, butters, and oils in a small saucepan or double boiler.
• Heat the mixture over low heat for about half an hour to infuse the spices. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Once the oil is fragrant and has taken on the spice scent, strain out the spices. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for this step.
• Allow the infused butter to cool. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the mixture in the fridge or freezer, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't get too hard.
• Once the mixture has cooled and started to thicken, it's time to whip it. You can use a whisk or an immersion blender for this step. Whip until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Sterilize your storage jars and lids with rubbing alcohol, then spoon or scoop the body butter into the jars.
• Label your jars and store them in a cool, dry place.

Tips:

• If you don't have a double boiler, you can create a makeshift one by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. This will help prevent overheating and burning.
• Feel free to experiment with different spices and spice combinations to create unique fragrances.
• If you prefer a smoother body butter, you can blend the spices before adding them to the mixture. This will help avoid any gritty texture in the final product.
• Always do a patch test before using any new product, especially if you have sensitive skin.

How to avoid body butter becoming too greasy

Spices can be used to fragrance body butter, and there are a few methods to do so. One way is to combine dried spices with the other ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over low heat for about half an hour. Once the oil is fragrant, the spices can be strained out, leaving a spiced fragrance. Alternatively, essential oils can be added to the body butter to create a scent.

Use lighter, faster-absorbing butters

Try swapping out heavier butters, such as shea butter, for lighter alternatives like mango butter. This can make a big difference in the final texture of the body butter.

Incorporate lightweight esters

Swap out some (or all) of the liquid oils in your formulation for something ultralight like isopropyl myristate (IPM), coco caprylate, or C12-15 alkyl benzoate. Faster-absorbing oils can also help, but IPM is particularly effective at reducing the greasy feel of products.

Try making it harder

You can reduce the greasy feel of a body butter by making the product harder or firmer, which will discourage the application of large amounts. This can be achieved by incorporating waxes such as beeswax or candelilla wax, or fatty hardeners like cetyl alcohol and stearic acid.

Try raising the melting point

A body butter that melts quickly is more likely to feel oily. Try adding an ingredient like stearic acid or cetyl alcohol to raise the melting point slightly, so it doesn't melt as fast.

Incorporate clay and/or starch

Starches and clays can help reduce the oily feel of a body butter. Cornstarch is a good option as it is readily available. Tapioca starch and arrowroot powder are also popular choices.

Make an emulsion instead

If you find that purely fat-based body butters are too greasy, you can try making an emulsified body butter instead. This will result in a lighter, more decadent product.

Use less product

A simple way to avoid the greasy feeling is to use less product. A little goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount for a large area and rub it in until it is absorbed.

How to prevent body butter from solidifying

Yes, you can use spices to fragrance body butter! For example, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods can be used to create a wonderful Christmas scent.

Reformulating Your Body Butter

• Use shea butter as it has the highest melting point of all common body butter ingredients and won't melt until it reaches 113 °F (45 °C).
• Incorporate mango butter, which has one of the highest melting points (around 86 °F or 30 °C).
• Substitute your main body butter ingredient with coconut oil, which has a melting point of 78 °F (26 °C).
• Add beeswax, a "hard butter" that dries as a solid and won't melt until it reaches 144 °F (62 °C).

Storing Body Butter

• Keep body butter in a cool, dry place, such as a cabinet or pantry, to prevent it from melting.
• Avoid storing body butter in the bathroom, as the humidity from baths and showers can cause it to melt.
• Keep body butter out of direct sunlight, as this can also cause it to melt, even if the ingredients have a high melting point.

Shipping Body Butter

• Keep the body butter cold, even in the fridge, until it's time to ship.
• Wrap the body butter in bubble wrap for extra insulation during shipping.
• Use ice packs in the packaging to keep the body butter cool during transit.
• Drop off your packages at the post office right before the mail gets sent out to reduce the time they spend in transit.
• If you're ordering body butter, keep an eye on the tracking number and open the package as soon as it arrives to prevent melting.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your body butter from solidifying and enjoy its creamy texture and fragrance!

How to stop body butter from losing its scent

To prevent body butter from losing its scent, there are several steps you can take during the making process. Firstly, it is important to choose the right ingredients. Opting for refined butters instead of raw ones can help as they are practically scentless, providing a blank canvas for your desired fragrance. If you prefer to use raw butters, be mindful that their natural scent will come through in the final product, so choose fragrances that complement the butter's aroma. For instance, the smokey, nutty scent of shea butter pairs well with brighter scents like grapefruit and cardamom.

Another factor to consider is the type and amount of fragrance you use. Essential oils are commonly used to scent body butter, and you can mix different oils to create unique blends. Suggested essential oils include lavender, geranium, frankincense, rose, juniper, orange, peppermint, rosemary, and vanilla. However, it is crucial not to add too much essential oil, as this can lead to skin irritation. A dilution rate of 1% is generally recommended, but always check the specific guidelines for your chosen oil. Additionally, avoid using "hot oils" like cinnamon, clove, oregano, thyme, and lemongrass, as these can irritate the skin.

The technique you use to incorporate the fragrance also matters. When working with essential oils, add them once the body butter mixture has cooled down, as heat will cause the fragile oils to evaporate. Start with a small amount, around 10 drops, and gradually increase until you achieve the desired scent strength. If using fragrance oils, the typical usage rate is about 2% of the total recipe, but always refer to the guidelines to ensure safety.

Lastly, proper storage is key to retaining the scent of your body butter. Body butter should be stored in a sealed jar or container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. It is best to use it within 3 to 6 months, as the fragrance may start to fade over time.

How to safely add essential oils to body butter

Essential oils are highly concentrated and very aromatic. For example, it takes 60 roses to make a single drop of rose essential oil. Therefore, essential oils are not something to be used liberally on the skin and are unsafe to ingest.

The highest recommended ratio of essential oils to incorporate into skincare preparations is 1-2%. Here is an easy conversion formula to help with your DIY recipes:

• 1% = for 1 oz of oil or butter, add 6 drops of essential oil
• 2% = for 1 oz of oil or butter, add 12 drops of essential oil

For example, 7 oz of body butter can take anywhere between 42 (1%) to 84 (2%) drops of essential oils.

The best temperature to add essential oils to a preparation is below 75°F (23°C). If the temperature is too high, the heat will "kill" most of the EO scent.

Heating Method:

• Melt butter and let it cool down.
• Add essential oils and carrier oil and mix thoroughly.
• Refrigerate the mixture until it partially solidifies.
• Remove it from the refrigerator and whisk until a fluffy body butter is achieved.

Cold Process Method:

• Take carrier oils and butter at room temperature.
• Whisk until a smooth consistency paste is achieved.
• Add essential oils and whisk to make whipped body butter for use.

Other Tips:

• If you are using a stand mixer or food processor, cut your butter into small pieces and add them to your mixer or bowl. As it’s whipping, add half of your fragrance/essential oil in slowly.
• If you are using a saucepan, place the butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil in a glass bowl or measuring cup inside the pan. The saucepan should have enough water for the water to touch the bottom of your glass bowl without spilling out.
• Over medium heat, whisk the oils together until they are melted and combined. Continue until the mixture is almost clear.
• If you want a body butter to absorb more slowly and feel oilier, swap out grapeseed oil for jojoba oil.

Frequently asked questions