Wouldn’t it be great to use an all-in-one DIY creation that helps remedy dry skin, chapped lips, or even brittle or damaged hair? The shea butter body balm in this article is creamy, luscious, and incredibly hydrating. Tame wild flyaways, provide moisture to dry hands or feet, and protect your skin while sealing in moisture. You can also scent it with your preferred blend of essential oils, depending on what scent you’re after.
The great part about this body balm is that it will only take 15 minutes of hands-on time to make. The rest of the time is spent waiting for the mixture to solidify before use. You can make this recipe on your own or with kids, allowing them to pick their own personal scents. Some great essential oils to use include rosemary, lemongrass, fir, spruce, sandalwood, grapefruit, bergamot, lemon, frankincense, and lavender. Additionally, make some creative labels for the balm containers as an optional step.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural emulsifier that helps bind water and oils. Because of its stability, beeswax is a popular ingredient in makeup and skin care products. Beeswax forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, keeping environmental irritants and harsh weather from damaging it. It also exhibits comedogenic properties, allowing the skin to breathe freely, while simultaneously helping it retain moisture. That makes beeswax an excellent ingredient for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Beeswax also contains antibacterial, germicidal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergenic properties, all of which make it a great base ingredient. It may also help reduce signs of aging and soften the skin.
Shea Butter
Similar to beeswax, shea butter is a common ingredient in skin care products, especially face moisturizers and body lotions. The reason for this is because it works as an emollient, softening and hydrating the skin. Shea butter’s fatty acids, which include oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids, help to improve skin barrier function. Just like beeswax, shea butter helps protect the skin from the damage of environmental pollutants. Research notes that the anti-inflammatory compounds in shea butter help to soothe upset skin. For this reason, shea butter is included in products that help remedy inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has a similar molecular structure and composition to sebum, which the skin produces to maintain moisture. That means that when you apply jojoba oil on your face, it mimics the skin’s sebum to help balance your complexion. As for your hair, sebum coats your strands as well, so jojoba may help boost shine and encourage softer hair after application. Similar to other oils and shea butter, jojoba oil helps soothe dry or irritated skin. Because jojoba oil is a humectant, it forms a protective seal on the skin that prevents future moisture loss.
DIY Shea Butter Body Balm
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons organic shea butter
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 10-20 drops essential oils of your choice
Instructions:
- Add the shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil to a small pourable saucepan over low heat. Stir until completely melted and then remove from heat.
- Pour in the jojoba oil and vitamin E oil and stir to combine. Add the essential oils of your choices (10-20 drops) and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a two-ounce jar and allow it to cool completely. By the time it solidifies, which may take one to two hours, it should be opaque.
- Place the lid on the jar and store in a cool, dry place. Use on skin, hands, feet, lips, or dry hair.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
