There is a specific kind of luxury found in a jar of whipped Shea Butter. It's thick, indulgent, and when done correctly melts into the skin like a dream. But if you've ever tried to make it at home and ended up with a grainy greasy mess you aren't alone.
Here is our foolproof recipe for the ultimate whipped body butter.
Ingredients:
- 150g of unrefined Ghanian Shea Butter
- 50ml Carrier Oil: We recommend Jojoba Oil for non-greasy finish, or Sweet Almond Oil for deep hydration
- 5ml Fragrance Oil
The hidden 4th ingredient: if you dislike the greasy feeling of natural butters, add 1 tsp of arrowroot powder or cornstartch during the whipping process. it acts as a natural mattifier
Method:
Step 1:
Place raw shea butter in a heat proof glass bowl over a pot of simmering water (double broiler) Do not exceed 70C. Over heating Shea Butter is the cause of that burnt smell and lost nutrients. Once it's 70% melted, remove from heat and stir until completly liquid.
Step 2:
Stir in your carrier oil. At this stage, add your fragrance oil. Adding scent while butter is warm ensures the molecules bind properly to the fats for a lasting 'cold throw' on your skin.
Step 3:
Place the bowl in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. You are looking for a specific consistency: The mixture should be opaque and firm aroun the edges, but still have a slight give in the middle.
Rapid cooling prevents the fat molecules from crystalising, which is what causes grainy butter.
Step 4:
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture on high for 5-10 minutes. It will transform from a yellow liquid into a bright white, fluffy cloud that looks like buttercream frosting. This is when you fold in your Arrowroot powder if you're using it.
Put into a container and store sensibly to use when needed!