Body Butter is an ultra-hydrating skin moisturizer thicker than lotion and cream. It’s often infused with natural oils and butter to create a luxurious feel.
This one from Whish was formulated during pregnancy and is enriched with shea, cocoa, mango butter, and nourishing vitamin E and fatty acids. It’s also clinically proven to soothe and hydrate skin.
1. Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a natural moisturizer that contains a high percentage of essential fatty acids and vitamins. It’s no wonder Cleopatra was said to carry jars of this skin care staple with her wherever she went. It is a great ingredient for dry skin, restoring its elasticity and smoothness while providing deep nourishment. It can also help to fade stretch marks and scars as well as soothe irritated or itchy skin.
Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) and karate trees (Butyrospermum parkii). Its emollient properties keep it soft and supple, and it’s rich in vitamin A, E, and F which promote healthy skin cells. It also helps to balance oil production and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as a moisturizer or added to soaps, lip balms, and cosmetics.
Unlike many other seed oils, Shea Butter has a larger “healing fraction.” This means that shea butter retains the beneficial phytonutrients and vitamin E that are normally removed in the saponification process of other seed oils.
When selecting shea butter for your beauty regimen, make sure it’s unrefined and organic. Shea butter sold in stores is typically refined, which takes away a lot of its naturally good properties and gives it a lighter color and fragrance. Look for unrefined shea butter with a beige color and nutty scent to reap the full benefits of this natural ingredient. Also, avoid any shea butter that has added fragrances or coloring agents as these are unnecessary and may be unhealthy. Shea butter is generally safe but it should be avoided if you have an allergy to tree nuts. It is also not recommended for those with acne prone or sensitive skin, as it can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
2. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a type of fat that comes from the cocoa bean plant. It’s often used in chocolate and as a flavoring, but it’s also good for the skin and hair. Cocoa butter is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which plays a role in keeping your eyes, heart, brain, and skin healthy. It also contains oleic acid and palmitic acid, which help nourish the skin and make it soft. Cocoa butter is a popular ingredient in body and face lotions, because it is naturally moisturizing.
One of the most common uses for cocoa butter is to prevent or reduce stretch marks, especially during pregnancy. While some people do report that it helps with this, research on this is mixed. However, it is a great moisturizer and can be used to treat dryness or flakiness. Cocoa butter is also high in antioxidants, which can help keep the skin looking young and healthy.
Another benefit of cocoa butter is that it has a very low melting point and a long shelf life, making it perfect for skincare products. Cocoa butter can be whipped into a fluffy consistency to create a light, airy body cream. It can be combined with other ingredients, such as Shea butter and coconut oil, to create a deeply moisturizing blend that is perfect for dry skin. Cocoa butter can also be added to scrubs to help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells.
Cocoa butter is available in many health food stores and online. You should look for cosmetic-grade cocoa butter, which is safe to use on the skin. It may be more expensive than regular butter, but it has a much longer shelf life and is more suitable for skincare.
3. Argan Oil
The rare oil from the nut of the Argania Spinosa tree is treasured for its nourishing, antioxidant properties and skin-smoothing benefits. It is considered an essential beauty product because it offers a myriad of skincare and hair-care benefits, thanks to its high concentration of Vitamin E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (SFA, SDA, MUFA, and PUFA).
According to one study, argan oil can also improve hydration levels in the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, boost cell turnover, promote healthy scalp and dandruff control, and more. Argan oil is also naturally non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and lead to breakouts and acne. In fact, this oil can actually help regulate sebum production.
When selecting an argan oil for the skin, make sure it is 100% pure and organic. Look for the word “organic” in the ingredient list or certifications like Ecocert Organic, Fair for Life, USDA Certified organic, and Climate Pledge Friendly. Make sure the product is cold-pressed, which means it’s been processed without any heat or mechanical force. The oil should have a subtle scent and be opaque in color.
To use argan oil, apply a few drops to the skin or hair and massage it in gently. If applying it to the face, use a gentle tapping motion, working from the bridge of your nose to your temples and back again. You can also dab a few drops on your neck or chest to protect against dryness and pollution. You can even apply it under your eyes to fight fine lines and dark circles. To keep your argan oil fresh, store it in a cool, dark place and do not expose it to light.
4. Mango Butter
Mango butter is similar in consistency to cocoa butter, and contains more essential fatty acids than shea butter. It soothes the skin and locks in moisture to soften and plump the skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, heals scars and blemishes, relieves eczema, psoriasis and persistent dry skin, and is helpful in treating diaper rash. It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It blends easily into formulas and has a mild aroma.
Like other butters, mango butter is non-greasy and doesn’t clog pores. It has a low comedogenic rating, so it is suitable for most skin types except oily or acne-prone.
The mango kernels contain oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid, all of which are beneficial for repairing the natural lipid barrier of the skin. When used topically, it can help restore the hydrolipidic film, which protects against environmental aggressions (wind, temperature changes, pollution).
It is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin and hair growth, while vitamin E helps fight free radical damage.
Mango butter is less expensive than shea or cocoa butter, and has a smoother texture. It can be used as a substitute for either of the two in recipes, or in combination with both shea and cocoa to make a mango and shea body butter recipe. It has a mild aroma and is a good option for scented body butters because it doesn’t interfere with the scent of essential oils. In addition, it is a good choice for those with sensitive skin or allergic reactions to fragrances and dyes. It is a great ingredient for whipped body butter recipes.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an amazing succulent plant that has many benefits, including healing and softening skin, and soothing irritated bowels. It has also been used as a natural way to treat a wide variety of ailments, from high blood pressure to insomnia and heartburn. In some cases, it may even be able to help with cancer!
Aloe contains over 75 different compounds, including vitamins (vitamins C, E, and B9) and minerals (calcium, copper, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium, and selenium). It also contains enzymes, sugars, fatty acids (including lupeol and campesterol), anthraquinones (aloin and emodin), and hormones (auxins and gibberellins) [1].
Some research has found that the plant’s cycloartenol and lophenol compounds reduce UV-induced skin damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and increasing collagen production. It has also been found to improve skin elasticity in both men and women by stimulating hyaluronic acid production, as well as increase gross elasticity and net elasticity of skin tissues [5].
Drinking aloe vera juice can reduce your glucose levels in the blood and help you manage diabetes. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before drinking aloe juice if you have diabetes or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Aloe can cause premature uterine contractions and miscarriage if you drink too much of it, and it can also interfere with medications like anti-diabetic drugs.
Body butter is a great way to nourish and moisturize your skin, especially in the winter. It’s best to use it on dry areas of your skin, such as the elbows and knees. Make sure you use a high-quality body butter that has been approved by The Vegan Society, which means it contains no animal products.