Butters

Butters for DIY cosmetics – shea, mango and cocoa for rich care of skin, hair and homemade formulations

Plant butters are the foundation of natural and homemade (DIY) cosmetics. We use them for body butters, lip balms, creams, ointments, massage bars, lotions, after-sun care, care during pregnancy and as a nourishing base for dry, sensitive or mature skin. Thanks to their rich texture and fatty acid content, they soften the skin, protect it from drying out and help maintain its suppleness.

In the butters category at Aroma Herbal you will find carefully selected natural butters that are suitable both for everyday care and for making homemade cosmetics. Available are neutral, unscented butters for sensitive skin, as well as butters with a characteristic natural scent that many people love for the feeling of luxury they give when used.

Butters are an excellent choice when you want care that “stays” on the skin. Compared with plant oils, they create a more protective feel on the skin, which is why they are especially popular in winter, for cracked areas, after shaving, after sun exposure, for very dry skin, and also for caring for hair ends and scalp.

What are plant butters in natural cosmetics?

Plant butters are firmer plant fats obtained from the seeds or fruits of plants. At room temperature they are usually solid or semi-solid, and on the skin they melt and create a soft, nourishing layer.

In natural cosmetics they have several key roles:

• they nourish and soften the skin intensively

• they help reduce moisture loss and support the skin barrier

• they improve the texture and “rich feel” of creams, lotions and balms

• they are an excellent base for balms, ointments, massage bars and body butters

• in hair care they help reduce dryness, breakage and “frizz”

Butters can be used on their own or as part of DIY formulations, where we combine them with plant oils, waxes, emulsifiers, vitamin E, herbal macerates and essential oils.

Why are butters indispensable in DIY cosmetics?

In homemade cosmetics, butters often make the difference between a “blend of oils” and a product with a truly pleasant texture, durability and user experience. Butters are especially useful when you want to make:

• a body butter that melts beautifully and absorbs quickly

• a lip balm that truly protects and stays on the lips

• an ointment for dry hands, elbows, heels or cracked skin

• massage bars or massage candles

• care during pregnancy for skin elasticity

• rich night balms or protective face creams

• products for hair and hair-end care

Butters are stable, easy to use and often suitable for beginners too, because they allow simple recipes with few ingredients.

Which butters will you find in our range?

To make choosing easier, the butters are sensibly divided by how they feel on the skin and by type of use.

Shea butter – a universal base for protection and repair

Shea butter is one of the most popular butters in natural cosmetics because it is exceptionally versatile. It works excellently for the care of dry, sensitive and mature skin, and it is indispensable in making balms, ointments and body butters.

In our range you will find two versions that cover different needs:

• Refined shea butter without a characteristic scent, which is neutral and an excellent choice for anyone who does not want a strong natural scent

• Organic shea butter, 100% pure, cold-pressed and organic, popular for its authenticity and rich nourishing qualities

Shea is an excellent base for family care, for caring for cracked areas, after shaving, and also for dry hair ends and scalp.

Mango butter – nourishing yet light butter for elasticity and comfort

Mango butter is an excellent choice when you want a butter that nourishes and softens the skin without leaving a heavy, greasy feel. It is often chosen by people who like a “silky” feel on the skin, which makes it excellent for everyday use.

Thanks to its pleasant texture, it is especially popular:

• during pregnancy and after birth for skin care and a feeling of elasticity

• for sensitive and children's skin

• for dry areas that are easily irritated

• in body butters, creams and massage candles

• for hair care, as a mask or for hair ends

Mango butter combines beautifully with shea, cocoa butter and plant oils.

Cocoa butter – rich protection, elasticity and a natural “chocolatey” feel

Cocoa butter is a classic butter for skin protection, elasticity and the care of dry skin. Its natural cocoa scent is well known and loved by many, especially in the winter months or when caring for skin after sun exposure. Thanks to its fatty acids and antioxidants, it is very popular in:

• body butters and massage bars

• lip balms

• the care of the pregnant belly and of dry skin

• after-sun care, when we want comfort and protection

• the care of hair ends and pre-wash masks

Cocoa butter is also an excellent choice for those who want DIY products with a firmer structure, as it hardens balms and massage bars nicely.

How to choose the right butter?

When choosing a butter, think about the feel you want on your skin and what you are making.

If you want a scent-free butter for sensitive skin
The best choice is refined shea butter or mango butter, because they are neutral and gentle for everyday care.

If you have very dry, flaky or cracked skin
Shea butter works excellently, organic too, because it gives the skin a protective feel and repair.

If you want a “lighter” butter that does not weigh down
Mango butter is often the best choice, because it is nourishing yet absorbs more easily.

If you are making massage bars, balms or want a firmer texture
Cocoa butter is ideal, because it gives structure and stability.

If you want care during pregnancy or for skin elasticity
Mango butter is often combined with shea butter and a few drops of vitamin E are added.

How do we use butters in DIY cosmetics?

Butters are extremely adaptable. You can use them:

• on their own as a body butter, especially after a shower on slightly damp skin

• as a base for lip balms, ointments and hand butters

• in creams and lotions as part of the oil phase

• in massage bars and massage candles

• in hair products, as a pre-wash mask or for dry ends

In DIY making, butters are usually melted over a water bath and then mixed with oils and other ingredients. Once the mixture cools, you get a smooth, stable structure.

Practical DIY recipes with butters

A simple body butter for dry skin

Ingredients:

• 50 g shea butter

• 30 g mango butter

• 20 g plant oil of your choice

• optionally 3 drops of vitamin E

Method:
Melt the butters over a water bath, add the oil, mix and cool. As it begins to thicken, you can whip it to get a light texture.

Lip balm

Ingredients:

• 15 g cocoa butter

• 10 g shea butter

• 5 g plant oil

Method:
Melt, mix, pour into a small jar and leave to set.

Mask for dry ends

Ingredients:

• a small amount of shea or cocoa butter

Method:
Warm the butter between your palms and apply it to dry ends, or as a mask 30 minutes before washing.

The most common mistakes when using butters

One of the most common mistakes is applying butters to completely dry skin and expecting “moisturising”. Butters mainly protect and soften, so you get the best effect by applying them to slightly damp skin or over a moisturising product.

Another common mistake is using too much. Butters are concentrated, so very little is often enough.

When making DIY products, it is also important not to overheat the butters for too long and to use clean utensils to reduce the risk of contamination.

Butters as part of your daily routine

Butters are an excellent basis for a routine that is simple yet effective.

• after a shower for soft skin without a feeling of tightness

• in winter for protection from frost and wind

• in the evening for richer care of dry skin

• for hands, elbows, heels and lips when they are at their driest

• for hair, when it needs more shine and less breakage

Frequently asked questions about butters for DIY cosmetics

1. What are plant butters in cosmetics?
   Plant butters are firmer plant fats that nourish, soften and protect the skin and are an excellent base for DIY products.

2. Can I use butters on their own on the skin?
   Yes. You get the best effect by applying them to slightly damp skin after a shower.

3. Which butter is best for very dry skin?
   Shea butter is the classic choice for very dry and cracked skin.

4. Which butter feels more “light” on the skin?
   Mango butter is nourishing but often leaves a less greasy feel.

5. Which butter is best for balms and bars?
   Cocoa butter is excellent, because it gives a firm structure and stability.

6. Are butters suitable for hair care?
   Yes. Use them as a pre-wash mask or for dry ends.

7. Are butters suitable for sensitive skin?
   Yes, especially neutral, unscented butters such as refined shea.

8. Can I mix butters together?
   Yes. Mixing butters is very common, because you can adjust the texture and feel.

9. Why is vitamin E often added to butters?
   Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps protect oils and butters from oxidation.

10. How do we store plant butters?
    Store them in a dark, cool place, tightly closed, away from heat and direct light.