This idea originally came to me after my soon-to-be-husband fell in love with the Buffy Body Butter Bar from Lush. He didn't care so much about the exfoliation aspect, but he really enjoyed being able to moisturize in the shower. I was really happy that he enjoyed Lush's product (I like stuff from Lush, I figured it would be easier for me to get away with buying stuff from there), but they are $12 each. That was a cost that I couldn't stomach to pay all the time (and I didn't particularly care for the scent either). I found this great informative youtube video on how Lush makes its body butter bar and knew I could do it at home myself.
Body Butter Bars
You'll Need
Mold (I used a silicone cupcake tin)
Double boiler of some sort
Shea Butter
Coconut Oil
Beeswax
1) Determine how much weight your mold can hold. I did this by placing my mold on my kitchen scale, hitting tare, and pour water in to the desired fullness. If you're using something like a cupcake tin, or something with multiple cavities you can just fill one and then multiply by the number of cavities. My cavities held 2 oz of water, so I needed a total of 24 oz of oils.
**NOTE: When buying beeswax, it's probably better to buy the pastilles or 1 oz blocks. I bought the 1 lb blocks because they were cheaper (I regret that decision). It took me 10 minutes to figure out how I was going to break down that block of beeswax. I ended up just breaking it into pieces with a hammer.**
3) Melt oils. You can do this step however you feel comfortable. Options include in the microwave, crockpot or using some sort of double boiler. My double boiler was actually a steaming pot that I set a 4 cup, glass Pyrex measuring cup in (it made for easy pouring).
I did find that the oils melted faster if I put the lid on. Also the beeswax takes the longest to melt so you might want to put that on the bottom.
4) Pour melted oil into mold.
5) Put mold in freezer. My bars were completely cooled in 33 minutes. (I know because that's exactly how long I was exercising)
6) Remove from mold and enjoy! After taking my bars out the mold, I wrapped the ones I didn't intend to use right away in wax paper and put them in the freezer. The one I'm currently using is in a metal tin in my bedroom.
That's it. It's super easy and doesn't require a lot of work. I guess the real question is economical is this?
7 lbs coconut oil: $17.95
5 lbs shea butter: $50.85
5 lbs beeswax: $52.60
7 lbs = 112 oz
5 lbs = 80 oz
17.95 / 112 = $0.16/oz coconut oil
50.85 / 80 = $0.64/oz shea butter
52.60 / 80 = $0.66/oz beeswax
($0.16 x 8) + ($0.64 x 8) + ($0.66 x 8) = $11.68 for 12 body butter bars
OR
$0.97 per bar
Not to toot my own horn but I don't think anyone could deny that this wasn't a successful experiment. Up next I'm going to be making stick deodorant. I just have to find some of those little tubes first.
Until next time,
Kellan
wow.. this looks amazing. bookmarking it to hopefully do in the future.. i've heard lots of good stuff about lush, but never tried anything from there!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing.. found you via skip to my lou! :)
Can you send me a bar in the mail? If you wanted to couldn't you have put essential oils for certain scents too? Looks great!
ReplyDeleteThis is Christy by the way.
Hey Cousin! Yes, you could put essential oils in if you want. I like the smell of beeswax so I didn't scent mine but that's a personal preference.
ReplyDeleteOf course I can mail you one, just shoot me an email w/ your address.
You can get the deodorant tubes from www.naturesgardencandle.com
DeleteHmm, this is similar to something I make, but I pour it into jam jars and use it as moisturizing lotion. How hard do your come out, and why exactly do you use the cupcake molds? Do you hold it in your hand and rub it around to get the stuff on you?
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThe bars are pretty hard. To use them I just rub it in my hands and then rub my hands on my body, but you could just as easily rub it directly on your body.
I use cupcake molds because they're flexible, thus easier to get the bars out of. It was really was horrible for actually making cupcakes but great for this application.
These look great, and yes, those ARE horrible for making cupcakes!
DeleteI am so glad I saved my molds. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like the bars from Lush too. Do you think that you could add some sugar or coarse salt in the recipe to make it exfoliating?
ReplyDeletePerhaps ground up oats?
DeleteCrafty Jac, not quite. I'm going to probably do my version of the Lush bars soon. I just need a few supplies first.
ReplyDeleteSalt would dry out the skin way to much. It would have to be something that is finely ground so it doesn't cause irritation of your skin.
ReplyDeletecheck with a pharmacy that compounds medications for deoderant containers...they can order things like that. i work for Walgreens, and we had some.
ReplyDeleteHi Kellan I just found your blog while looking around on pinterest. I love this post. I am definitely going to make these bars!
ReplyDeletep.s. I'm officially following ya!
Come check me out over @ http://kimbas2cents.blogspot.com/
I found your post on Pinterest and I really like it! I clicked the link for the Lush body bar and they say they use ground rice, almonds and beans for their exfoliant...sounds like that would be pretty easy to add to the mixture before it completely cools. I think I'm going to try it!
ReplyDeleteI make a similar body balm and pour the liquid into a plastic ice cube tray. My tray makes large cubes (garage sale find). Last time I poured some of the mix into an empty deodorant tube which I had cleaned completely and removed the label. Perfect for application!
ReplyDeleteWhere in canada can you buy shea butter from? Looks awesome
ReplyDeleteI buy Shea butter from New Directions Aromatics - they are an online distributor in Ontario. They have all your other oils as well. Voyageur Soap and Candle is another great source of oils in Canada. Slightly better prices, but they don't carry shea butter. Both carry an assortment of containers.
DeleteI would think you could get shea butter from any health food store. If that doesn't work, it can probably be ordered on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI found this via Pinterest. Thanks for writing about this... i can't wait to try it. I also love the shower lotion bars from Lush, but the price was expensive for how long it lasts. So when I stumbled across your post, it was great that I could try and make these at home. I may add essential oils to make them smell nicer. I'll update you on how it goes!
ReplyDeleteWhere do you get 7 lbs of coconut oil for $17.95? Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI get my coconut oil from Wellington Fragrance, I live close to the warehouse, so I don't pay shipping and handling.
ReplyDeleteI love this! You're so crafty! Do you think you'd be able to make them look like little cupcakes by using different colors and layering?
ReplyDeleteI suppose that you could color the oils and make layers. The only thing I would say that you need to keep in mind is that you need to keep the oil mixture heated while coloring, otherwise it will start to set up. Also, you would probably need to pour a layer and let it setup before adding another layer.
ReplyDeleteThese look fantastic! Thanks for sharing.. now I am going to go use my lush body bar until I can make my own <3
ReplyDeleteI love the all natural ingredients..thanks!
ReplyDeletehere is a link on etsy for deodorant tubes.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72715776/clear-deodorant-tubes?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=deodorant+tubes&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_facet=supplies
I found this on pinterest. Thanks for sharing. Definitely going to give it a try. You can use an old cheese grater for your beeswax issue-it will cut down on the melting time. Oatmeal is a great exfoliant for sensitive skin.
ReplyDeleteI found you on Pinterest, too. This is a great idea. I know that some people use adzuki (japanese) beans for exfoliation and it's totally organic. Wonderful idea. Thank you for blessing us with this!!
ReplyDelete--Malibu Mom on Pinterest
Love this!! Thanks for sharing your recipe. :)
ReplyDeleteJust found your post on Pinterest and am now a follower. I can't wait to try this on my family during the winter months!
ReplyDeleteI'm yet another Pinterest pinner who found this entry. LOVE it!!! I'll be making some for gifts this Christmas! Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this! What a cool idea. I also found this on Pinterest... I'm obsessed with Pinterest lol! :-) I live in Germany though, so I am not sure where I would acquire these items... in a large amount. I plan on making some of my own soap, (liquid) and body wash, so I had to buy the glycerin at the pharmacy... I wonder where one could get these other ingredients here. No idea, I know that kind of stuff was easier to get when I still lived in the states. I am excited to check out the rest of your blog entries! Have a wonderful weekend. I'm Krisssten on Pinterest! Take care!
ReplyDelete-Kristen in Germany!
I also found this on Pinterest and I have been in a non craft mood for over a year after a trucking accident and after reading this, You have excited me into crafting again Thank you so much for sharing!!!
ReplyDelete*Shannon from Georgia*
I just started making my own cleaning supplies (after the baby ate a Tide Stain Release Tab). I found a few sites for different products, many of which only carry safe products. My favorite container site is www.thesage.com They have those deodorant tubes, as well as many other packaging for making your own supplies. Good luck on making your own; I sure am excited about making our home more ecofriendly, and saving money at the same time.
ReplyDeleteTheSage.com is perfect I get all of my supplies for making my line of lip balm there. Good luck to all and have fun making you products.
DeleteHi love your recipe! Im trying to make some favors for my friends bridal shower this would def be in the gift baggies! Where can i order beeswax and shea butter in that large amount?
ReplyDeletedid you come up with the real Buffy bar yet that exfoliates?
ReplyDeleteMaybe I am dense but I don't understand exactly when you use these. In the shower, after you shower, instead of soap? If you added an exfoliatant wouldn't you want to rinse off after?
ReplyDeleteKajo, if you added the exfoliant then you would use in the shower after the soap. However if you don't add an exfoliant then you would use this once you get out the shower, like a hard lotion bar.
ReplyDeleteAnother Pinterest visitor here! Great pics, simple recipe, and easy to understand tutorial! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour background on this blog is horribly annoying and makes it extremely hard to read your posts. Your ideas are wonderful but please make it so that we can read it without highlighting!
ReplyDeleteI love these kinds of crafts! I can't wait to try it, just trying to find the supplies now! thanks for posting!
ReplyDeletep.s. your background is fine. :)
Thank you! I can hardly wait to make this. I believe I will use an old crock pot and a ladle though.
ReplyDeleteJanis from MA
Just made them tonight for Christmas presents. I'm going to try one out tonight. :)
ReplyDeleteWhere can these ingredients be purchased?? Having a hard time finding them online ......
ReplyDeleteCindy
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI order my shea butter from sheabutterhut.com, coconut oil from wellingtonfragrance.com and beeswax from hiveharvest.com.
I hope this helps!
I had a hard time finding these things too but found them on www.mountainroseherbs.com.
ReplyDeleteAnyone tried to add a fragrance to this yet? I'm thinking lavender oil but I'm not sure how much or if it'll even overpower the coconut oil.
Oh and would food colouring work?
Sabrina,
Quebec
Just found your site from pinterest. I really like what you have to offer. Keep up the good work! Maybe one day I will get around to actually making these.
ReplyDeleteThis is AWESOME! I love the lotion bars at LUSH, but they are really expensive. FYI.. don't put these or the LUSH brand lotion bars in your suitcase and then in the back of a car that is driving across Texas in 112 degree heat of summer... they melt! Found you on Pintrest!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea but find the maths confusing. You spent approx 121.40 on the materials, you made 12 bars but they cost .97c each? I want to try this but cannot justify the price!!
ReplyDeleteD, I buy supplies in large quantities because I make a lot of different things. You could make these and buy much smaller quantities of supplies than what I buy.
ReplyDeleteFound you via Pinterest! Great idea, especially for gifts! Here is a good source for those deodorant sticks (among other things) if you haven't found a good source yet. http://www.specialtybottle.com/lipbalmtubesmi.aspx
ReplyDeleteLooks great can't wait to try this.. Found you at pinterest as well.... Looking forward to checking out more of your blog..
ReplyDeleteFound this on Pinterest and this is awesome! Thanks! Do you think you'll be making soap??
ReplyDeleteHi Camille, I won't be making any soap until after the baby is born. :(
ReplyDeleteAn easier way to deal with the beewax is to just melt don't the big block and pour it out on a cookie sheet lined with foil. As it cools you can rip/break it into smalled pieces.
ReplyDeleteI know this was posted a long time ago, but I found it on Pinterest! I love this! I want to make my own, but I think first I need to fully understand the use of these bars. Do you use it like a lotion or salve? I'm anxious to hear from you, but I'm sure your life is busy. When you have time, would you be kind enough to reply? kayleighw at hotmail dot com - Or you can comment on my blog if that's easier :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they are like the lotion bars sold by Lush. You can just rub them on your arms and legs as if you are 'coloring' with a giant crayon. Then rub your hands over your arms and legs to help distribute the lotion. WARNING: do not put them in your luggage that will be packed in the trunk of your car and travel across Texas in the 112 degree heat of summer. They will melt!!!!! Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
ReplyDeleteI am deff. going to try this . a long time ago they had lotion bars,like a bar of soap. I think they used cake pan or cookie sheet for the mold and cut into bars.I neeed some that smell like tanning oil:) thanks for the tutorial. will be making soon.
ReplyDeleteI used to work at Lush. You'll need to add grounded almonds and grounded rice ( and aduki beans) to buffy. also it uses sesame oil instead of beeswax, some lavender, and aloe vera. that should do it ;)
ReplyDeleteWonderful- so glad I came across this! Thanks! Right away I went to the Lorann Oils website to add the ingredients to my cart- however, I'm not sure if I should get the white beeswax or yellow beeswax, and brick or pellets?
ReplyDeleteIs this soap?
ReplyDeleteOkay is there a substitute for coconut oil I am extremely allergic as are my daughters and it's very hard to find what can be used in coconut oils place. If anyone knows please post it thank you very much
ReplyDeleteYou can substitute any oil you want for the coconut oil. Depending on what you use would determine how much beeswax to use, that's the only difference. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteI also found your post via Pinterest. The picture tutorial was very helpful, and I made my own version (with a few changes). I've posted about my version with a link and a recommendation to check out your tutorial, on my blog at http://athenahandmade.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-hand-cream.html.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletei wonder if you could add food coloring or maybe a piece of crayon for color? I am thinking Xmas gifts, and would make them red and green. I will have to try this, thanks for the post!!
ReplyDeleteWhere did you purchase your Beeswax from?
ReplyDeleteThis post just made my YEAR!!! I freaking LOVE this product. I stumbled across it in Vancouver while on vacation. Definitely going to give this a try, thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove your post (I already pinned it on my "Craft" board on Pinterest), I'm def going to have to try this.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I do something similar with cocoa butter. (who wouldn't want to smell like chocolate?....maybe my husband) Try using different oils too. Olive, almond, jojoba, grapeseed. I don't use palm oil as it is overharvested and is endangering the orangutans! Vitamin E oil does add a bit of a preservative feature, but remember, depending on the oils you use, they may go rancid if left out. Also, the more beeswax you use, the harder the product. Add some lemon oil! Makes a lovely honey-lemon scent. I bought too many essential oils and went nuts with scents.
ReplyDeleteI work at LUSH, and this is similar to the King of Skin lotion bar, rather than Buffy. LUSH makes everything with all-natural (or organic) ingredients, and they have Fair Trade agreements with smaller foreign communities that help them grow :) So when you buy ANYTHING from Lush, it's going towards a really good cause. I'm not just saying it because I work there, I'm saying it because I truly love what Lush stands for. If you have a Lush store near you, I highly suggest checking it out :)
ReplyDeleteI made the same mistake with beeswax. Pastilles are the way to go! Who knew beeswax was so difficult to cut? My electric carving knife couldn't cut it. It's going to be pounded with a hammer soon. I hadn't thought of doing that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteA couple good places online for deodorant type containers cheap....www.elementsbathandbody.com and www.containerandpackaging.com. Just found your pin, and I've made this recipe in small amounts and put them in lip balm tubes. Works great to keep in your pocket, especially when you're like me in the medical field and wash your hands 5 billion times a day! I even have MEN using LOTION (kinda). I love experimenting with different add ins, but I'm very sensitive to perfumes, so I LOVE making my own scent free products. Keep on blogging!!!
ReplyDeleteI had to redo them as i added too much oil by mistake. I reordered my coconut oil last week and it came. I got such an awesome deal 54oz for only $20. I had a $10 coupon so it was only $15 Shipped! I think I'm addicited to making these. If your intrested you can use the same $10 coupon using this link:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.vitacostrewards.com/ZfT7rDn
Ok maybe someone can help me out here. I made this last week with 8 oz of each and it turned out super waxy. I had my husband test it out too and we both had to scrape off of our skin Bc it was so waxy. You said this was similar to Buffy which is a shower bar. Did I do something wrong or is this not meant to be a shower bar like Buffy?
ReplyDeleteI would say cut back on the beeswax. I made these in the middle of the summer so I wanted them to hold up in the heat, if you want it to melt fairly easily I would say either cut the beeswax in half or you can take it out all together. It's really up to you.
DeleteGood call on the beeswax I will try that. I find this recipe not as "melty" as the real thing... and I am in Texas where it rarely gets below freezing.
ReplyDelete