How to Make Cocoa Butter Body Cream

Cocoa butter is a soothing ingredient added to many topical ointments and creams because of its long shelf life and beneficial health properties. It can help the body relax, relieving stress and boosting the immune system. Cocoa butter is a staple among pregnant women because it helps in preventing stretch marks, and its uses in lotions, ointments, skin creams and other toiletries is widespread. Cocoa butter is used to soothe and heal dry skin and recent studies have shown that cocoa butter can help prevent cancer. If you’re looking for a way to add the benefits of cocoa butter to your life, here’s a great cocoa butter skin cream recipe that you can make right at home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 1/2 cups glycerin
• 1 cup stearic acid
• 1/2 oz. cocoa butter (food grade)
• 1/2 oz. spirits of ammonia
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. boric acid
• 60 drops of essential oil (optional)
• Stove
• Microwave
• Pot
• 2 mixing bowls
• Spoon
• Whisk
• Airtight container
• Electric beater
• Protective eye wear

1. Heat your cream base. In a pot, combine the glycerin, stearic acid and cocoa butter. Melt the ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly and being careful not to burn the mixture.
2. Heat the water. While the mixture in Step 1 is melting, heat your 2 cups of water on the stove or in the microwave. You do not need this water to be boiling, so remove it from the heat just before it boils. Set aside.
3. Add the ammonia. Remove the melted cocoa butter, glycerin and stearic acid from the heat and transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the ammonia, stirring with a spoon or whisk until the mixture becomes milky.
4. Mix the water and boric acid. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the boric acid with your reserved warm water. Stir until thoroughly combined.
5. Add the boric acid mixture to the cocoa butter mixture and, with an electric beater, beat on high speed for 10 minutes.
6. Add your fragrance. If you would like to scent your cream, you may do that now. If you’re using a mixture of essential oils, combine them in a bowl before adding them to the lotion mixture. If you prefer to use one essential oil, you can add it directly to the mixture.
7. Store the cream. Use an airtight container, preferably with a widemouthed top to store your mixture and set in a cool dry place to cure. Let the mixture age for 2 weeks before using on your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Cocoa butter smells good on its own, but you can add virtually any essential oil to enhance the scent to your liking.
• Be careful when working with ammonia. It is recommended that you wear protective eye wear. Also, make sure to use the ammonia in a well-ventilated area.