Body butter is a thick, oil-rich moisturizer made from plant butters and oils that forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and relieve dryness.
If your elbows, knees, or heels feel rough no matter how much lotion you use, body butter may be what you need. Unlike lighter moisturizers, body butter contains little to no water and relies on dense fats from ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil to create a heavy, creamy texture that sits on top of the skin. It softens dry patches, protects against moisture loss, and is especially popular during cold months or for naturally dry skin types.
How Body Butter Is Made
Body butter starts with solid plant butters — shea, cocoa, mango, or kokum — blended with liquid oils such as jojoba, almond, or coconut. The ingredients are gently melted together using a double boiler or short microwave bursts, then cooled until partially solid but still soft enough to whip. A hand mixer or stand mixer turns the mixture light and fluffy, and optional extras like essential oils, vitamin E, or arrowroot powder are folded in near the end. The finished product is packed into a jar and stored in a cool, dry place. Because most homemade body butter is water-free, it does not require preservatives, though it can soften or separate at temperatures above about 90°F.
Body Butter vs. Lotion vs. Cream
The main difference is water content. Body lotion holds the most water of the three, making it thin, quick-absorbing, and good for everyday use on normal skin. Body cream sits in the middle — it has more emollients than lotion but still contains enough water to spread easily. Body butter is the richest option, with nearly all fat and very little water, so it stays thick, heavy, and occlusive. That heavy layer is what makes it excellent for deep moisturization on rough spots, but it also means it takes longer to soak in and can feel greasy on oily skin. For most people, body butter works best on elbows, knees, heels, and other stubborn dry areas rather than all-over daily use.
Who Benefits Most From Body Butter
Body butter is ideal for anyone with dry, flaky, or winter-chapped skin. People who live in cold or low-humidity climates often find it more effective than lotion for preventing moisture loss. Those with very oily or acne-prone skin may find it too heavy for regular body use. If you are looking for a proven option, our roundup of the best drugstore body butters covers top-rated formulas that balance richness with wearability. Sensitive skin users should check labels for essential oils or fragrance, which can cause irritation — plain shea butter or fragrance-free formulas are safer choices.
| Type | Water Content | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Body lotion | High | Daily all-over hydration, normal to oily skin |
| Body cream | Moderate | Medium moisture, normal to dry skin |
| Body butter | Very low to none | Deep moisture for dry patches, cold weather, rough skin |
Common Ingredients To Know
Base butters are the foundation: shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter are the most popular, each offering a different feel. Shea is soft and spreadable; cocoa is firmer with a chocolate scent; mango is lighter and silkier. Carrier oils like jojoba, almond, and grapeseed add slip and nourishment. Many commercial body butters also include emulsifiers to blend water and oil when water is present, and preservatives to keep the product safe over time. If you prefer a simpler formula, water-free body butters with only butters, oils, and optional starch or vitamin E are easy to make at home and store well in cool conditions.
FAQs
Can body butter be used on the face?
Body butter is generally too heavy for facial skin and can clog pores, especially on oily or acne-prone areas. The face absorbs lighter products better; stick to a facial moisturizer designed for your skin type and reserve body butter for elbows, knees, heels, and other tough patches.
Does body butter expire?
Yes. Commercial body butters usually last 1 to 2 years unopened and about 6 to 12 months after opening, depending on preservatives. Homemade water-free versions last 3 to 6 months if stored in a cool, dark place. If the product smells rancid, develops mold, or changes texture noticeably, throw it out.
How do you apply body butter for best results?
Apply body butter to slightly damp skin after a shower or bath, when your skin can trap more moisture. Scoop out a small amount with clean fingers, warm it between your palms to soften it, then massage it into dry areas. A little goes a long way, so start sparingly and add more if needed.
References & Sources
- Jergens. “What Is Body Butter?” Explains body butter composition, texture, and typical uses.
- The Body Shop. “What Is Body Butter?” Describes ingredients, formulation, and how body butter differs from lotion.
- Medical News Today. “Body Butter vs. Lotion.” Covers moisture retention, texture differences, and suitability by skin type.