how to melt cocoa butter

HOMEMADE HERBAL BATH MELTS

These herbal bath melts are perfect for moisturizing your skin, resetting your energy, calming your mind, and opening your heart. There’s no better way to unwind and release the day’s stress than through a self-care ritual, setting a personal bath intention. With these melts, you’ll create a soothing experience that nourishes both body and soul.

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know how much I advocate for self-care. One of my favorite ways to practice self-care is by enjoying a nourishing bath that refreshes both your skin and your spirit.

Over the years, I’ve shared various bathtime essentials, including bath salts, soaks, and bath bombs. These herbal bath melts offer a unique experience—they’re portable like bath bombs yet deliver the deep hydration of a bath soak, making them a perfect addition to your relaxation routine.

WHAT IS AN HERBAL BATH MELT?

Imagine the silky, indulgent experience of a bath soak combined with the convenience of a bath bomb. These herbal bath melts gently dissolve without fizzing, releasing essential herbs and oils for a deeply hydrating bath.

Infused with cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and skin-soothing herbs, these melts create a balanced, nourishing bath ritual that your skin will adore. As you soak, a sense of calm, renewal, and heart-opening warmth will envelop you, leaving your skin soft and replenished.

ARE BATH MELTS HARD TO MAKE?

Nope! Making herbal bath melts is actually quite simple and allows for a lot of flexibility with ingredients. All it takes is mixing your chosen ingredients, pouring them into a silicone mold, and letting them set.

The recipe I used combines clays, essential oils, organic flowers, and coconut oil. Unlike bath bombs, these herbal melts are less labor-intensive and offer more creative freedom. I love how soft and nourished my skin feels after using them!

The best part of this herbal bath melt recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the ingredients to suit your specific herbal needs, spiritual intentions, or simply what you have on hand.

FAVORITE DIY HERBAL BATH MELT INGREDIENTS

Creating your own bath melts lets you design a bath experience perfectly suited to your needs. I often begin with Epsom salts, which offer muscle-relaxing properties and skin nourishment, much like a bath bomb.

I also love adding my favorite organic flowers like calendula and chamomile, which bring a touch of beauty and tranquility to the bath. Be sure they’re 100% organic since you’ll be soaking in them!

When choosing ingredients for your herbal bath melts, think about the self-care ritual you want to create—one that encourages focus and letting go. Each ingredient has nourishing properties for the skin, but consider those that uplift your soul as well.

HEART-OPENING HERBAL SOAK

There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to thaw your body, mind, and heart on a chilly evening. Let the cocoa butter in these herbal bath melts melt into your skin, providing deep moisture and warmth.

Rose is a beautiful, heart-opening addition to this ritual, perfect for the colder months when many of us feel more introspective. Chamomile brings a gentle, calming quality with its light floral aroma, helping you drift off to a peaceful place, while calendula offers soothing support as you release and heal from the past.

For a touch of winter magic, bright orange peel brings fresh energy to your connections, love, and dreams. And the earthy scent of cedar offers a grounding presence, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom, grounding you as you explore and embrace your truest self.

Other ingredients added:

  • rose clay
  • french green clay
  • rhassoul clay
  • cocoa butter wafers
  • shea butter
  • essential oils
  • cedar leaf
  • calendula flowers
  • chamomile
  • dried orange peel
  • rose petals

These ingredients not only hold everything together but also provide essential nutrients to nourish your skin.

Feel free to get creative, experimenting with or mixing your favorite ingredients. Whatever herbs you choose, simply stick to the recommended ratios, and you’ll create a magical DIY bath melt every time!

HOW TO MAKE HERBAL BATH MELTS

First, weigh out the coconut oil, cocoa butter wafers, and shea butter using a digital kitchen scale.

Next, melt the ingredients in a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler (by placing a Pyrex measuring cup or bowl over a pan with an inch or two of simmering water) until the oils reach a fully melted state.

If you’re using any optional clay ingredients, divide the melted oils into separate bowls. Stir in each clay while mixing to ensure they melt smoothly. Keep in mind that different clay types will affect the color of the melts and provide additional skin benefits.

Next, pour the melted oil mixtures into silicone molds. Then, in each mold, add Epsom salts and your chosen herbal ingredients. Feel free to use flower petals, cedar leaves, dried orange peel, or any other herbs in combinations that best suit your needs.

Allow the bath melts to dry and harden in the silicone molds overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

Once they are completely set, gently pop the herbal bath melts out of the molds. Then, enjoy your soothing ritual of self-love, self-realization, and self-companionship!

HOW TO STORE AND USE HERBAL BATH MELTS

While you await their use, keep these lovely bath melts at room temperature, storing them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.

If you live in or visit a very hot climate, it’s best to store the herbal bath melts in the refrigerator. After all, no one wants a pre-melted bath melt!

Use the herbal bath melts as needed to moisturize your skin and relax your mind. Embrace the herbal benefits as you reconnect with your inner self. Just as the melts cater to your individual needs, create a ritual that feels right for you in the moment.

There’s nothing selfish about self-care. You’ll discover that as the bath melt dissolves, you’ll also melt away the day’s stressors.

Simply place a bath melt into a tub of hot water and allow it to melt, releasing the soothing herbs as you soak. Enjoy the experience!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I avoid the bath melts making a mess in the bathtub?

If you’re concerned about a mess after using the bath melt, I have a few tips for you. First, grind the flower petals using a coffee grinder, a circle silicone mold, a double boiler insert, a blender, or a food processor to minimize residue. Second, you can use a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to strain out any leftover materials, making cleanup easier.

Regarding plumbing worries, I found that while using the bath melts, I focused on applying the oils to my skin, similar to a lotion bar. By the end of your bath, you’ll likely notice any remaining oils floating on top of the water. You can scoop these up with a cup to prevent them from going down the drain. If this method doesn’t work for you, consider leaving out the Epsom salt from the recipe and using the bath melt right after getting out of the bath!

Will the bath melts stay solid at room temperature?

Absolutely! We created and tested the bath melts recipe to ensure they stay solid at room temperature. However, we recommend storing them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them. Avoid sunny windows and be cautious when transporting the melts on hot days to keep them in perfect condition.

What tools will I need to make the bath melts?

I recommend using a silicone mold to shape the bath melts; I used a circular silicone mold for mine. For melting, I often set up a standard double boiler by placing a glass bowl on top of a pot filled with warm water. Alternatively, I love using a double boiler insert for easy heating and pouring. A kitchen scale is also helpful for measuring the ingredients accurately!

conclusion

In conclusion, creating your own herbal bath melts is a delightful and customizable way to enhance your self-care routine. By choosing ingredients that resonate with your needs and preferences, you can craft a soothing and nourishing bath experience that promotes relaxation, skin hydration, and inner peace. With simple steps and flexible options, you can enjoy the calming benefits of these bath melts while reconnecting with yourself. So gather your materials, let your creativity flow, and indulge in the magic of a personalized herbal bath ritual that rejuvenates both your body and mind! Enjoy every moment of your self-care journey!

HOW TO MAKE WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

This DIY whipped body butter is perfect for winter, especially if you have dry skin. Cold weather and hot showers can leave skin feeling dehydrated, so this nourishing body butter is a great solution.

Made with simple, natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil, this recipe is safe enough to eat, ensuring you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. Essential oils can be added for fragrance and their beneficial properties.

The result is a light, fluffy body butter that feels like a cloud and provides deep hydration. Learn how to make this easy, homemade skincare treat!

WHAT IS BODY BUTTER?

If you’ve never tried body butter before, you’re in for a treat! It’s like butter for your skin—rich, moisturizing, and easy to make at home. By simply melting and whipping your favorite oils, you can create a luxurious body butter.

While coconut oil is a popular choice, it can sometimes feel greasy or melt at room temperature. For a better balance, try experimenting with different plant-based butters to create a nourishing, non-greasy moisturizer.

This homemade body butter not only feels smooth and nourishing on the skin, but it also smells amazing—especially if you add essential oils. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and makes a thoughtful, personalized gift!

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO MAKE WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

INGREDIENTS FOR WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

  • 1/3 Cup Coconut Oil: Organic coconut oil is a skincare powerhouse! Its low molecular weight allows it to deeply penetrate the skin, delivering moisture and nourishment by binding to proteins in the skin.
  • 1/3 Cup Shea Butter: Shea butter is an incredibly effective emollient, making it perfect for hydrating and softening dry skin. Its rich, moisturizing properties are a key component in body butter recipes.
  • 1/3 Cup Cocoa Butter Wafers: Cocoa butter lends a creamy, thick texture to lotions and body butters, softening at body temperature for easy absorption. It also contains natural antioxidants like vitamin E, as well as other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
  • 1/3 Cup Jojoba Oil: A non-comedogenic carrier oil, jojoba oil is soothing and deeply moisturizing, making it ideal for calming irritated skin. If jojoba oil isn’t available, sweet almond oil is a great alternative due to its quick absorption and nourishing fatty acids and vitamins A and E.
  • 2 Teaspoons Arrowroot Powder: To reduce the oily feel of this rich moisturizer, arrowroot powder helps create a smoother, less greasy finish. If you don’t have arrowroot powder, cornstarch or tapioca starch can be used as substitutes.
  • Essential Oils (Optional): Add a few drops of essential oils for a natural fragrance and extra skin benefits. Essential oils are preferred over synthetic fragrances due to their plant-based origins and numerous healing properties.

WHY THESE INGREDIENTS

  • Coconut Oil – Provides deep moisture, promotes wound healing, and has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
  • Jojoba Oil – Moisturizes, supports wound healing, reduces inflammation, and offers anti-aging benefits.
  • Cocoa Butter – Forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and protect the skin.
  • Shea Butter – Rich in antioxidants, it deeply hydrates and promotes skin healing.
  • Essential Oils – Add a pleasant scent and offer various beneficial properties depending on the oil used.

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING YOUR WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

  • Begin by melting the coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter together in a double boiler or a saucepan over low heat. If you don’t have a double boiler, a large glass measuring cup will work just fine.
  • Once the butters are melted, remove from heat and stir in the jojoba oil. If you’re using essential oils, add them now and mix well to evenly distribute the scent.
  • Pour the mixture into a medium-sized glass bowl and place it in the refrigerator to cool for about two hours. You can also chill the oils in the fridge to speed up the process.
  • When the mixture has fully solidified, remove it from the refrigerator and transfer it to a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer). Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
  • Once whipped, add the arrowroot powder and whip again until the body butter reaches a smooth, airy consistency.
  • Finally, scoop the whipped body butter into containers and store in a cool, dry place.

TIPS FOR MAKING DIY BODY BUTTER

This whipped body butter makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, and you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger batches.

However, be cautious when using citrus essential oils, such as lemon or orange, as they can increase sun sensitivity. If you choose to include them, avoid sun exposure for a while after application, or opt to use the body butter at night for extra safety.

HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

Because the oils and butters in this body butter are natural and prone to melting in warm conditions, it’s best to store it in a cool, dry place. If the butter does melt, you can refrigerate it and re-whip it to restore its texture.

Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark environment, this body butter will last up to six months. For longer storage, you can add preservatives. Although I haven’t added preservatives to this recipe, Geogard ECT (also known as Preservative ECO or Plantaserv M) would be a good choice. Use between 0.6% and 1% of the mixture.

If you prefer natural preservatives, vitamin E oil or rosemary extract are great options. These help extend the shelf life without introducing harsh chemicals.

Another way to prolong freshness is by storing the body butter in smaller containers. This limits exposure to air and contaminants each time you open it, ensuring it stays fresh for longer.

Be sure to keep the body butter away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, as these can cause the natural ingredients to break down more quickly and spoil.

If you like experimenting with different scents or textures, you can customize this recipe by adding essential oils or botanical extracts. Lavender, chamomile, or rosemary essential oils are popular for their soothing properties, while citrus oils like lemon or orange can provide a refreshing scent. Just remember, citrus oils can make skin sensitive to sunlight, so it’s best to use them at night.

For added hydration and soothing benefits, consider mixing in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel, especially helpful for sun-exposed or irritated skin.

Lastly, if you prefer a firmer body butter, adjust the ratio of butters to oils. Increasing the amount of cocoa butter or shea butter will create a firmer consistency, while adding more liquid oils will make the body butter softer and easier to spread.

CONCLUSION

Whipped body butter is a luxurious and nourishing treat for your skin. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create your own customized version at home. With the flexibility to choose your preferred ingredients and scents, you can tailor your body butter to your specific needs and preferences. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a homemade product that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully hydrated.