Whipped Body Butter With Dandelion Infused Oil

Dandelion body butter is a rich moisturizer that helps nourish and hydrate skin while protecting it from aging and free radical damage. Making whipped body butter is simple and easy, and only requires 4 ingredients which is great because I go through tons in our hot, dry climate!

Dandelions are one of the first flowers to appear in spring. Their bright yellow sunny faces are a welcome sight after the dark days of winter! Dandelions are often thought of as invasive weeds, but they are a beneficial, medicinal plant that is a versatile addition to the home apothecary.

Though perhaps not the most common herb known for their skincare benefits, dandelions have similar properties to calendula and contain vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are powerful antioxidants and can help protect skin from free radical damage.

One of the best ways to use dandelions is by making a dandelion infused oil. The infused oil draws out the beneficial properties of dandelions, and it can be used to make herbal skincare products.

Note: If you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, use dandelions with caution and test first before using in large quantities.

Step 1: Make Dandelion Infused Oil

The first step is to make a dandelion flower infused oil. For one pint of dandelion infused oil, harvest about two cups of fresh dandelion flowers. Avoid gathering dandelions from somewhere they might have been sprayed with weed killer since dandelions are often aggressively sprayed.

To make dandelion infused oil you will need:

• 2 cups fresh dandelion flowers
• Carrier oil of choice (olive oil or jojoba oil are great options)
• 1 pint jar

Wilt the dandelion flowers overnight to allow some of the moisture to escape and will reduce the chance of the oil growing mold. To dry, spread the flowers on a flat surface and let them dry for 12-24 hours. Place the wilted dandelions in a pint jar.

Cover with carrier oil of choice until the flowers are floating in the oil. Set the jar in a sunny windowsill and shake the jar everyday. After two weeks, strain out the flowers and save the infused oil. Discard the spent flowers in the compost.

Now, you’re ready to make the body butter.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Body Body Butter

This body butter is made with shea butter, cacao butter, dandelion infused oil, and a teaspoon of arrowroot powder to cut down on the greasiness. Shea butter is often melted along with the other butters and oils, however that can result in little crystals forming that give the final product a gritty feel.

Measure the cocao butter and place in a double boiler. Heat the cacao butter on medium heat until the cacao butter is just melted. Add the dandelion infused oil, and stir to incorporate.

Remove from heat, and let it cool down until it’s warm but not hot to touch, around 100 F (38 C). Get the mixer ready.

Meanwhile, measure the shea butter into a medium deep bowl. Begin to whip the shea butter at room temperature. Whip at high speed until the shea butter becomes white, fluffy, and there are no chunks left. This is easier done when it’s warmer inside, as the shea butter hardens in the cold. If it’s too firm, warm up the shea butter first by placing in a warm location in your home.

Little by little, drizzle the melted cacao butter mixture into the whipped shea butter. Whip the butter thoroughly after each addition. Only add small amounts at a time, otherwise you risk melting the shea butter.

Continue this process until all the liquid oil is incorporated into the shea butter. Whip until the mixer leaves trail marks in the butter, and the butter forms soft peaks.

Add the arrowroot powder if using. Arrowroot powder is sometimes added to body butter to help cut down on that greasy feeling when you apply it. You can substitute white cosmetic clay, which is the mildest clay and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to help cover the smell of shea butter, if using unrefined. Personally, the smell of shea butter doesn’t bother me, but it does have a distinct smell that may bother some people. A few drops of essential oil can help disguise the smell. I left mine unscented, but lavender is a popular choice.

Allow the body butter to cool down fully to room temperature, then whip it again. The more you whip it, the fluffier it gets. Cover the bowl, and set aside for 12 hours at room temperature.

In the morning, check if the body butter has hardened. If it’s firm to the touch, add a little more dandelion infused oil (1 teaspoon or 5 grams at a time) and whip again. Repeat this process until the body butter stays soft.

Once you are happy with the consistency, transfer to airtight jars for storage. The body butter contains no water, so it’s safe to store at room temperature. However, if you live somewhere that gets hot, the butter can melt. In our hot California summers, I keep mine in the fridge otherwise it would become liquid.

Voila!