Is Body Butter Edible? And Answers to 23 Other Customer Questions About Body Butter

At Organic Bath Co., we've been making Organic Body Butterfor almost a decade. And in that time, we've gotten lots of Body Butter questions. Can you use body butter on your face? Is it edible? Seriously. What's the difference between body butter and lotion?

So, in this article, we'll be answering 24 of the top questions we've gotten about Body Butter in the past nine years. Consider this your A-Z guide on Body Butter. And if you have a question about Body Butter that we haven't answered here, let us know, and we'll add it to the list!

What are the skin benefits of your body butter?

This question is an easy one. The skin benefits of body butter are plenty. Here are some of the top ones:

1. Deep Moisturization: Shea butter, known for its rich fatty acid content, combined with the hydrating properties of jojoba, sunflower, and argan oils, ensures deep skin hydration. These ingredients penetrate the skin's layers, providing moisture to even the driest patches, leaving the skin soft and supple.
2. Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants: Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, while argan oil is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants. These vitamins and antioxidants help combat free radicals, protect skin from environmental stress, and promote skin cell regeneration, leading to a youthful appearance.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Both shea butter and argan oil possess natural anti-inflammatory properties, making the body butter beneficial for soothing irritated skin, reducing redness, and calming conditions like eczema or minor rashes.
4. Improved Skin Elasticity: Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, helping in balancing oil production. Along with shea butter and argan oil, which are known to boost collagen production, the combination enhances skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of stretch marks, and maintains skin firmness.
5. Protection and Repair: Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, helping to maintain the skin's natural barrier. It locks in moisture and protecting against harmful external factors. Body butter protects against environmental pollutants and sun damage while repairing damaged skin cells.

What ingredients is your body butter made of?

Our Organic Body Butters are made with Organic and Fair Trade Certified Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Organic Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil and Organic Argania spinosa (Argan) Oil.

When should you apply body butter?

The best time to slather on some body butter is right after a shower or bath. Your skin is still damp, and that helps the body butter sink in and lock in all that lovely moisture. But if your skin needs a little TLC, you can apply it anytime.

How do I use body butter?

So here's how we recommend using your body butter in four simple steps:

1. Start with Clean Skin: As mentioned earlier, after a shower or bath is prime time. Your skin's clean, and the pores are open, ready to soak in all that goodness.
2. Scoop It Out: A little goes a long way. Just grab a bit with your fingers or use a clean scoop or spoon. Warm it up between your hands to make it easier to spread.
3. Rub It In: Use gentle circular motions to massage the body butter into your skin. Pay special attention to those super dry spots like elbows, knees, and heels.
4. Let It Absorb: Give it a minute or two to sink in before you put on your clothes. 

That's it! Remember, a little goes a long way. 

Where should I apply body butter?

1. All Over Your Body: From your neck down to your toes, slather it on wherever you want.
2. Focus on Dry Spots: Know those pesky areas that get super dry? Think elbows, knees, and heels. They'll LOVE some body butter attention.
3. Hands & Cuticles: Body butter can be a game-changer for dry hands and cuticles, especially in cold weather or if you're washing your hands a lot.
4. Feet: Give your feet some love, especially before bed. Put on some socks after, and you'll wake up with super soft feet!
5. Legs: Especially after shaving! It can help soothe irritation.
6. Avoid Sensitive Areas: You should skip applying it to super sensitive areas or open cuts to avoid irritation.

Can I use body butter on my face?

Body butters are typically thicker and more intense than face creams. While they're amazing for the body, they might be a bit heavy for the delicate skin on your face. For some people, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin, using body butter on the face can lead to breakouts or clogged pores. We definitely recommend using a face cream, face oil or a balm like our Nourish Night Balm for the face. 

If you do use body butter on your face, be sure to use a small amount and patch test it to see how your skin responds. And avoid your eye area as it can be super sensitive.

Can I use body butter in my hair?

You could. But for regular hair care, you might want to stick with products specifically designed for hair. 

Body butter, especially with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, can be hydrating and might help tame frizz or add a bit of shine. But there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Type of Hair: If you have dry, coarse, or curly hair, you might benefit more from the added moisture. But if your hair is fine or gets oily quickly, body butter might weigh it down or make it look greasy.
• Less is Definitely More: Seriously, start with a tiny amount. Warm it up in your hands and then work it through the ends of your hair. You can always add more, but it's a pain to wash out if you go overboard.
• Avoid the Scalp: Unless you're aiming for a deep conditioning treatment (and plan to wash it out), steer clear of your roots to avoid a greasy scalp situation.

Can I use body butter on my lips?

Lips are skin too, and they often crave extra hydration, especially in dry weather during the fall and winter months. You can definitely use body butter on your lips and the ingredients in body butter are commonly found in lips balms. Shea butter, argan oil, jojoba oil and sunflower oil are all excellent moisturizers for your lips. If you do use it on your lips, make sure you have clean hands when applying. 

And while it's not specifically formulated for lips, it's a great option in a pinch.

Does body butter help with dry skin?

Our body butter is like a superhero for dry skin. Here's why:

1. Intense Moisturization: Body butter is thicker and richer than regular lotions. It provides intense hydration, especially to those super parched areas.
2. Locks in Moisture: Body butter forms a protective barrier on the skin thanks to its creamy consistency. This helps seal the moisture, keeping your skin hydrated for longer.
3. Natural Oils & Butters: Our body butters are packed with nourishing skin ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil and sunflower oil. These ingredients can help to repair and rejuvenate dry skin.
4. Vitamins & Antioxidants: Our body butters also come loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that not only hydrate but also nourish the skin, helping it look and feel healthier.
5. Long-Lasting: Since body butters are so rich, their effects tend to last longer than lighter moisturizers. So, you can reapply less often!

Does body butter help with eczema?

Yes, our body butter formula can be a great choice if you're suffering from eczema symptoms. Here are some of the skin benefits as it relates to eczema:

1. Shea Butter: This star ingredient is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe the skin. Shea butter reduces redness, and provides relief from itching associated with eczema.
2. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba closely resembles the natural sebum produced by our skin, making it easily absorbed. It's hydrating and can create a protective barrier, preventing further skin dryness, which is common in eczema flare-ups.
3. Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier, essential for those with eczema whose skin barrier is often compromised. This can help keep irritants out and moisture in.
4. Argan Oil: Packed with vitamin E and essentail fatty acids, argan oil can provide deep hydration and soothe inflamed skin. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, a boon for eczema sufferers.
5. Natural & Gentle: Pir body butter formula, being organic and made with natural ingredients, doesn't contain ingredients and irritants that typically exacerbate eczema.

That said, everyone's skin is unique. While these ingredients are generally beneficial for eczema-prone skin, it's always a good idea to patch-test any new product to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse reactions. And if eczema symptoms persist or worsen, check with a dermatologist or healthcare professional. 

Can I use body butter during pregnancy?

Generally, using body butter during pregnancy can be a fantastic way to pamper your ever-changing skin. 

As your belly and body grow, the skin stretches, which can lead to dryness or itchiness. A good organic body butter can provide deep hydration, keeping your skin soft and supple.

Keeping the skin moisturized can improve its elasticity, which might help in reducing the appearance or severity of stretch marks. While stretch marks are super normal and many pregnant folks get them, keeping the skin nourished can make it feel more comfortable.

Let's face it, pregnancy can be tough on the body! Taking some time to massage body butter into your skin can be a relaxing ritual, offering a moment of self-care.

However, a few things to keep in mind:

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to unexpected skin reactions. Even if you've used a product before, it's always a good idea to patch-test to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
• If you're ever unsure or if you have specific concerns, chatting with your healthcare provider or dermatologist is always a wise move.

Does body butter clog pores?

While the ingredients in our body butter are skin-friendly and non-comedogenic, everyone's skin is unique. What might be perfect for one person might cause breakouts for another. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, it's always a good idea to patch-test any new product. 

And keep in mind, with body butters, less is more. If you're applying it to areas where you're concerned about clogged pores, use it sparingly. Overloading the skin can lead to clogged pores, no matter how skin-friendly the ingredients are.

Does body butter cause acne?

In general, body butters are designed to deeply moisturize the skin. Now, when it comes to acne, things can be a bit tricky. Our ingredients aren't typically known to cause breakouts. In fact, jojoba oil often gets praise because it's similar to our skin's natural oils and can help balance things out.

However, everyone's skin is unique. What works wonders for one person might not be the best fit for another. If you have acne-prone or super sensitive skin, it's always a good idea to start slow and patch test to see how your skin reacts.

Also, if you're thinking of using body butter on your face (where acne usually pops up), remember that it's quite a bit thicker than regular facial moisturizers. So, use it sparingly and see how it goes.

Can body butter help with stretch marks?

When it comes to stretch marks, they're totally natural and a lot of people have them. Body Butter is an excellent moisturizer. And keeping the skin moisturized and supple can improve its elasticity. This might not make existing stretch marks vanish, but it can help in preventing new ones from forming, especially during times when your skin is rapidly stretching, like pregnancy.

While body butter might not erase stretch marks, it can help soften their appearance. Well-moisturized skin often looks smoother and healthier, which can make stretch marks less noticeable.

Remember, while body butter can offer some benefits, it's not a miracle cure for stretch marks. They're a natural part of our skin's journey, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with having them!

Will body butter help if I have a sunburn?

Sunburned skin can get dry and peel. Applying body butter can provide hydration, potentially reducing peeling and helping the skin heal.

Shea butter and argan oil have natural anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients can help calm the skin and reduce redness and inflammation caused by the sunburn.

Ingredients like jojoba oil and sunflower oil can aid in skin repair and rejuvenation. They can provide essential fatty acids and nutrients to the damaged skin, promoting healing.

But remember, a good defense is sometimes the best offense so try to avoid sunburns altogether and use SPF or UPF clothing anytime you might be out in the sun when the UV index is high.

Should I refrigerate my body butter?

You don't have to, but if you live in a super warm place or during those hot summer months, popping it in the fridge can help it keep its consistency. Plus, applying cool body butter can feel pretty refreshing!

Is body butter good if I have sensitive skin?

The good news is that the ingredients in our body butter are all-natural and known for their skin-loving properties. Shea butter, for instance, is often used in products for sensitive skin because of its soothing nature.

Given that the body butter you're eyeing has organic ingredients and lacks any harsh chemicals, it might be less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Jojoba oil and sunflower oil are both gentle and hydrating. They can provide moisture without being too heavy or greasy, which is often a plus for sensitive skin.

However, a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Patch Test is Key: Not to hammer this too much but as with many other conditions, it's always a good idea to do a patch test before diving in. Try a small amount and wait for 24 hours to see how your skin reacts.
• Less is More: Start with a small amount. Sometimes, sensitive skin can react to even the most gentle products if used in large quantities.
• Check for Allergens: Even though the ingredients are natural and gentle, it's still possible to be allergic to something. If you know you have specific allergies, check the ingredients list and talk to your dermatologist.

In short, our body butter can be a lovely match for sensitive skin, but as always, it's best to proceed see how your unique skin responds.

Can I use body butter every day?

Absolutely! Using body butter every day is a fantastic way to keep your skin hydrated and happy. 

Using it daily ensures your skin gets a steady dose of hydration, keeping it soft and supple all the time. Body butters can form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and shielding against environmental factors. This barrier can be especially beneficial during harsh weather conditions.

Plus, incorporating body butter into your daily skincare routine can be a lovely self-care ritual. Taking a moment every day to pamper your skin can be both relaxing and rewarding.

What makes a body butter different from lotion or cream?

Body Body Butter, Body Cream, and Body Lotion have a similar job: to help keep your skin moisturized by adding water and using occlusives and emollients such as shea butter and natural carrier oils to help your skin retain the water.

We have a whole article where we discuss the differences between Body Butter, Body Cream and Body Lotion. If you're looking for a deeper dive, you can check it out here: https://www.organicbath.co/blogs/blog/body-butter-vs-cream-vs-lotion

The short answer:

Body butter is the rich, indulgent cousin of lotions and creams, offering deeper hydration with its thicker consistency. As a general rule of thumb:

• Body Butter is the richest, has the most occlusives and protects your skin from the elements. Traditional body butter contains emollients like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and natural carrier oils like Argan and Jojoba. 
• Body Cream contains water or substitutes such as aloe vera gel, emollients that soften the skin, humectants that draw water to your skin, and occlusives, which help your skin retain moisture. It's good for oily and dry skin and everything in between.
• Body Lotion is the lightest option and is similar to body cream with higher water content, lighter emollients, and fewer occlusives. It's perfect for warmer weather and when you're looking for something fast absorbing.

Does body butter expire or go bad?

Our organic body butter, like anything made with natural ingredients, unfortunately can go bad. We recommend using it within 12 months of opening.

Is body butter edible?

While body butter is made with skin-loving ingredients, it's not formulated for consumption.So even though it says butter in the name, we wouldn't recommend it on toast. It's a treat for your skin, not your taste buds! 

Does body butter count as a liquid for TSA?

For TSA purposes, body butter is typically considered a cream or gel, so yes, it would count towards your quart-sized bag of liquids and gels when flying. Best to keep it under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) if it's in your carry-on! 

How does body butter get its consistency?

Body butter gets its rich, creamy consistency from its blend of solid and liquid ingredients. 

Shea butter is solid at room temperature. When whipped or blended, it forms the thick base of the body butter. The addition of oils, like argan oil, jojoba oil, or sunflower oil, provides a smoother texture and makes the body butter more spreadable.

Unlike lotions or creams, our body butters don't contain water. This lack of water contributes to their thicker consistency compared to other moisturizers.

So, it's all about the blend of ingredients and the method of production that gives body butter its luxurious, creamy feel!

How do you make body butter?

With love! But we also have some pretty cool equipment and processes that go into making our customer favorite body butter. 

Here's a step by step of how we make our body butter:

• We melt all of our organic and fair trade shea butter in a large melter on a low heat. We melt 100kg of shea butter with each batch.
• We use an industrial mixer and blend together all of the oils and shea butter and then whip it up to give it a beautiful whipped texture. 
• We then pour the blended butter into a filling machine and fill and cap each jar before we put them on the shelf to ship out to all of you.