Homemade Body Cream | The BEST for Pregnancy, Stretch Marks & More!
Ever since I fell pregnant with my first, I have been searching for a decent body cream that would not only help prevent pregnancy-induced stretch marks but also aid in things like nappy rash, sunburn, and skin issues like eczema or mild cases of dermatitis.
I have bought some of the best stretch mark creams, belly oils, pregnancy oils and body butter that promised the earth, but for some reason, or another, they couldn’t walk the talk. So I decided to make my own homemade body cream.
Made from ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, avocado and coconut oil, this deeply moisturising homemade body cream locks in moisture by providing a skin barrier, helps support skin elasticity by promoting healthy skin AND stops itchy skin dead in its tracks.
And the best part? It’s homemade, so you save on $$. Who doesn’t wanna be saving in a financial climate like this?! Winning!!
I found this homemade body cream to be very nourishing for dry and itchy skin. Your body goes through so many hormonal changes in pregnancy so why not use the best natural ingredients? Yes, the oil content is high but have you seen how quickly it absorbs into the skin? Not only that, there are so many other benefits ⬇️⬇️⬇️
pin it for later 📌
Benefits of Homemade Body Cream
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamin A and vitamin E. It’s known for its deep moisturising properties, which help to maintain skin’s elasticity and suppleness. This makes it an excellent choice for preventing and reducing the appearance of stretch marks on the surface of the skin.
Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe irritated skin, making it ideal for nappy rash and eczema.
Avocado Oil
Rich in fatty acids, avocado oil is incredibly nourishing and moisturising. It penetrates deep into the skin, delivering vitamins such as A, D, and E directly to the layers where they are needed most. This helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Avocado oil also supports the healing process, making it beneficial for soothing and repairing irritated skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and can protect it from infections, which is especially useful for nappy rash. Coconut oil also helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by keeping the skin moisturised and supple.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is rich in healthy fats that nourish the skin. A natural antioxidant, it helps hydrate and soften the skin, making it more pliable and less prone to stretch marks, making it a great preventative measure. The lauric acid in coconut cream also has antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent and treat irritation that’s associated with nappy rash.
If you choose this ingredient, be aware that the shelf life dramatically decreases, so it is best to make it in small enough batches that you can use it within 2-4 weeks. Don’t forget to refrigerate, as this will also help to prolong the shelf life.
Beeswax
Beeswax acts as a natural barrier, locking in moisture and protecting the skin from environmental factors. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which aid in healing minor skin irritations and preventing infections. Beeswax is excellent for creating a protective layer without clogging pores.
OK, now let’s get into the recipe, equipment and instructions!
Homemade Body Cream Recipe
I have created this recipe in “parts” so you can choose how much you’d like to make, based on the container sizes available. For example, I used 90 grams of shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and coconut cream, and 30 grams of beeswax.
- 1 part shea butter
- 1 part coconut oil
- 1/3 – 1/4 part beeswax
- 1 part avocado oil
- (Optional) 1 part coconut cream
- (Optional, make sure they’re pregnancy-safe!) 25 – 30 drops of essential oil
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Large bowl (to cover the diameter of the saucepan)
- Sterilised glass jars or a suitable container
- Spatula
- Slotted spoon
- Immersion blender (substitute for a food processor or blender)
Instructions
Fill your large saucepan with enough water to fill 1/3 of the pot and gently bring to a slow boil.
Add the shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to the large bowl. Place the bowl above the saucepan and begin melting the ingredients until the shea butter and beeswax have dissolved.
Turn off the heat and allow the liquid to cool for 5-10 minutes. Add coconut cream and avocado oil. Allow the bowl to cool completely and then place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 – 20 minutes.
Once the liquid has solidified, remove your bowl from the fridge/freezer and use an immersion blender (or place it into your food processor/blender) to emulsify. The solid oils will soon become gloriously thick and creamy. Add your essential oil combination as desired.
Place your homemade body cream into glass jars or appropriate storage containers and label them with the date created.
For the best results, lie on the couch/bed with your favourite book or podcast, slather that bad boy all over your belly, and watch the magic happen!
Notes
- This body cream is suitable for all skin types and recommended to be used from the second trimester when the weight gain (all baby of course 😉) starts.
- If you’re not able to source the key ingredients above, these natural oils will also do the trick and are all pregnancy-safe ingredients: olive oil, argan oil, aloe vera, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, which is high in vitamin C.
- Just remember that each oil has a different heating point, so be aware of this when introducing other ingredients.
- If you choose coconut cream, be aware that the shelf life of this cream dramatically decreases. It is best to make it in small enough batches that you can use it within 2-4 weeks. Don’t forget to refrigerate, as this will also help prolong the shelf life.
- Always, alwaysss make sure to label your jars with the date created. While these are oils, it’s best practice to use the ingredients wisely and safely.
- This homemade body cream can be made neat (aka no essential oils) if there are some concerns with allergies or during pregnancy. However, if you’d like to add them in, make sure they are pregnancy and sensitive area-safe, as there is nothing worse than stinging your baby’s nether regions to clear up an already sore situation.
- All of these common ingredients can be found at your local zero-waste supplier, marketplace or even online. If you have sensitive skin, please research each ingredient to ensure it’s right for you.
Well, friends, as always, it’s been a pleasure creating this for you. I hope you get as much out of this as I did. My growing belly is already thanking me for the extra nourishment 🤭
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Homemade Body Cream | The BEST for Pregnancy, Stretch Marks & More!
Made from ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, avocado and coconut oil, this deeply moisturising homemade body cream locks in moisture by providing a skin barrier, helps support skin elasticity by promoting healthy skin AND stops itchy skin dead in its tracks.
Materials
- 1 part shea butter
- 1 part coconut oil
- 1/3 part beeswax
- 1 part avocado oil
- (Optional) 1 part coconut cream
- (Optional, make sure they’re pregnancy-safe!) 25 – 30 drops of essential oil
Tools
- Large saucepan
- Large bowl (to cover the diameter of the saucepan)
- Sterilised glass jars or a suitable container
- Spatula
- Slotted spoon
- Immersion blender (substitute for a food processor or blender)
Instructions
- Fill your large saucepan with enough water to fill 1/3 of the pot and gently bring to a slow boil.
- Add the shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to the large bowl. Place the bowl above the saucepan and begin melting the ingredients until the shea butter and beeswax have dissolved.
- Turn off the heat and allow the liquid to cool for 5-10 minutes. Add coconut cream and avocado oil. Allow the bowl to cool completely and then place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Once the liquid has solidified, remove your bowl from the fridge/freezer and use an immersion blender (or place it into your food processor/blender) to emulsify. The solid oils will soon become gloriously thick and creamy. Add your essential oil combination as desired.
- Place your homemade body cream into glass jars or appropriate storage containers and label them with the date created.
Notes
- This body cream is suitable for all skin types and recommended to be used from the second trimester when the weight gain (all baby of course 😉 ) starts.
- If you’re not able to source the key ingredients above, these natural oils will also do the trick and are all pregnancy-safe ingredients; olive oil, argan oil, aloe vera, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, which is high in vitamin C.
- Just remember that each oil has a different heating point, so be aware of this when introducing other ingredients.
- If you choose coconut cream, be aware that the shelf life of this cream dramatically decreases. It is best to make it in small enough batches that you can use it within 2-4 weeks. Don’t forget to refrigerate, as this will also help prolong the shelf life.
- Always, alwaysss make sure to label your jars with the date created. While these are oils, it’s best practice to use the ingredients wisely and safely.
- This homemade body cream can be made neat (aka no essential oils) if there are some concerns with allergies or during pregnancy. However, if you’d like to add them in, make sure they are pregnancy and sensitive area safe, as there is nothing worse than stinging your baby’s nether regions to clear up an already sore situation.
- All of these common ingredients can be found at your local zero-waste supplier, marketplace or even online. If you have sensitive skin, please research each ingredient to ensure it’s right for you.
