Body butter bars are hardened bars of lotion used to moisturize the skin. They can be made at home using simple ingredients. This is a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers, which are often full of harsh chemicals. The recipe can be easily customized by using your favorite essential oils.

This recipe makes two 1/2 inch thick body butter bars.

Place the beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter in the jar.

• Beeswax is the base of a body butter bar. The more beeswax you use, the harder the bar will be. For a softer bar, use less beeswax than the recipe calls for.
• Coconut oil is a natural skin protector. It moisturizes, heals and nourishes the skin. 
• Shea butter is a natural moisturizer that relieves damaged skin. Avocado, cocoa and mango butters can be used as a substitution. For this recipe, another 1/4 cup of coconut oil can also substitute the shea butter. 

Make a double boiler with a jar and stainless steel pot. Fill the pot with enough water to submerge the jar halfway. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat to a simmer once the water begins to boil. Place the jar of beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter in the center of the pot.

The ingredients will begin to melt. Stir the mixture every few minutes to combine.

Once the mixture turns into a transparent liquid, turn off the heat. Let the jar cool for 3-5 minutes. Using an oven mitt, remove the jar from the pot.

Add 5-10 drops of each essential oil.

Lavender essential oil promotes healthy skin by calming redness and irritation, regenerating skin cells and healing minor wounds. As a natural antimicrobial, it will preserve your body butter bar and prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeast.

Tea tree oil is also a natural antimicrobial. It relieves dry skin, treats insect bites and heals damaged skin.

To customize your body butter bars, pick essential oils based on your skin's needs. The following oils are beneficial for your skin:

• Helichrysum Essential Oil - Fades scars, soothes dry skin and heals acne
• Rosemary Oil - Acts as a natural antimicrobial and relieves dry skin 
• Rose Oil -  Soothes redness, itchiness, dry skin and sunburns 
• Vitamin E Oil - Fades scars from acne or minor wounds

Mix well.

Place two baking cups in the muffin tin. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into each cup to prevent spills. Each cup should be filled 1/2 inch.

Let sit 5-8 hours until the mixture hardens.

Remove the body butter bars from the baking cups once they have completely hardened. The bar will easily pop out of the baking cup when completely hardened.

To use a butter bar, apply it directly to your body. The heat from your skin will melt the bar, allowing you to massage it into your skin. You can also rub the body butter bar in between your palms to soften for application.

Store in an air-proof container in a cool, dry place.