Helichrysum, Lavender & Peppermint, whipped into a ritual for the end of a sun-filled day
There's a moment at the end of a summer day, sandy feet, sun-warmed shoulders, that good kind of tired, when your skin is asking for a little something back. This whipped body butter is what I reach for in that moment.
It's rich, it melts the second it touches skin, and it carries three oils I trust deeply for this exact purpose: Helichrysum, Lavender, and Peppermint. This isn't a sunscreen, and it isn't trying to be one. It's the "after" half of a sun ritual, made to support your skin's natural balance once the day outside is done.
Helichrysum has a long history in Mediterranean herbalism tied to skin care. Its nickname, the "Immortelle" flower, comes from how long its blooms hold their color even after being cut. Modern research points to antioxidant-rich compounds in the oil, like neryl acetate, that may support the body's response to everyday oxidative stress. After a day in the sun, that kind of support feels especially welcome.
Lavender brings its familiar calming reputation to the blend, both for the skin and for the senses. It's the oil that says "we're done for the day" before your mind has caught up.
Peppermint adds a cooling sensation that feels wonderful on warm, sun-touched skin. A little goes a long way here, so we use it sparingly.
A note on intention: this butter is for evening use after time outside. It does not replace sunscreen, and it isn't formulated or intended to protect skin from UV exposure. Think of it as restoration, not protection.
- Shea butter½ cup
- Fractionated coconut oil (or jojoba)2 tbsp
- Beeswax pellets, optional, for firmness1 tbsp
- Helichrysum essential oil15 drops
- Lavender essential oil15 drops
- Peppermint essential oil8 drops
- Vitamin E oil, optionala few drops
- Melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax together in a double boiler until fully liquid, stirring gently.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10–15 minutes, until warm but no longer hot to the touch.
- Stir in the Helichrysum, Lavender, Peppermint, and vitamin E oil.
- Chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes, until the edges firm up but the center stays soft.
- Whip with a hand or stand mixer for 3–5 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale.
- Transfer to a clean glass jar and store in the fridge.
Scoop a small amount. It melts fast, so a little goes far, and massage into sun-exposed skin in the evening. Shoulders, arms, legs, anywhere that spent the day outside. The peppermint's cooling lift feels especially good after a warm day.
I like to keep mine in the fridge. Straight from the fridge, the butter goes on cool, and that chilled touch against sun-warmed skin is so soothing, it feels like a little reset for your whole body, not just your skin.
- Patch test before full use, especially because of the Peppermint, since it's a "hot" oil for some skin types and can feel intense in higher concentrations.
- Keep out of reach of children, and away from eyes.
- This butter is intended for after sun exposure only. It is not formulated or intended to provide sun protection.
- Stored properly, shelf life is roughly 3–6 months. Vitamin E helps extend it but won't make it indefinite.
Here's to ending sun-filled days a little softer.
Arin