Making Shea Butter Foot Cream with LotionPro™ 165

February 27, 2025

Shea butter has long been hailed for its deeply moisturizing and nourishing properties, making it a favorite in skincare products. But what if you could create your own luxurious foot butter at home? In this guide, we’ll show you how to combine shea butter with the powerful emulsifier, LotionPro™ 165, to create a creamy, soothing foot butter that will leave your feet pampered and hydrated.

Why Use LotionPro™ 165?

LotionPro™ 165 is a blend of Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate, making it an effective emulsifier for oil-in-water formulations. It ensures a stable and smooth emulsion, even in rich formulations like foot butters. Here's why it works well in a shea butter foot butter:

Creamy Consistency: It helps achieve a luxurious texture without feeling greasy.
Stable Emulsion: Keeps water and oil components well-mixed, preventing separation.
Lightweight Feel: Provides a smooth application without being heavy on the skin.

Ingredients for Shea Butter Foot Butter

Phase A: Oil Phase Ingredients

Shea Butter (25%) — Provides deep moisturization and skin-nourishing benefits.
Cocoa Butter or Mango Butter (5%) — Optional but adds firmness and a rich texture.
LotionPro™ 165 (4%) — Primary emulsifier for a stable and creamy formulation.
Jojoba Oil or Sweet Almond Oil (8%) — Adds nourishment and smoothness.
Cetyl Alcohol (2%) — Acts as a thickener and stabilizer for a firm texture.

Phase B: Water Phase Ingredients

Distilled Water (50%) — Hydration component for a balanced formulation.
Glycerin (3%) — A humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) (2%) — Soothes and conditions the skin.

Phase C: Cool-Down Phase Ingredients

Preservative (like Optiphen) (1%) — Ensures the product remains free from microbial growth.
Essential Oils (Peppermint, Lavender, or Eucalyptus) (0.5%) — Optional for fragrance and a cooling effect.
Vitamin E (0.5%) — Acts as an antioxidant to prolong shelf life.

Step-by-Step Formulation Guide

1. Heat the Oil Phase (Phase A)

Combine shea butter, LotionPro™ 165, and the other oils in a heat-safe container. Melt the mixture over a water bath at around 70°C until everything is fully liquefied.

2. Heat the Water Phase (Phase B)

In a separate container, heat distilled water and glycerin to the same temperature (approximately 70°C).

3. Emulsification

Slowly pour the water phase into the oil phase while blending with an immersion blender. Continue blending until the mixture thickens and forms a creamy emulsion.

4. Cool Down and Add Phase C Ingredients

As the mixture cools to below 40°C, add the preservative, essential oils, and vitamin E. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

5. Packaging

Transfer the foot butter to clean, sterilized jars and allow it to set at room temperature. Seal the jars and label them.

Tips for Customization

Firmer Texture: Increase cetyl alcohol by 1% for a thicker, more balm-like consistency.
Enhanced Slip: Blend jojoba oil with fractionated coconut oil for a smoother application.
Refreshing Aroma: Use peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils for a cooling sensation.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Tips

Too Thin? If your foot butter feels too thin, increase the cetyl alcohol by 1% to achieve a thicker consistency.
Separation? If the emulsion starts to separate, ensure both the water and oil phases are heated to the same temperature before mixing.

Final Thoughts

Making your own foot butter at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to customize the formulation to suit your skincare needs. With LotionPro™ 165, you can create a stable, luxurious product that hydrates and pampers your feet. LotionPro™ 165 is a game-changer when it comes to creating a smooth, non-greasy texture, and it helps extend the shelf life of your homemade product.

Ready to pamper your feet? Try making this luxurious foot butter at home today and feel the difference for yourself.

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