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Pregnancy Belly Balm
As I get further into my third trimester with baby number two, I feel like my belly is growing at an alarmingly rapid pace. Fortunately, I don’t seem to have any (new) stretch marks (yet), but I can feel my skin stretching almost to its limits, and it is getting a bit itchy.
Unfortunately, most sources agree that the appearance of stretch marks is mostly genetic (source), and will happen regardless of what measures a pregnant woman takes to prevent them. However, there are still those who believe cocoa butter, shea butter or lots of vitamin E oil can help stretched skin from becoming dry, which may help prevent stretch marks.
I didn’t get stretch marks too bad with my last pregnancy, so I am not too worried about it this time, but I do want some extra moisturizing belly balm to help my belly feel hydrated and smooth, and prevent it from getting ashy or itchy. And, if shea butter or cocoa butter do end up helping prevent any more stretch marks, that is a bonus!
I decided to use my favorite oils and butters for this belly balm. It’s super creamy and moisturizing, and feels wonderful on the skin.
Pregnancy Belly Balm
- 1/3 cup cocoa butter
- 1/3 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 1 tbsp vitamin e oil
Fill a small pot with a few inches of water, and bring to a boil. Add cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and beeswax to a mason jar, and place the mason jar into the boiling water, effectively creating a double boiler. Continue to boil the water (adding more if necessary) until the oils in the mason jar have melted.
Remove from heat and add in vitamin E oil, and stir. Transfer to a clean container and allow to come to room temperature (at which point, it will solidify).
This recipe will make about 10 – 12 ounces of solid belly balm, which should be about a 10 week supply, if used daily. I like to slather it on after a shower, or in the evening before bed.
**A few notes: I buy most of my supplies from Amazon. They have almost everything, and usually their prices are the cheapest you can find. Secondly, if you want to use only cocoa butter or only shea butter in this recipe, you can definitely do that! Just double the amount of cocoa butter (or shea butter), and the product should still be great for the belly.**
Pregnancy Belly Balm
A nourishing belly balm made with natural ingredients to hydrate the belly and prevent stretchmarks.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cocoa butter
- 1/3 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 1 tbsp vitamin E oil
Instructions
-
Fill a small pot with a few inches of water, and bring to a boil. Add cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil and beeswax to a mason jar, and place the mason jar into the boiling water, effectively creating a double boiler. Continue to boil the water (adding more if necessary) until the oils in the mason jar have melted.
-
Remove from heat and add in vitamin E oil, and stir. Transfer to a clean container and allow to come to room temperature (at which point, it will solidify).
I have been using this product pretty regularly since I was 4 months pregnant with my second child, and I am no about 8 months pregnant. I am dark complected and prone to hyper pigmentation. So far, I am very pleased. I have no new stretchmarks ( I got quite a few with my first child). The scent is very pleasant and the lotion is not too oily like some others. I plan to update this postpartum.
I love this recipe. I have 2 tiny stretch marks at 34 weeks and I credit my ch of that with this balm. I’ve been using it since 10 weeks. I do suggest doing the Shea butter once the other ingredients have melted then add the vitamin E oil.
Hi there, I made this for my sister who is pregnant and she loves it! I am making another batch for a co-worker who is also pregnant and while I was making the product I noticed on the Vitamin E oil bottle it says to consult doctor if pregnant. Is this just related to oral use? I can’t imagine vitamin e being toxic but i know babies especially unborn children are sensitive.
Hi Danielle – so glad this worked well for your sister (and how nice of you to make it for her!).
This article: http://www.livestrong.com/article/398696-the-safety-of-vitamin-e-oil-in-pregnancy/ says topical use is generally considered safe, but to not take it orally during pregnancy. I think it is perfectly safe, but definitely have your sister check with her doctor, if she has any concerns.
Thank you for your reply. I did consult with her doctor and its safe topically. My sister loves this lotion so much she is wondering if she can use it on her new born baby. I am not sure if these are considered hypoallergenic and okay for babies. If you have any knowledge on using on new borns please let me know. Thank you!
I made some of this earlier today and it seems to be at room temperature, but still liquid. Any ideas on how I can get it to solidify? I replaced the olive oil with half sunflower, half almond as my skin reacts to olive oil. Thanks!
Hi Anna,
Try storing it in the freezer to get it to solidify, and hopefully that should help. I haven’t worked with almond oil before (I have allergies), but I think that should be a fine substitute. Let me know how it goes!
Hi there I was just wondering if it worked on existing street marks postpartum??
Hello, you’re belly butter recipe sounds divine! Can’t wait to make it. I’m thinking of adding some essential oils to it. Which ones would you recommend and how many drops do you think would be appropriate for this recipe? TIA! 🙂
Hi Annie!
I would use lavender or sweet orange, personally, as the fragrances are uplifting. Not all essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, so I recommend checking out this fantastic, well researched article on the topic:
http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/06/essential-oil-safety-during-pregnancy/
Hi, new reader here. Your belly balm looks really nice! Would you mind sharing the source for the metal tin in the picture above? I have been looking for metal tins for balms but they are pretty expensive compared with 4oz glass Bell Jars.
Thank you!
I got them from Mountain Rose Herb 🙂
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search?page=1&q=tins&utf8=%E2%9C%93
How long will this last if it were made and stored in a cool dry dark place?
Hi Adam – I have kept mine for about 6 months, and it is still fine. Just smell it and look for any discoloration before using 🙂
Hey. Thanks for the response.
I made some for my fiancé and after it cooled it was for a lack of a better word “grainy “. It melts fine and has no issue.
Any tips?
Hi Adam – that is common in homemade body products. It sounds like it feels okay once it is applied? If so, and it is just bothersome while applying, you could put a small amount in a mason jar with a lid, and set it in a sink full of water while bathing, or showering. It should be easier to apply and less grainy after it’s warmed up. Hope that helps!
The graininess happens when shea butter is heated too high. If you melt the other oils (the water doesn’t have to actually boil) then turn off the heat before adding the shea butter that helps. Also, whisk the mixture as it cools until the oils are opaque but still liquid, then pour into your desired containers; helps with the graininess and prevents the top from cracking (learned that with trial & error). If you don’t use beeswax and just whip the butters and oils it won’t get grainy that way, but you have to use the mixer for 5-10 minutes so be prepared. HTH
Thank you for the tips Davette!
I wish I would have known about this when I was pregnant! I have never tried making a balm on my own, but I can see the benefits of it.
This would make such a thoughtful gift for an expectant mother. I vividly remember how itchy that poor (miraculous) stretched skin can get.
This looks like a great moisturizer, whether or not you need it for a pregnant belly! The older I get, the dryer my skin is. I bet my legs and arms would drink this up.
This is soooo cool that you make your own “belly” balm 🙂
We don’t have kids yet, but I sure will use a cream and keep my skin from damaging.