The Beauty of Body Butters
In a world full of skincare buzzwords, all natural body butters are a quiet, rich kind of magic. IYKYK rooted in trusted skin wisdom used for smoothing, nourishing and protecting skin well before science could prove why they work.
Body butters are thick, creamy skin nourishment which can be formulated with a single ingredient (e.g. 100% whipped shea butter) to a lighter fluffier mix using oils. The most complex being formulations that are emulsified where the butters are blended with water. Whether waterless or an emulsified formulation actives can be added to improve effectiveness, improvement or texture typically to reduce the greasiness that can come with some butters.
Waterless body butters like the RUVA body butter serum are made from pure oils and butters, offering a dose of skin loving nutrients and long-lasting skin protection. They’re especially powerful for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin or with changing skin such as during pregnancy or weight changes encouraging skin elasticity. Body butters seal in moisture and support your skin barrier to maintain a smooth healthy glow.
At RUVA, I start with ethically sourced authentic shea butter — the highest grade of unrefined, raw, and rich in natural vitamins A, E, and F. Known as "women’s gold" in West Africa, shea butter has been used for centuries by women to protect, heal, and soften skin. It’s more than just an ingredient — it’s tradition, it’s livelihood (hence women’s gold), it’s healing, it’s a trusted skin ritual passed from hand to hand. We source from Ghana where the cooperative upholds this tradition.
Shea butter comes in different grades based on the processing it goes through with Grade A being the authentic raw shea. The refinement process of shea used to stabilise scent and colour (unrefined shea can have a smokey, nutty scent and vary in colour), increase shelf life and overall makes it easy to incorporate into mass produced products. The refinement process also strips some of the skin loving nutrients which is why shea butters can perform very differently.
As a certified organic skincare formulator I envisioned a go to product I needed during my skin healing journey with eczema -- something that took the authentic shea that had healed my skin but elevated it with modern botanical actives I had studied. This was the birth of the body butter serum.
I researched botanical actives and landed on this wonderful blend skin repairing blend of actives.
- Firming Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract sustainably sourced from South Africa (very proud to source this ingredient!)
- Fermented papaya extract to smooth skin and encourage quicker skin repair
- Oat lipid for even more skin repairing qualities
African skin wisdom coupled with these modern botanical activities creates body butters that melt into the skin, healing, supporting elasticity, and leave you glowing — without the heavy greasiness.
My formula is about slowing down, with the unique blend of essential oils in the citrusy MUTARE DREAMS to centre the moment. Nourishing deeply. Bringing African skin wisdom into your daily ritual, simply. I am also working on the launch of the Warm floral Harmattan Bloom scent, spoiler alert - she is dreamy.
3 Reasons to add a Body Butter to Your Routine:
- Long-Lasting Moisture: Locks in hydration for hours — no constant reapplying.
- Barrier Support: Ideal for eczema-prone or sensitive skin that needs extra protection. Perfect as an after sun balm or healing salve.
- Multi-use beauty hero: body butter, facial balm (I love using it as an under eye balm), lip balm. Like its traditional use this women's gold is your trusted beauty product to reach out to for some skin love.
- Seasonal Saviour: Especially great in cold months or dry climates where skin needs more love.
Ready to experience the softness? Explore my handmade, small-batch body butters — made with love, shea, and effective botanical actives. For that easy everyday glow ✨
Glow always,
Ruth