For tired and cracked heels, this moisturizing Heel Butter will freshen up your feet in no time. The secret ingredient is the cera bellina wax, which gives the balm a smooth and luxurious texture. It also contains a number of skin loving oils and butters, including shea butter, castor oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil and fractionated coconut oil. For a step-by-step how to guide on giving yourself a home pedicure, check out our free PDF guide. The cute labels for the jars are also available as a free PDF item.
This project is part of the Happy Feet Home Pedicure series. See all the projects here: Invigorating Foot Soak, Rose Clay Foot Mask, Cranberry Seed Foot Scrub and Summer Shimmer Nail Polish.
What You’ll Need:
2.1 oz Fractionated Coconut Oil
1.4 oz. Avocado Oil
1 oz. Deodorized Cocoa Butter
1 oz. Castor Oil
.7 oz. Cera Bellina Wax
.7 ounces Shea Butter
8 oz. Tall Plastic Bail Jar
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
ONE: In a large container, combine the Fractionated Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and Castor Oil.
TWO: In a separate heat safe container, melt the Shea Butter, Cera Bellina Wax and Deodorized Cocoa Butter. Be sure to use an appropriate size container because if there is too much head space, you risk exploding the container in the microwave. Place in the microwave and heat on 30 second bursts until the mixture is liquid.
THREE: Add wax mixture to Fractionated Coconut Oil mixture and stir.
Note: If the wax mixture solidifies as shown below, microwave the container on 30 second bursts until the mixture is fully melted and combined.
FOUR: Pour heel butter into 8 oz. Bail Jar and allow to fully cool for 3 – 4 hours before using.
Your heel butter is ready to use once it is solid! Store in a dry cool place to prevent it from melting.
- 2.1 oz Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 1.4 oz. Avocado Oil
- 1 oz. Deodorized Cocoa Butter
- 1 oz. Castor Oil
- .7 oz. Cera Bellina Wax
- .7 ounces Shea Butter
- 8 oz. Tall Plastic Bail Jar
- In a large container, combine the Fractionated Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and Castor Oil.
- In a separate heat safe container, melt the Shea Butter, Cera Bellina Wax and Deodorized Cocoa Butter. Be sure to use an appropriate size container because if there is too much head space, you risk exploding the container in the microwave. Place in the microwave and heat on 30 second bursts until the mixture is liquid.
- Add wax mixture to Fractionated Coconut Oil mixture and stir.
- Note: If the wax mixture solidifies as shown below, microwave the container on 30 second bursts until the mixture is fully melted and combined.
- Pour heel butter into 8 oz. Bail Jar and allow to fully cool for 3 – 4 hours before using.
- Your balm is ready to use once it is solid! Store in a dry cool place to prevent it from melting.
Please add a “back to top” button! I love to peruse the comments, questions and answers on all the tutorials. I think many of us do, and one of those easy click “top of page” buttons would really be helpful. Just a suggestion. Otherwise, you guys rock. This is my go to site for all things soapy! Keep up the phenomenal job!!!
That’s a great suggestion Verica, thanks so much! I’ll pass that along to our blog designers. Also, so glad you’re loving the blog! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Do you ever use lanolin cream? Nothing but that works on my heels. I’d love to see a formula using lanolin.
We’ll definitely keep that in mind for future tutorials! Thanks so much for your suggestion Ericha. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello,
I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. I was just wondering if anyone knew how to incorporate Powdered Lecithin to make butter or lotion. Thanks in advance !
Hi Rosy!
We have tried lecithin and haven’t had great results. We found the lotion to be quite gunky, and it didn’t feel great on the skin. We’ve had great luck with emulsifiers like BTMS-50 and emulsifying wax though! You can learn more about emulsifiers here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/make-lotion-scratch-soap-queen-tv/
Typically, emulsifiers are used at 3-6% in lotion. You may want to check with the manufacturer to get the suggested usage rate, and how to use it in lotion. Most of the articles I read use liquid lecithin, so it may need to be mixed with a liquid before it’s added to your recipe.
Hope that helps! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
BTMS-50: https://www.brambleberry.com/Btms-50-Conditioning-Emulsifier-P3623.aspx
Emulsifying wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Emulsifying-Wax-P4896.aspx
It does help a lot. Thank you Kelsey… you saved me the trouble of trying it myself and get disappointed at the results ; )
You’re welcome! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Is this fluid oz or oz?
Hi Marri!
This recipe is measured by weight, so the amounts are in ounces. 🙂
We typically measure most of our recipes by weight. We find it’s a bit more accurate that way! Read more about that in the Weight vs. Volume post: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/a-guide-to-weight-vs-volume/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I have a question in this one, I was looking at making this for my son who is allergic to tree nuts, would mango butter be the closest sub for Shea butter in this recipe?
Hi Ellie!
Mango butter would be a great substitute! It has a similar texture to shea butter, and feels great on the skin. I would recommend adding the same amount as the shea butter. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Mango butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Mango-Butter-P3221.aspx
I added 4 ml of peppermint EO to this recipe. Is this a safe amount? When using Brambleberry’s calculator, do I chose lotion or melt and pour for this particular recipe. Thank you for your time! I’m feeling dangerously new to all this…
Hi there!
That’s a great question! For this recipe, I would recommend using the “Lotion” option on the Fragrance Calculator. For a strong scent, we recommend 3 mL. I think 4 mL should be just fine! It may cause a cooling sensation on your feet. If you find it’s irritating at all, you can actually make another batch of the recipe and mix it with the peppermint scented one. That will help dilute it a bit. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Fragrance Calculator: https://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
Deodorized cocoa butter is not longer available through Brambleberry. Is there a substitute? I apologize if this question has already been addressed in the feed. Thank you for your time.
Hi there!
You can use regular cocoa butter if you like! It feels great, and would give the heel balm a subtle chocolate scent. 🙂
Cocoa butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Cocoa-Butter-P3218.aspx
Also, we are expecting our deodorized cocoa butter back in the future, we’re just sourcing it right now. Once it’s back in stock, our website will be updated!
Deodorized cocoa butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Deodorized-Cocoa-Butter-P3199.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
so I made this balm using beeswax instead of cera bellina wax. its consistency was great when i poured it and for days afterwards- until I had some of it outside – now the tin that i have has small white dots through out… it sounds like possibly crystalized cocoa butter? they melt as you rub the balm into your skin, but the consistency of the balm has now changed. What can I do to avoid this? Is this because I exposed it to some heat (sun from outdoors)?
Hi Meg!
Hmm, that’s strange! When we tested this recipe with the cera bellina wax, we didn’t notice any white dots. I’m wondering if the beeswax has something to do with that. You may try this recipe with cera bellina wax and see what you think.
It could also be temperature. If cocoa butter or shea butter are heated too much or too fast, they can feel grainy. To avoid this, you can melt the waxes and oils together. Then, remove them from the heat and add the cocoa and shea butters. That melts them gently and helps prevent that grainy feeling. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi! This recipe looks awesome! I just have one question, though- can I use soy wax instead of the cera bellina wax?
Thanks, Cadence.
Hi Cadence!
Cera bellina wax has a unique gel-like texture. It adds a smooth and easily-spreadable quality to the balm. Adding soy wax will change the texture of the balm. Although soy wax is softer, it won’t give you the same luxurious feel. I would recommend making a small test batch with the soy wax to see if it works for you. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Guys, this recipe is so simplistic and I love that you shared it with us. I like the idea of creating at home projects to save time and money while also learning to do something that is healthy for my body. Your tips also let me teach someone else how to do it, which makes me feel good about spreading the health, Yippie!. It would be lovely to see other tutorials from this series, or perhaps I can suggest some of my own ideas for you guys? Thank You once again!
Hi Stephanie!
I’m so glad you like the recipe! It means a lot to us to be able to help you out. 🙂
This balm is a part of a 5-step series for creating the perfect spa day. I’ll include the link with other recipes below.
Have a Pedicure Spa Day in 5 Easy Steps: http://www.soapqueen.com/bramble-berry-news/happy-home-pedicure/
Also, we would love to hear your suggestions! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi, I made this balm and I used bees wax instead, I am not sure I like the result it is very hard I have to dig in with a lot of pressure. How do I rectify this issue ?
Hi Jennifer!
We’ve found that the Cera Bellina Wax creates the perfect consistency and texture for this recipe. I would recommend using that. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Cera Bellina Wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Cera-Bellina-Wax-P5642.aspx
I made this recipe last night, i just used it this morning I have it say I love it! It feels so smooth and light. I’ll be making more to give as gifts, thanks for this awesome recipe!
Hi Marleny!
So happy you enjoyed it. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Love this balm! I made it right after the recipe was posted. Added some 1st Distill Peppermint EO and Menthol crystals to it. I brought a teeny bit on a four day backpacking trip. My husband was soooo happy that we had it. The EOs and menthol still smell wonderful in it, about 1.5 months later. I just whipped up another batch. Subbed Mango Butter for part of the Shea and replaced the Coco Butter with Beeswax because that is what I had in stock. I gave some free samples of this to friends and they love it. It’s a heavy duty balm, so a little goes a long way. This is keeper!
Hi Katie!
I’m so glad you like this recipe! I love how moisturizing it is. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Quick question, I made a 8 oz batch and made very sure to sanitize everything from my spoon to jars and measuring equipment. Now I see small white spots through out the balm. Because I want to be on the safe side and you never know what fingers will be going into this balm would Optiphen be a good choice for a preservative ? If so how much? I’m making a 40 oz bath again so would that be 40 x .01 which would be .4 oz?? Thank you in advance for your help?!
Hi Vee, Those white spots sound like crystalized cocoa butter. It’s tricky to work with – kind of like chocolate. So you can try tempering the balm (you’ll find instructions in any good chocolate recipe) but it isn’t dangerous. If it were mold or bacteria growth you would see some growing on top first and then spreading – it wouldn’t be evenly distributed throughout out the balm. And while you don’t need a preservative in this recipe since it has no water or water-based ingredients (and hence nothing for mold to live on) it never hurts to be extra cautious. Optiphen or Phenonip would work great.
Amber,
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help and quick response!!! Bramble Berry’s customer service is top-notch and rises WAY above other in the same market. Have a great day and hope everyone at the Bramble Berry family are doing well 🙂
Hi Vee!
Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to us. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Is this balm solid enough to use in a push-up tube container?
If not, is there anyway to make it solid enough?
thanks
Hi Tricia!
This recipe is soft and gel-like, so it wouldn’t be solid enough to put in a push tube.
To make it harder, you can switch out the Cera Bellina Wax for Beeswax, and the Fractionated Coconut Oil for Coconut Oil. That should make it a bit more solid.
We didn’t test this recipe to make it hard, so it may take some tweaking. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Beeswax, White: https://www.brambleberry.com/Beeswax-White-P4211.aspx
Coconut Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Coconut-Oil-P3196.aspx
I would like to continue the peppermint theme. I know that when working with peppermint EO it will leaving a cooling effect. I’m using the fragrance Calculator and there isn’t one for Peppermint 1st distill but since the only difference is the smell would I be safe in using 3-6 ml in a 8 oz batch? Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Vee!
I love peppermint in my products :). That usage rate should be just fine. Because it is a leave on product you do want to be extra careful, and remember to not use on mucous membranes or sensitive areas :).
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Can you substitute the cera belina wax with something else?
Hi Stephanie!
The Cera Bellina Wax gives this product a really nice, thick yet soft texture. You can definitely switch out the Cera Bellina Wax, but just keep in mind that it will change the texture :). You could add a bit of beeswax instead, but it will result in a harder balm.I hope this helps!
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
just curious, is Cera Bellina Wax a natural product? also, is it safe to be used in lip balms? (i’m trying to justify getting it if it can be used in multiple products…)
Hi Joyce!
It depends a little on what you would personally consider natural. Cera Bellina Wax is a derivative of beeswax in which the free fatty acids have been converted to polyglycerols esters. So while it comes from a natural source, it does undergo a process that some may not consider natural. It can definitely be used for lip balms 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Can you use the non-deodorized cocoa butter? What about a fragrance, or doesn’t it need one?
Hi Sheila!
You could use non-deodorized, although it will just smell more like cocoa butter :). You could certainly use a fragrance in this recipe if you’d like!
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
I have everything to try this recipe except for the Cera Bellina Wax, what could be used in place of that?
Thank You!
Hi Margo!
The Cera Bellina Wax is a unique wax, in that it gives this recipe a soft, vaseline-type texture. You could use beeswax, although it will make the balm much harder. If you use beeswax, I would recommend using slightly more coconut oil to help soften 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Thank you for these great tutorials! So great of you to include the cute labels too 🙂 Looking forward to making these for the summer!
Hi Jeanna!
So glad you liked these tutorials :). If you get photos of your projects, we would love to see them on our Facebook page 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
I have a food sesativity to coconut oil, can you suggest another oil I can use in place of coconut oil ? Thank you , Shelly
Hi Shelly!
If you are looking for a substitute for coconut oil, you have a lot of options! Basically, you would want to use an oil that does not turn solid at room temperature. You could increase the amount of Avocado Oil, or use oils like Apricot Kernel Oil, or Grapeseed Oil. I would definitely recommend making a small test batch first, because swapping out recipes will change the consistency 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Great tutorials. I can’t wait to try some of them. When posting information about each, could you provide what the shelf life is? Thanks!
Hi Robin!
Thanks for the suggestions. When a product contains only oils, the shelf life will be the same as the oil with the shortest shelf life. You may find this post helpful! 🙂 The shelf life of this product will be about 1 year.
http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/free-beginners-guide-to-soapmaking-common-soapmaking-oils/
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Would it work to use regular coconut oil and beeswax instead?
Hi Erica!
Although we haven’t tested it, I’m sure you could! I would recommend swapping out the cocoa butter for beeswax since cocoa butter is a hard oil and behaves similarly :). I hope this helps!
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
Thank you for these great tutorials! It’s time for a girls night of pampering! And I bet these recipes are way better than the chemical treatments you get in a spa!!
Thanks Again!!
Hi Dawnia!
That sounds like a lot of fun! Glad you’re going to give these projects a try 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
I have just loved this series of tutorials! Summer is bare feet time, and a little pampering was already on my mind. Now I have lots of awesome ideas for an in home spa day for myself. Thanks Bramble Berry!
Hi Margaret!
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this series :). Having a spa day every once and a while is so fun!
-Amanda with Bramble Berry