It really does feel and smell just like a decadent peppermint buttercream, except instead of sugar, I use Himalayan pink sea salt. Why? Well, the debate over which is better is still ongoing. Sugar is thought to be less abrasive, and I agree. But it depends on the emollient. If a low viscosity oil is used to deliver the exfoliant, then sugar is recommended because it breaks down and dissolves quickly. But it’s also for that reason I don’t use it in a body polish. After a week or two, the product breaks down into a sticky, syrupy sludge. Whereas cacao butter—combined with avocado and grape seed oil— creates a tighter chain of fat molecules to suspend the salt crystals and act as a barrier to protect the skin. And the additional health benefits of Himalayan salt far outweigh sugar 80:1. Himalayan salt contains 81 more essential minerals than sugar that are absorbed directly through the skin with each application. The addition of honey and peppermint essential oil brings antiseptic and antimicrobial properties to the infusion to relieve acne. This invigorating, refreshing polisher is excellent for exfoliating dry patches, evening skin tone, rehydrating, and leaving the silky skin smooth.

Recipe notes: What you will need: Saucepan, whisk, spatula, mixing bowl, hand mixer, and container. Yields 6-cups. Difficulty level: Easy. Recommended usage: Weekly. Note: Polisher is most effective when applied directly to dry skin before turning on the shower.

Ingredients:

• 12-oz-cacao butter
• 8-oz grape seed oil
• 8-oz avocado oil
• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 1/2-lbs Himalayan salt (fine) divided in half or quarters for even distribution during mixing
• 1-tbsp peppermint essential oil

Preparation:

1. In a saucepan, warm oils, add cacao butter, occasionally whisking till cacao is fully melted.
2. Pour mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight to set.
3. Next day: Remove mixture from refrigerator and allow to soften slightly at room temperature. It will look just like butter. To test, press your thumb into it. If the imprint is visible, then it’s ready to whip.
4. If using a stand-up mixer (Kitchen-Aid), and depending on the size of the mixing bowl, you may want to divide the mixture into halves or quarters and whip up in batches. If whipping in batches, divide, salt, honey, and peppermint oil. 
5. Scoop appropriated butter mixture into mixing bowl and whip, beginning with low-speed and increasing to high, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Whip until light and fluffy.
7. With the mixer running, add honey, blend well, then add salt slowly 1/4 cup at a time.
8. Finish with peppermint essential oil and repeat process with remaining batches.
9. Spoon into desired containers or jars.
10. Keep 1 jar or small container in the shower, and the remaining polisher refrigerated.
11. Best when applied to dry skin. Exfoliate, then shower.