Kokum Butter

NCI: Garcinia Indica Seed Butter
Origin: India
Slip Melting Point: 30 to 40 ºC
Melting Point: 50 - 60 ºC
Color: White to yellowish
Odor: Naturally without aroma

Kokum Butter and Kokum Oil are derived from the seeds of the fruits of the Kokum tree.
Also known by the scientific name Garcinia Indica, this fruit tree is found in the Western Ghats region of India. It is part of the Guttiferaw family of trees and is sometimes called wild mangosteen or red mangosteen.
To make kokum butter, the oil is extracted from the seeds and processed to produce a vegetable butter similar to cocoa or shea butter. Kokum butter is firmer and more crumbly than other butters and typically has a light gray or yellowish color.

This hard, extremely stable butter (one of the most stable on the market) is growing in popularity. In fact, it's so hard that it remains solid at room temperature but melts beautifully into the skin when applied. It is increasingly popular among cosmetic product formulators for this reason, but not only that.
Its inherent benefits are also evident, with a rich triglyceride composition including 80% stearic-oleic-stearic.
It is widely used in body butters. Helps relieve skin and scalp irritation, both inflammation and itching.

Unlike many other types of plant-based butter, kokum butter naturally has a very hard texture, but it melts easily when applied to the skin. Although it can be used alone, commercially prepared products often mix kokum butter with other types of vegetable oils or butters to create a more spreadable consistency on the skin.

Potential uses and benefits:

- Kokum butter has shown promise as an extremely versatile and functional ingredient in a variety of cosmetic and pharmacological skin care products. However, modern research specifically focusing on the pharmacological potential of kokum butter is still severely lacking.

- Kokum butter is probably best known for its role as a powerful emollient or moisturizing agent.
It can be used to improve the moisture content of almost every part of the body, including skin, lips, feet, scalp and hair.
Unlike other similar types of vegetable butters, kokum butter is not very "heavy": it is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving no oily sensation after application.

- Smoothes the skin very well and does not leave a greasy film. Protects and regenerates dry, dull skin, providing a soft and smooth touch, maintains skin flexibility and prevents cell degeneration. It is a very interesting ingredient for products for chapped skin, dry skin, body butters, creams and lotions.
Kokum butter is also recommended for making masks for rough and dry hair. Leaves hair shiny and vital.

- Kokum butter is often used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, aging, inflammatory skin conditions, and dry skin and hair. However, there are still not enough scientific studies to guarantee these claims.

Advantages of Kokum Butter (in relation to other vegetable butters):
- Odorless - Kokum butter is naturally odorless. Cocoa, coconut and shea butters are well known for their distinctive natural aromas, although there are deodorized alternatives.
- Easily Absorbed - Unlike most other plant-based butters, kokum butter is remarkably light, absorbed quickly and easily, and is non-greasy.
- Does not clog pores - Like shea butter, kokum butter also does not clog pores or cause acne.
- Very structurally stable - Kokum butter is one of the most structurally and chemically stable vegetable butters available. It works great as a natural emulsifier or firming agent for homemade cosmetics.

Precautions: Kokum butter is probably safe for most people, but if you have any questions or have a reaction to the product, we advise you to consult a healthcare professional before using it or incorporating it into your formula.
Test to check if you are sensitive to the product.

Usage*: Kokum Butter can be used in soap (cold or hot process - CP/HP), bath bombs, lip products, lotions, creams and balms.

In soap making*: It is an excellent alternative to Cocoa Butter, giving hardness and creaminess to the soap. Using just 5% will ensure a firm soap without losing any of the benefits.

Recommended use levels*: Soap - CP or HP, up to 10%. Lotions and creams 3 to 5%. Balms 5 to 100%.

* This data serves as a guide only and results may vary depending on the specificity of the recipes. It is the user's responsibility to carry out tests before proceeding with use.