Kokum Butter For Skin: All Your Questions Answered

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Hey there skincare enthusiasts! Let’s talk about something truly special – kokum butter. 

Derived from the seeds of the Garcinia Indica tree, Kokum butter offers many benefits for both skin and hair.

I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide with you because we’re about to uncover what makes Kokum butter truly fantastic. We’ll explore its composition, skin and hair benefits, compare kokum butter to other butters such as Shea, Cocoa and Mango, and discover all the smart ways you can make it a beauty essential in your routine.

 

Here is what you’ll learn from this post:

– PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF KOKUM BUTTER

– KOKUM BUTTER COMPOSITION

– KOKUM BUTTER BENEFITS FOR SKIN & HAIR

– CAN KOKUM BUTTER BE USED ON THE FACE?

– HOW TO USE KOKUM BUTTER ON SKIN?

– HOW KOKUM BUTTER COMPARES TO OTHER POPULAR BUTTERS?

         – Kokum Butter vs. Shea Butter

        – Kokum Butter vs. Cocoa Butter

        – Kokum Butter vs. Mango Butter

– DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REFINED AND UNREFINED KOKUM BUTTER

– IS KOKUM BUTTER SAFE FOR BABIES?

– CAN KOKUM BUTTER CAUSE ALLERGY?

– WHERE-TO-BUY-KOKUM-BUTTER?

– WHY KOKUM BUTTER IS SO EXPENSIVE?

– CAN YOU USE KOKUM BUTTER IN SOAP?

– KOKUM BUTTER SHELF LIFE AND STORING TIPS

 

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF KOKUM BUTTER

Color and Smell: Kokum Butter is usually a creamy white to a pale yellow color. It has a mild and pleasant smell, often reminding people of nuts or the earth.

Hardness and Melting Temperature: At room temperature, Kokum Butter is quite firm. However, it becomes soft and pliable when it comes into contact with your skin. It melts easily at a relatively low temperature, around 34-38°C (93-100°F). This makes it smooth to apply and rub into your skin.

Absorption into the Skin: Kokum Butter is known for being absorbed quickly by your skin. When you apply it, it soaks in fast, leaving your skin feeling smooth and not greasy. It’s great for moisturizing your skin without making it feel oily. Keep in mind that how quickly it’s absorbed might vary slightly based on your skin type and the specific product you’re using.

KOKUM BUTTER COMPOSITION

Kokum butter is abundant in beneficial compounds such as stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid, which contribute to its emollient and moisturizing properties. These fatty acids work in harmony to nourish and hydrate the skin, aiding in maintaining its suppleness and youthful appearance.

Here is an approximate composition of Kokum butter:

Stearic Acid – 47%

Oleic Acid  – 34%

α-Linolenic Acid – 5%

Free Fatty Acids – 4%

Palmitic Acid – 3%

Elaidic Acid – 2%

Other Fatty Acids – 2%

Linoleic Acid – 1%

Arachidic Acid – 1%

Eicosenoic Acid – 1%

 

Curious how Kokum butter composition affects it’s properties and skin benefits?

Continue reading..

 

Stearic Acid:

Emollient Properties: Stearic acid acts as an emollient, smoothing and softening the skin.

Skin Nourishment: It nourishes the skin and helps maintain its elasticity.

Oleic Acid:

Skin Regeneration: Oleic acid aids in skin regeneration, promoting a youthful appearance.

Moisturization: It deeply moisturizes the skin, making it an excellent emollient.

Palmitic Acid:

Moisturization: Palmitic acid helps in providing deep moisturization to the skin, keeping it soft and supple.

Skin Barrier Function: It helps in enhancing the skin’s natural barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors.

Linoleic Acid:

Acne Control: Linoleic acid is known for its anti-acne properties, helping to manage breakouts and maintain clear skin.

Moisture Retention: It helps the skin in retaining moisture, keeping it hydrated.

α-Linolenic Acid:

Anti-inflammatory: α-Linolenic acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties, soothing and calming irritated skin.

Skin Health: It contributes to overall skin health and can help in managing skin conditions like eczema.

KOKUM BUTTER BENEFITS FOR SKIN & HAIR

Benefits for Skin:

• Great Moisturizer: Kokum Butter keeps your skin hydrated and supple by locking in moisture.

• Skin Repair: It helps regenerate skin cells, making it effective for healing dry or damaged skin, including conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

• Suitable for All Skin Types: Kokum Butter works well for sensitive or acne-prone skin as it doesn’t clog pores (non-comedogenic).

Benefits for Hair:

• Deep Conditioning: Kokum Butter makes your hair softer, smoother, and easier to manage by providing deep conditioning.

• Hair Repair: It helps repair split ends and reduces hair breakage, promoting healthier hair.

• Adds Shine: Kokum Butter provides a natural sheen to the hair, giving it a healthy and glossy appearance. It doesn’t weigh down the hair, making it suitable for various hair types.

• Scalp Health: Regular use of Kokum Butter can improve scalp health and stimulate hair growth.

Comparison with Other Butters:

• Light and Absorbent: Kokum Butter is lighter and gets absorbed quickly compared to Shea Butter, making it ideal for those who prefer deep hydration without a heavy or greasy feeling.

CAN KOKUM BUTTER BE USED ON THE FACE?

Kokum Butter is a great butter to use on your face. It’s lightweight and gets absorbed quickly into the skin. As a moisturizer, it keeps the skin hydrated and helps maintain its elasticity, promoting a youthful glow.

Additionally, Kokum Butter is considered low on the comedogenic scale, typically rated between 0 and 1, which means it’s unlikely to cause acne or block pores. 

HOW TO USE KOKUM BUTTER ON SKIN?

1. Direct Application: Gently scoop out a small amount of Kokum Butter from its container using clean fingers or a spatula. Rub the butter between your palms to warm it up, then apply it directly to your skin. Massage it in using circular motions until fully absorbed. Use on areas needing extra moisture or targeted treatment.

2. DIY Body Butter: Create your own nourishing body butter by combining Kokum Butter with other natural ingredients. Melt Kokum Butter in a double boiler, mix in oils like coconut or jojoba, and any desired essential oils. Let it cool and solidify. Apply this homemade body butter daily for soft, hydrated skin.

3. Lip Balm: Make a Kokum Butter lip balm by melting a small amount of Kokum Butter with beeswax and a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Pour the mixture into lip balm containers and let it cool. Apply whenever your lips need moisturizing.

4. Under Eye Cream: Blend Kokum Butter with aloe vera gel and a drop of vitamin E oil to create a soothing under-eye cream. Gently dab a small amount around the eyes before bedtime to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

5. Hair Conditioner: Incorporate Kokum Butter into your hair care routine by melting a small quantity and applying it to damp hair. Concentrate on the ends and dry areas. Leave it on for a while before washing off for smoother, more manageable hair.

HOW KOKUM BUTTER COMPARES TO OTHER POPULAR BUTTERS?

With so many natural butters available, it’s important to understand how Kokum Butter compares and stands out in the crowd. Let me show you a quick overview of how Kokum butter’s unique qualities in comparison to other popular butters.

Kokum Butter vs. Shea Butter

When it comes to Kokum Butter vs. Shea Butter, the key distinction lies in texture and absorption. Kokum Butter is lighter and absorbs into the skin faster, leaving a non-greasy feel. On the other hand, Shea Butter is thicker and provides intense moisturization, ideal for those seeking a more occlusive effect. 

Kokum Butter vs. Cocoa Butter

Next up, we have the match of Kokum Butter vs. Cocoa Butter. While both are superb moisturizers, Kokum Butter is lighter and known for quick absorption, making it suitable for daily use. Cocoa Butter, on the other hand, is richer and slightly heavier, perfect for intense moisturizing and healing scars. Which one aligns better with your skin goals?

Kokum Butter vs. Mango Butter

Lastly, in our face-off of Kokum Butter vs. Mango Butter, the difference lies in their fatty acid composition. Kokum Butter contains a higher percentage of stearic and oleic acids, making it more stable. Mango Butter, with a different fatty acid profile, is creamy and offers great moisturizing properties. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REFINED AND UNREFINED KOKUM BUTTER

When shopping for Kokum butter, you’ll notice that you can get a refined Kokum butter and unrefined version. The difference between the two lies in the processing methods and resulting characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Processing:

– Refined Kokum Butter: Refined Kokum Butter undergoes processing to remove impurities and odors. The process typically involves bleaching and deodorizing the butter to obtain a uniform, neutral color and scent.

– Unrefined Kokum Butter: Unrefined Kokum Butter is in its natural state, minimally processed without the use of chemicals or additives. It retains its natural color, scent, and nutrient profile.

Color and Odor:

– Refined Kokum Butter: Refined Kokum Butter usually has a uniform, creamy white color and a mild, neutral scent due to the refining process.

– Unrefined Kokum Butter: Unrefined Kokum Butter retains its natural color, ranging from a pale yellow to a light brown, and possesses a characteristic nutty and earthy aroma.

Nutrient Content:

– Refined Kokum Butter: The refining process may result in a slight reduction of some beneficial compounds, although the impact on nutrient content is minimal.

– Unrefined Kokum Butter: Unrefined Kokum Butter maintains its original nutrient composition, including essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Texture and Consistency:

– Refined Kokum Butter: Refined Kokum Butter often has a smoother and more consistent texture, making it easier to incorporate into various cosmetic products.

– Unrefined Kokum Butter: Unrefined Kokum Butter may have a slightly grainier texture due to the presence of natural sediments, but this doesn’t affect its efficacy.

Suitability for Different Uses:

– Refined Kokum Butter: Due to its neutral color and odor, refined Kokum Butter is often preferred in cosmetics and skincare products where a specific appearance or fragrance is desired.

– Unrefined Kokum Butter: Unrefined Kokum Butter is popular among those seeking a more natural and organic option in their skincare and hair care routines.

Choosing between refined and unrefined Kokum Butter depends on personal preferences and the intended application. Both variations offer the unique benefits of Kokum Butter, but the choice comes down to the desired characteristics for a specific product or purpose.

IS KOKUM BUTTER SAFE FOR BABIES?

Kokum Butter is generally considered safe for use on baby skin. Its natural, gentle composition makes it suitable for delicate and sensitive skin. However, it’s essential to be cautious and perform a patch test before applying it to a baby’s skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

CAN KOKUM BUTTER CAUSE ALLERGY?

While Kokum Butter is well-tolerated by most individuals, there’s always a possibility of an allergic reaction, although it’s rare.

Some people may have an allergic response to certain components within Kokum Butter. If you have a known allergy to nuts or seeds, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using Kokum Butter to avoid any potential allergic reactions. Always prioritize safety and conduct a patch test whenever trying a new product.

WHERE TO BUY KOKUM BUTTER?

I highly recommend grabbing your Kokum butter from this trusted supplier, where I personally source mine.

Not only is the quality top-notch, but they also have an array of glowing reviews from satisfied customers. You can choose between 8-ounce or value-packed 1-pound bags, all at good price.

It is absolutely worth splurging on this natural butter as it provides a superior skin feel and absorption compared to Shea and Cocoa butters.

WHY KOKUM BUTTER IS SO EXPENSIVE?

CAN YOU USE KOKUM BUTTER IN SOAP?

For all my fellow soapers, I want to answer a question you may be having – Can Kokum Butter be used in cold process soap making?

You can use Kokum Butter in soap making. It adds firmness to the soap and gives more lather to the soap. 

Benefits of using Kokum butter in soap:

• Moisturizing Properties: Kokum Butter is deeply moisturizing, which helps in creating a soap that is gentle and hydrating for the skin.

• Emollient and Conditioning: It provides a creamy lather, making the soap feel smooth and luxurious during use.

• Natural Hardness: Kokum Butter contributes to the hardness of the soap, making it long-lasting and less prone to becoming mushy.

• Stable Shelf Life: Kokum Butter has a relatively stable shelf life, enhancing the longevity of the soap.

Disadvantages of using Kokum butter in soap:

• Cost: Kokum Butter can be relatively expensive, which might increase the production cost of the soap compared to using other oils or butters.

KOKUM BUTTER SHELF LIFE AND STORING TIPS

Kokum Butter, like many natural products, has a finite shelf life and should be stored properly to maintain its quality and efficacy. Here’s a guide on its shelf life and how to store it effectively:

Shelf Life:

• Unopened Package. When unopened and stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture, Kokum Butter can last up to 2 years or more.

• Opened Package. Once opened, Kokum Butter’s shelf life is typically around 1 to 1.5 years. It’s crucial to monitor its appearance, smell, and texture to ensure it remains suitable for use.

Storing Tips:

1. Keep it Cool and Dry. Store Kokum Butter in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. High temperatures can cause it to soften or melt, altering its consistency and possibly reducing its shelf life.

2. Air-Tight Container. Transfer Kokum Butter to an airtight container after opening the original packaging. This helps prevent exposure to air and moisture, maintaining its freshness and quality.

3. Avoid Contamination. Use clean, dry utensils or hands when handling Kokum Butter to prevent any contamination that could reduce its shelf life or effectiveness.

4. Refrigeration. If you live in a warm or humid climate, consider storing Kokum Butter in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature will help maintain its solidity and extend its shelf life.

5. Regular Check-ups. Periodically check the Kokum Butter for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual odor, changes in color, or mold growth. If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the product.

By following these storage tips and being mindful of the shelf life, you can maximize the usage and benefits of Kokum Butter for an extended period while ensuring its effectiveness and safety.