Kokum Butter: Benefits, Uses & FAQs
What is kokum butter, and where does it come from?
Kokum butter comes from the seeds of the Garcinia indica tree, which grows in the Western Ghats of India. People have used it in Ayurveda for centuries. Beeja Botanicals gets its kokum butter straight from Sirsi, a small town in the Western Ghats, where local women handle every batch.
What is kokum butter good for?
Kokum butter deeply hydrates skin, helps reduce inflammation, and slows signs of ageing. It also helps with dry scalp, dandruff, and hair breakage. Since it’s lightweight and doesn’t clog pores, you’ll find it in face creams, lip balms, hair oils, and even baby care products.
What are the benefits of kokum butter for skin?
Kokum butter is packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and antioxidants. It helps skin cells renew, protects against free-radical damage, and keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores. Using it regularly can improve skin texture, soften fine lines, and help with eczema and rashes. It works for all skin types, even sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Can kokum butter be used on the face and hair?
Yes, you can use kokum butter on both your face and hair. On the face, it absorbs quickly, doesn’t clog pores, and suits oily or sensitive skin. For hair, it moisturises the scalp, strengthens roots, adds shine, and helps reduce dandruff. It’s one of the few butters that works well for both without feeling heavy.
How does kokum butter compare to shea butter and cocoa butter?
Shea butter is richer but can feel heavy, especially on your face. Cocoa butter is hard, has a strong scent, and takes longer to absorb. Kokum butter is the lightest of the three. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a greasy feel, and won’t clog pores. It also has a longer shelf life than the others.
What does kokum butter smell like?
Kokum butter has a mild, nutty, and slightly earthy scent. It’s not sharp or strong. Unrefined kokum butter keeps this natural smell, while refined versions are made to be odourless. Its subtle scent helps it blend easily into skincare products without overpowering them.
What is the difference between refined and unrefined kokum butter?
Unrefined kokum butter keeps its natural color, scent, and all its nutrients, including fatty acids and antioxidants. Refined kokum butter is processed to remove color and smell, but this also takes away some of the benefits. For skincare, unrefined is the better choice. That’s why Beeja Botanicals uses only unrefined kokum butter.
Does kokum butter have any side effects?
Side effects are rare. Most people tolerate kokum butter well and it seldom causes reactions. If you’re allergic to plants in the Garcinia family, try a patch test first. It’s safe to use on skin during pregnancy and for babies, but check with a doctor before using it as medicine or food.
What is the scientific name of kokum butter?
The scientific name for kokum butter is Garcinia indica. The butter is made from the seed kernel of this fruit tree, which grows throughout the Western Ghats. In Ayurveda, it’s used to treat Pitta dosha imbalances, and almost every part of the tree, including the fruit, rind, and seed, has a known use.
What is the shelf life of kokum butter?
Kokum butter usually lasts two years or more. It has high oxidative stability, so it stays fresh much longer than most natural butters. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. You don’t need to refrigerate it.