Kokum Butter for Skin: The Ultimate Guide

 

Introduction

Kokum butter is a popular ingredient in the natural skin care industry. It's extracted from seeds of the kokum tree, and it's also known as white shea butter or African shea butter. Kokum butter has been used for centuries by indigenous people in India, who used to administer it topically both as food and medicine. Today, modern science confirms that this fatty acid-rich ingredient offers many benefits for skin care—and your health. Here's everything you need to know about kokum butter benefits for the skin!

What is kokum butter?

Kokum butter is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the kokum tree, which is native to India. The fruit (also called a mangosteen) has many health benefits and can be eaten raw or used in cooking, but the butter itself can be used as a moisturizer for your skin.

The kokum tree grows about 15 feet tall and produces edible fruits that look like small oranges covered in brownish-red scales that turn dark purple when ripe. These trees are also known as mangosteen trees because they produce white fleshy fruit with an edible purple pulp surrounding numerous large seeds within each fruit.

Where does it come from?

Kokum butter is derived from the fruit of the Kokum tree, which grows in India and parts of Africa. The fruit is dried, then ground into a powder that yields kokum butter once extracted.

Kokum butter is known to have high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, making it an excellent option for those looking to achieve softer skin while maintaining a healthy complexion.

The fatty acids in kokum butter

The main fatty acid in kokum butter is capric acid. Capric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid that doesn't contain any double bonds, which means it's more stable and less susceptible to oxidation (which can cause damage).

This makes capric acid a great source of energy for your body—without the harmful effects of other saturated fats like lauric and myristic acids. But don't let this fact fool you: capric acid still packs a punch! It's monounsaturated, meaning it has one double bond between two carbon atoms with 18 carbons each linked together as shown below:

The vitamins in kokum butter

·         Vitamin A

·         Vitamin E

·         Vitamin B1

·         Vitamin B2

·         Vitamin B3

·         Vitamin B5

·         Vitamin B6

·         Vitamin B9 (folate) Folic acid is naturally occurring in kokum butter, which is a great source of folic acid. It also contains folate, which may help to maintain healthy body functions and prevent certain birth defects. The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) are also present in kokum butter. Folic acid deficiencies are linked to anemia and weak bones.

What are the kokum butter benefits for skin?

Kokum butter is a natural fat that can be extracted from the seeds of the Kokum tree. It is a light, non-drying butter used in cosmetics and soaps. Applying kokum butter to your skin will provide many benefits, including moisturizing, anti-aging, and anti-acne.

Kokum butter benefits for skin are very easy to find since kokum butter is effective at treating acne because it reduces inflammation on the skin, reduces bacteria growth on the skin's surface, and helps reduce excess oil production from sebaceous glands within your pores. Also known as guru Miri in India or guava fruit in Latin America, Kokum trees are native to tropical regions like West Africa but grow well in other warm climates such as Florida or California's Central Coast region, where they have been cultivated for centuries their medicinal properties.

How to use kokum butter for skin care

As a moisturizer: Apply kokum butter for skin care in the morning before putting on makeup or sunscreen. This will help keep your complexion from drying out and getting oily throughout the day. You can also apply it at night before bedtime for added hydration, which will also help reduce wrinkles.

As a hair mask: When mixed with coconut oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter (also great natural moisturizers), kokum butter is a simple yet effective solution to dry frizzy locks. Simply massage into damp hair and leave on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing out with shampoo and conditioner if necessary.

Conclusion

With all of the above in mind, it’s clear that kokum butter has a lot to offer as a natural skin care ingredient. It contains vitamins and fatty acids that are great for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy, while also being free from any harsh chemicals or other ingredients that might irritate your skin. By using products with kokum butter in them regularly—whether it be soap included in your daily shower routine or lotion applied after getting out of the shower—you can keep your skin looking youthful for years to come!