Understanding Butters in Skincare
Butters are the rich, nourishing backbone of many of our formulations, offering deep moisture, barrier protection, and skin-conditioning benefits. Unlike lotions or creams, which are emulsified with water, true body butters are purely oil-based, concentrated, and free of water. This makes them longer-lasting, deeply penetrating, and highly emollient.
Many mainstream "body butters" are actually emulsified butters, meaning they contain water and emulsifiers to create a lotion-like consistency. While these have their place, our true body butters are 100% anhydrous (water-free), which enhances their richness, purity, and shelf life.
The key component in our butters isn’t water—it’s high-performance, unrefined plant butters and tallow, with shea butter and tallow at the heart of our formulations. Tallow, derived from beef or mutton fat, is especially valued for its similarity to human skin oils, making it an excellent moisturizer. Shea butter provides a creamy texture, exceptional nourishment, and protective benefits, making it a perfect base for deeply moisturizing products.
| Butter | Hardness | Skin Benefits | Smell | Unique Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shea Butter | Soft to medium firmness | Deeply moisturizing, rich in vitamins A & E, soothing for dry & sensitive skin | Nutty, slightly smoky (varies by region) | One of the most well-balanced butters, contains natural SPF and anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Cocoa Butter | Very hard | Intensely protective, prevents moisture loss, excellent for dry & aging skin | Rich, chocolatey aroma | Contains natural antioxidants, giving it a long shelf life |
| Mango Butter | Soft, creamy | Lightweight but nourishing, high in vitamin C & fatty acids | Light, fruity scent | Absorbs faster than most butters, making it non-greasy |
| Tallow | Variable | Highly moisturizing, excellent for barrier repair | Minimal to none (refined) | Rich in nutrients, closely mimics the lipid profile of human skin |
🌍 The Power of Shea Butter & Its Regional Origins
Shea butter is one of the most versatile and universally beneficial butters in skincare. Derived from the karité tree native to Africa, shea butter has been used for centuries to protect, heal, and deeply moisturize the skin.
🗺️ Where Does Shea Butter Come From?
Shea butter varies regionally, with different characteristics depending on where it is harvested:
- West African Shea Butter (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria) – Richer in vitamins, more yellow in color, slightly firmer texture.
- East African Shea Butter (Uganda, Sudan) – Creamier, softer, and higher in oleic acid, making it more spreadable.
- Unrefined vs. Refined Shea Butter – Unrefined shea butter preserves more nutrients, while refined shea butter is odorless and more processed.
🧴 How Butters Compare to Oils
Both butters and oils play a critical role in skincare, but they serve different purposes due to their composition.
💧 Fatty Acid Composition
Oils and butters both contain fatty acids that nourish the skin, but butters have a thicker texture and contain more saturated fats, making them better for occlusion and long-lasting moisture retention.
🛡️ Key Differences Between Butters & Oils
- Butters – Higher in saturated fats, making them thicker, richer, and more protective.
- Oils – Higher in unsaturated fats, making them lighter, more absorbent, and fluid.
- Both can be blended to customize hydration levels and absorption speed.
🧐 Did You Know?
Shea butter isn’t just for skin—it’s also edible! In some African countries, unrefined shea butter is used in cooking, chocolate production, and traditional medicine due to its high nutritional content and anti-inflammatory properties. 🍫🌿
