Kokum Butter: The Unsung Hero of Silky Skin
We’ve all heard the praises of Cocoa and Shea Butter - but have you met their elegant cousin, Kokum Butter?
This lesser-known plant butter comes from the seeds of the Kokum Tree (Garcinia indica), native to India’s warm coastal regions. Unlike its richer relatives, Kokum Butter is light, deeply conditioning, and surprisingly non-greasy, making it a dream ingredient for soaps, balms, and any skin product that deserves a touch of refinement. Like Cocoa and Shea, it’s solid at room temperature, but Kokum has a personality all its own - it’s lighter, more stable, and melts beautifully into skin without that heavy or greasy feel.
What Makes Kokum So Special?
Kokum Butter is deeply moisturizing, and one of the most nutrient-dense plant butters you'll find. It's naturally rich in Vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids - all the good stuff that supports your skin’s elasticity and helps defend it against dryness.
Unlike some heavier butters, Kokum absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft and conditioned. That makes it a favorite in products meant to soothe and nourish, like lip balms, body butters, and of course, handmade soaps.
Gentle, Effective, and Long-Lasting
One of the reasons I love using Kokum Butter is that it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. Even those with sensitive or acne-prone skin can enjoy it without worry.
It also has an unusually long shelf life, so products made with Kokum stay fresh and effective longer. It’s stable, dependable, and quietly wonderful.
Why It’s the Bee’s Knees
Non-greasy & fast-absorbing: Kokum sinks right in, leaving skin soft but never slick.
• Loaded with antioxidants: Naturally high in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it helps fight free radicals and supports skin’s elasticity.
• Soothing for sensitive skin: It’s non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), which makes it perfect for the face, too.
• Long-lasting freshness: Its stability means balms and soaps made with Kokum stay fresher longer - a maker’s dream!
Why It’s in Gilded Olive Products
I include Kokum Butter in several of my soaps and all of my lip balms because it adds a smooth, creamy texture and helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy. It’s one of those ingredients that works behind the scenes to make everything feel just right.
In Short
Kokum Butter is the strong, silent type - unassuming but extraordinary. Its protective and rejuvenating properties make it a star in any skincare recipe, from decadent balms to hardworking soaps. We’re big fans, and once you’ve tried it, I think you’ll be one, too.
Valerie
January 27, 2023
Hi Sharon,
Kokum Butter is great for the face. It’s non-comedogenic, so it’s ideal for those who struggle with acne or have sensitive skin.
You can absolutely buy small amounts of Kokum Butter on Amazon, but it can be slightly crumbly, so I prefer it incorporated into my products. I use it in my soaps and lip balms, so you’re probably already using it! xo