Kokum Butter

Also called ‘Goa butter’, rich kokum butter brings us a bit of India. Get to know this moisturising delight from the forest.

What is kokum butter?

Kokums look like reddish-purple tomatoes topped with a green star-shaped tail. The fruit’s tender white pulp, protected by a hard outer layer, contains oil-rich seeds that can be pressed to obtain the edible kokum butter. The fruits’ look is very reminiscent of mangosteens, and indeed, they come from the same genus (Garcinia). The tree, Garcinia indica, is commonly found in the western coastal regions of southern India.

Where do we source it?

We work with a supplier from West India that was established in 2005. They focus specifically on producing non-timber forest products. Increasing the value of these products discourages reliance on timber logging for income for local communities. No pesticides or chemical fertilisers are used on the kokum trees or surrounding areas.

Our supplier works closely with a women’s cooperative that handles the harvest. The women collect the fruits on the forest floor, remove the pulp for their own consumption, and dry the seeds in the sun to reduce moisture and prevent rancidity. The seeds are then sent to the supplier’s processing facilities, where they are pressed for oil. The oil solidifies at room temperature, hence the name ‘butter’.

What are the benefits of kokum butter for the skin?

• Moisturising
• Emollient
• Readily absorbed

What are the benefits of kokum butter compared to other plant butters?

Kokum butter is odourless and very stable. It is renowned in cosmetics for melting very fast when it comes into contact with the skin, contrasting with its hard consistency. Due to some similarities in their composition, it is often used as a cocoa butter alternative.