It may not be as popular or cool-sounding as shea butter and cocoa butter, but kokum butter has great moisturising properties which should definitely not be ignored. Often associated with our gravies and sherbets, it is so much more than a flavouring agent.
For the uninitiated, kokum butter is a type of plant-based oil (which is solid at room temperature) and is derived from the seeds of the kokum fruit largely grown in Asia and Africa. Known as vrikshamla in Ayurveda, its extracts have been used as a skincare ingredient for many years in products like balms, body butters, lotions, and salves, mainly in this part of the world.
Let’s take a look at what makes kokum butter so special:
- Did you know it helps in forming a protective layer around the skin?
- It doesn’t clog the pores like the heavier plant butters do.
- It is, in fact, one of the most emollient butters used for the body.
- It doesn’t have a strong scent and is lighter in consistency as compared to cocoa and shea butters.
- It not only treats dry skin, hair and scalp but also helps treat a variety of skin issues, including acne, minor inflammatory conditions thanks to itsantibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
So, while the rest of the world is still catching up to the many benefits of kokum, here are 8 kokum-based products for you to pick from:
Kama Ayurveda Kokum Almond Body Moisturiser & Shower Oil
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Enriched with plant-based oils and kokum extracts, this new Kokum Almond range keeps skin soft, smooth & supple. The shower oil is an oil-to-lather formula which cleanses, nourishes and hydrates the skin, while the luxurious body moisturiser provides instant relief from flaking and dry patches. Kokum Extracts in both help revive dry & dehydrated skin, and restores skin elasticity.
Forest Essentials Chandan Varnya Lepa
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A nourishing facial masque infused with pure sandalwood paste, saffron and kokum butter, this effectively tones, firms and hydrates the skin. This lepa, or herbal paste, is blended with pure steam distilled rosewater, nagkesar herb extract and wheat germ oil extract to ensure a creamy rich consistency.
Juicy Chemistry Kokum, Myrrh & Hazelnut Hand & Foot Cream
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Don’t ignore those strong feet that carry you onwards and upwards! This cream intensely moisturises and repairs cracked heels and dry hands with its blend of plant-based butters and oils. It restores skin’s elasticity and also improves skin’s barrier and prevents moisture loss.
SoulTree Viola & Kokum Butter Lip Balm
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An Ayurvedic formulation for chapped lips, this range of lip balms is infused with the natural goodness of kokum butter and ghee. It works in healing and moisturising your lips, leaving them nourished, soft and supple. These lip balms do not contain any tint or added colours, or parabens, silicones, mineral oil or fragrance, and are 100% vegetarian. The brand also offers other indulgent kokum products, such as a hand and foot cream, body moisturiser and more.
Ohria Ayurveda Kokum And Castor Eye Makeup Cleanser
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Looking for a natural cleansing balm? Try this one. While balm cleansers have become popular in the recent past, this specific one in fact, revives the ancient method of cleansing kohl from eyes. It is an effective and nourishing combination of kokum butter, castor and coconut oil blended with pure cow’s ghee and bees wax to cleanse eye makeup and nourish, thicken and strengthen eyelashes and brows. It is hydrating & nourishing and helps avoid any harsh rubbing to remove the heavy makeup.
Mama Earth Ubtan Body Lotion with Turmeric & Kokum Butter
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This light body lotion combines the nourishing and moisturising benefits of kokum butter, turmeric, shea butter & olive oil. It has an appealing earthy aroma, and it sinks deep into the skin’s layers leaving it hydrated for hours.
Neemli Naturals Kokum & Tamarind Body Butter
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Enriched with moisturising kokum butter and exfoliating tamarind, this body provides an intense dose of hydration to the skin and helps heal dry and cracked skin, improving the appearance of scars and promoting elasticity. This body butter also has vitamins E, C and B3 (Niacinamide), which together give an antioxidant boost, increases collagen production, reduces pigmentation and helps improve skin elasticity overall.
