If you love using body butter to keep your skin moisturized, it’s likely that you’ve heard of shea butter. But have you heard of kokum butter, and does it rival the almighty shea butter?
Kokum butter is technically an oil that is derived from the seeds of the Kokum tree. It is similar to shea butter in that it’s very moisturizing, however, there are several differences between the two that may influence your decision on which you prefer.
Stay tuned for an in-depth comparison between kokum butter and shea butter, as well as my personal opinion on which of these kinds of body butter is the best!
Similarities and differences between kokum butter and shea butter
I’ve put together a short table below showing some of the key similarities and differences between shea butter and kokum butter, along with a further analysis below of some of these points:
Similarities | Differences |
Moisturizing for the skin and hair | Kokum butter is more light-weight than shea butter and isn’t heavy/greasy |
Neither body butter will clog pores or cause acne | Shea butter has a nutty, earthy scent while kokum butter is unscented |
Fast absorbing and beneficial for sensitive skin | Kokum butter is more expensive and generally less accessible than shea butter which is affordable and easily available |
Similarities
Shea butter and kokum butter are similar in that they are both intensely moisturizing. They make the skin and hair smooth and nourished, and can also be used to massage the scalp.
They are both fast absorbing into the skin and are safe to use if you have sensitive skin too.
Neither of these types of body butter will clog pores and are in fact linked to balancing sebum production which can help to reduce blocked pores and ultimately acne.
Incidentally, did you know that coconut oil can also be used to treat acne? Here’s some info on natural products that can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores.
Differences
While these types of body butter are similar, they also offer a few differences.
For example, kokum butter is significantly more lightweight than shea butter, and won’t leave a heavy/greasy feeling on the skin. Some people who already have quite oily skin may find that shea butter is too heavy for them so kokum butter could be a good alternative.
Another difference between these two body butters is their scents. Shea butter has a fairly strong nutty, earthy scent that some people love while others hate, whereas kokum butter is naturally unscented.
The last key difference between these products is their accessibility. Shea butter is known for being very affordable and available in most high street drugstores, whereas kokum butter is typically more expensive and only available in more specialist retailers.
Best skin types for kokum butter and shea butter
I’ve also carried out an analysis on which body butter is best for different skin types – find out about this below!
Kokum butter
Kokum butter is versatile and suitable for many skin types such as oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin.
Those with oily skin may particularly enjoy kokum butter as it’s very lightweight, and won’t leave a heavy feeling or residue on the skin after use.
Shea butter
Shea butter is also suitable for all skin types. However, those with skin on the oilier side may find shea butter a little too heavy for use on the face as it is very rich in consistency.
Shea butter can be used for many different purposes, such as within this natural deodorant recipe – check it out!
The verdict
Ultimately while both of these body butters are great, there can only be one winner. My personal favorite is shea butter, as it’s super easy to pick up from most drugstores and I’m very partial to the smell. I also love a rich body butter, so if you share this preference with me it’s likely that you’ll prefer shea butter too!
FAQ
Here are a few quick-fire frequently asked questions to help you fully understand how kokum butter and shea butter compare!
Kokum butter is a powerful moisturizer and is beneficial for all skin types. It can also be used to treat skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, or inflammation.
Another similar body butter to kokum butter is murumuru butter, here’s a comparison between kokum butter and murumuru butter!
In English, Kokum butter is also known as Goa tree butter.
No, kokum butter is generally more expensive than shea butters and other natural body butters in general. This is because it is not as easily available, while shea butter can be found in most high street drugstores.
Kokum butter is made from the fruit oils of kokum trees, which are native to India. They are specifically found in the Western Ghats of India and some parts of the north east of the country.
Kokum butter has a higher melting point than shea butter and is therefore firmer than shea butter. This makes it particularly good for producing cosmetics such as balms, soaps, and lip products.