Shea butter is a firm staple in many skincare products, providing moisturizing benefits for many years. However, there’s a new kid on the block in the skincare world – the newly popular murumuru butter! So how are these types of body butter similar, different, and ultimately better?
These two kinds of body butter are derived from very different sources, with shea butter coming from the kernels of the shea tree based in Africa, while murumuru butter is harvested from murumuru palm tree seeds that grow in the Amazon rainforest. Both offer moisturizing properties, however, there are some key differences that may encourage you to choose one over the other.

Keep reading to find out how shea butter and murumuru butter compare, as well as my personal favorite of the two!
Similarities and differences between murumuru butter and shea butter
Take a look at this table for a quick overview of the similarities and differences between murumuru butter and shea butter. I’ve delved deeper into these in the section below!
Similarities | Differences |
Moisturizing benefits | Murumuru butter offers better moisturization and nourishment to the skin |
Both help to minimize premature aging by decreasing the appearance of wrinkles | Shea butter is better for skin protection from the sun, with a natural SPF of 6 |
Fast absorbing and beneficial for sensitive skin | Murumuru butter contains higher levels of myristic and laureic acid, helping to repair damaged skin and fade sun spots |
Similarities
Murumuru butter and shea butter are similar in a number of ways, with the key similarity being that they’re both predominantly used for their moisturizing properties. They are rich in texture and help to give the skin a plumper, healthier appearance.
If you’re concerned about premature aging, both of these types of body butter will help to minimize the appearance of the aging process by plumping up the skin and reducing fine lines/wrinkles.
Another similarity is that murumuru butter and shea butter are quick to absorb into the skin, without leaving a greasy residue that some other body butters may result in. (One of the reasons I particularly love shea butter in this whipped body butter recipe.) They are also both suitable for sensitive skin types – always double-check with a dermatologist before introducing new kinds of skincare products into your regime.
Differences
There are some differences between shea butter and murumuru butter which may encourage you to prefer one over the other, particularly when it comes to specific skin concerns.
For example, murumuru butter is generally better in terms of moisturizing and nourishing the skin and also contains higher levels of myristic and laureic acid. This helps to repair damaged skin and fade sun spots too.
Shea butter on the other hand is better used as a preventative for sun damage than murumuru butter, with a natural SPF of 6. However, I always recommend pairing your body butter with a specific SPF to ensure your skin is protected from harmful UV rays. Take a look at this natural sunscreen recipe that can be made using shea butter.
Best skin types for murumuru butter and shea butter
While murumuru butter and shea butter are both beneficial for the skin, there are some skin types that will find one more advantageous than the other. Check these out below.
Murumuru butter
Murumuru butter is best suited to people with dry or sensitive skin. This is because it is highly moisturizing and gentle, helping to seal moisture in the skin and improving skin hydration.
It is generally not recommended for those with acne-prone skin types as it would generally be considered to be too heavy for facial skin and could lead to blocked pores.
Shea butter
Shea butter is suitable for all skin types, as it will nourish dry skin and help to balance sebum production on oilier skin types.
This makes it a very versatile body butter and it won’t dry out skin or clog pores.
There are also some differences between white shea butter and yellow shea butter when it comes to varying skin types – here’s some more info if you’d like to know more!
The verdict
While both shea butter and murumuru butter are good products, there can only be one winner… my personal favorite is shea butter! Despite murumuru butter winning on moisturization, I only tend to use this type of body butter occasionally, whereas shea butter I’ll use whether my skin is feeling oily or dry.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions to give you some more insights into how shea butter and murumuru butter compare!
Murumuru butter can clog pores particularly when used on the face. This is because it is very rich in texture and may lead to excess sebum production.
You can substitute other types of body butter for murumuru butter. I’ve listed a few of these below:
– Mango butter
– Shea butter
– Cupuacu butter
– Kokum butter
Body butters that are closest to shea butter include sal butter and mango butter. Both of these products are very moisturizing and offer similar properties to shea butter.
Both shea butter and murumuru butter have an earthy, nutty scent that may be removed/dampened in refined versions of these body butters.
Shea butter and murumuru butter can be mixed together to produce an extra moisturizing, protective body butter. You can also mix these body butters with other emollient products such as cocoa butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
Here’s some info on the differences between shea butter and coconut oil if you want to know more!
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