Kokum Butter vs. Shea Butter: Which is Better for Your Skin?

Let’s be real for a second—when it comes to butters in skincare, shea butter is basically the Beyoncé of the bunch. It’s everywhere and loved by everyone (me included). But there’s another butter that deserves some major love, and it’s been quietly doing its thing behind the scenes: kokum butter.

If you haven’t heard of kokum butter, don’t worry—you’re not alone! I stumbled upon it when I was experimenting with DIY body butter and looking for, non-greasy options for my formulation. So, let’s do a little showdown between these two popular butters and see which one might be the best for your skin. Spoiler alert: you might find yourself adding kokum butter to your cart after this!

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What’s the Deal with Shea Butter?

We all know shea butter—it’s rich, thick, and packed with vitamins (hello, A and E). It's been a go-to for moisturizing dry skin, treating scars, and even soothing eczema. Shea butter is the ultimate comfort food for your skin, giving you that deep hydration we all crave during the colder months.

However…. shea butter can sometimes be too much for people with oily or acne-prone skin. It's a heavier butter, so if you're not careful, it can leave you feeling a bit greasy. Plus, for those of us who get the occasional breakout, it has a reputation for clogging pores if overused.

Enter Kokum Butter: The Underdog

Now, let’s talk about kokum butter. This stuff is amazing, especially if you’re not a fan of that heavy, greasy feeling. Kokum butter is extracted from the seeds of the kokum tree (native to India), and it’s way lighter than shea butter. It absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t clog pores, making it perfect for oily or acne-prone skin types. Plus, it has incredible moisturizing and regenerative properties, helping to soften the skin and improve elasticity.

I’ve personally found that kokum butter is a game-changer for those hot summer days when I want moisture but not the extra shine. It’s like the cool, lightweight jacket to shea butter’s cozy winter coat.

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Let’s Compare the Two:

Moisturizing Power

• Shea Butter: Super hydrating, especially for dry, cracked skin. It locks in moisture like a champ.

• Kokum Butter: Also very moisturizing, but lighter in texture. You’ll still get that softness and hydration without feeling greasy.

Absorption

• Shea Butter: Takes a little longer to absorb and can leave a slightly oily residue.

• Kokum Butter: Absorbs fast and leaves no greasy film. It’s ideal if you’re in a rush and don’t want to wait for your skin to soak it all in.

Skin Type Suitability

• Shea Butter: Best for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. Not always great for oily or acne-prone skin.

• Kokum Butter: Great for all skin types, especially oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. It’s non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores).

Healing Properties

• Shea Butter: Rich in anti-inflammatory and healing properties, it’s great for eczema, scars, and stretch marks.

• Kokum Butter: Also excellent for healing and soothing, especially with its ability to promote cell regeneration and rejuvenate damaged skin.

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Which One Is Right for You?

So, here’s the deal: if your skin is on the drier side or you’re looking for something to tackle seriously rough patches, shea butter is still your go-to. It’s thick, it’s rich, and it’s got all the vitamins your skin could ever want.

But if you’re like me and have combination or oily skin, or just hate feeling greasy after applying lotion, kokum butter might just be your new skincare hero. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and still gives your skin the moisture and nourishment it needs—without the extra shine.

Both butters are fantastic in their own ways, but kokum butter deserves to step out of the shadows and shine a little brighter in the skincare world. So, if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go. Your skin just might fall in love with it like mine did!

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Final Thoughts

Shea butter will always have a special place in my heart (and skincare routine), but kokum butter is definitely my lightweight, everyday go-to. Whether you’re looking to switch things up or just want to find the best butter for your skin type, now you’ve got the lowdown on these two skincare staples.

Have you tried kokum butter before? If so, what’s your experience been like? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!