Tucuma butter

Tucuma butter is an exotic plant butter derived from the seeds of the Amazonian palm Astrocaryum tucuma. In recent years it has gained considerable interest in natural cosmetics because it delivers a silicone-smooth feel, while being completely natural.

It is a natural “plant-based silicone” for skin and hair.

Properties of tucuma butter

Texture

• medium-hard butter

• melts at around 30–35 °C

• imparts a very silky feel on the skin

Skin

• absorbs quickly

• softens the skin

• helps restore the skin barrier

• leaves skin feeling smooth without a greasy film

Hair

• smooths the hair shaft

• reduces frizz

• adds shine

• excellent for dry and damaged hair

In formulations it is interesting because it is rich in:

• lauric acid

• oleic acid

• provitamin A

Therefore:

✔ restores the skin
✔ softens
✔ improves elasticity
✔ delivers a very pleasant “skin feel”

Many formulators use it as a natural alternative to silicones.

Where we use it:

Skin

• lip balms

• body butters

• creams for dry skin

• anti-age formulations

Hair

• hair conditioners

• hair masks

• split-end serums

Decorative cosmetics

• lipsticks

• balms

Typical usage levels in formulas:

• 1–3 % → creams and lotions

• 5–10 % → body butters

• 10–30 % → lip balms

• 1–5 % → hair products

A very simple recipe: Restorative lip balm with tucuma

Phase A

Phase B

Procedure

Heat phase A in a water bath (70 °C).
Stir until completely melted.
Allow to cool slightly (below 40 °C).
Add vitamin E and essential oil.
Pour into tubes or pots.

Result:

✔ very smooth balm
✔ lips feel soft
✔ a slight “lip gloss” sensation

A small formulator’s trick

If you add 2–3 % tucuma butter to a cream, you get:

• a silkier feel

• better spreadability

• less “sticky” feel from the emulsion