Vegetable Butters – Overview

 

• Texture: Thicker than oils; usually solid at room temperature

• Behavior: Liquefy when heated beyond their melting point, allowing easy blending

• Benefits:

  • Excellent moisturizers

  • Restore skin elasticity

  • Ideal for balms, creams, lotions, and hair products

• Common Uses: Stretch-mark creams, body butters, lip products, soaps, and hair care

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Natural Butters vs. Hydrogenated Oils

Natural Butters

• Naturally solid due to their fatty acid composition

• Typically cold-pressed or minimally processed

• Retain natural nutrients and bioactive compounds

Hydrogenated Oils (So-called “Butters”)

• Liquid oils chemically altered to become solid

• Hydrogenation saturates unsaturated fatty acid bonds

• May be refined, deodorized, and bleached

• Examples:

  • Hemp seed butter

  • Avocado butter

  • Sweet almond butter

• Advantages: Improved consistency and slip in creams

• Disadvantages:

  • More processed

  • Less “natural” than cold-pressed oils

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Commonly Used Natural Butters

1. Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao)

• Source: Cocoa bean seeds

• Key Components: Fatty acids, polyphenols

• Benefits:

  • Improves skin elasticity

  • Helps reduce stretch marks

• Characteristics:

  • Solid, chocolaty aroma (unless deodorized)

• Caution:

  • Potentially comedogenic

  • Not ideal for facial or acne-prone skin

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2. Kokum Butter (Garcinia indica)

• Source: Indian garcinia tree

• Key Properties:

  • Regenerative and healing

  • Astringent

• Benefits:

  • Absorbs easily upon contact with skin

• Best Uses:

  • Balms, soaps, lip products, foot creams

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3. Mango Butter (Mangifera indica)

• Source: Mango fruit kernels

• Texture: Hard butter

• Key Components: Fatty acids, vitamins, minerals

• Benefits:

  • Prevents dryness and wrinkles

  • Soothes and moisturizes skin

• Best Uses:

  • Lipsticks, lip balms, nourishing creams

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4. Murumuru Butter (Astrocaryum murumuru)

• Source: Brazilian murumuru palm fruit

• Key Components:

  • Essential fatty acids

  • Vitamin A precursors

• Benefits:

  • Anti-aging

  • Deeply nourishing

• Best Uses:

  • Anti-aging creams

  • Lip and body balms

• Note: Very mild scent compared to cocoa butter

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5. Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)

• Source: Shea tree nuts (African “tree of life”)

• Key Components:

  • Vitamins A & E

  • Antioxidant phenolic compounds

• Benefits:

  • Highly moisturizing

  • Improves skin elasticity

  • Nourishes and softens skin

  • Helps improve acne scars

• Advantages:

  • Non-comedogenic

  • More suitable for acne-prone skin than cocoa butter

• Uses:

  • Creams, lotions, balms, and hair products

Skin Care Ingredients

 

1. Camelina Oil (Camelina sativa)

• Source: Seeds of “false flax” or wild flax.

• Skin Type: Aging, dry skin; also suitable for hair.

• Key Components:

  • Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (mainly ALA)

  • Vitamins and antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • Anti-aging and antioxidant-rich

  • Supports skin and hair health

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2. Camellia Seed Oil (Camellia oleifera)

• Source: Seeds of camellia plant (tea oil).

• Skin Type: Dry, mature, sensitive, or acne-prone skin; nails and hair.

• Key Components:

  • Oleic acid (up to 85%)

  • Antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • Quick absorption, light oil

  • Moisturizes and nourishes

  • Can be used in after-sun oil or as makeup remover

• Usage: 2–12% dilution

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3. Carrot Oil (Daucus carota)

• Source: Carrot plant.

• Skin Type: Aging skin.

• Key Components:

  • Vitamin E, carotenes (beta-carotene)

• Benefits:

  • Anti-aging, reduces appearance of wrinkles

• Usage: 2–5% dilution; avoid during pregnancy

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4. Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

• Source: Castor beans.

• Skin Type: Aging skin, skin blemishes, scars; eyelashes.

• Key Components:

  • Ricinoleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid)

• Benefits:

  • Humectant, anti-aging

  • Promotes fuller, longer eyelashes

  • Improves scars and skin discoloration

• Caution: Toxic if ingested; contraindicated in pregnancy

• Usage: Dilute with other carrier oils

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5. Cherry Seed Oil (Prunus cerasus)

• Source: Seeds of cherries.

• Skin Type: Oily skin; sun-exposed skin.

• Key Components:

  • Oleic acid, vitamins A & E

• Benefits:

  • Gentle moisturizer with antioxidant properties

  • Provides some astringency

  • May protect from sun damage

• Usage: Can be used alone or blended

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6. Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifer)

• Source: Coconut tree.

• Skin Type: Most skin types; skin and body care.

• Key Components:

  • Antioxidants, medium-chain fatty acids

• Benefits:

  • Antimicrobial, anti-aging

  • Quick absorption, non-comedogenic

• Usage: Can be applied directly or in formulations

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7. Cranberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

• Source: Seeds of cranberry.

• Skin Type: Aging skin; hair care.

• Key Components:

  • High vitamin E, omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids

  • Phytosterols and vitamin A

• Benefits:

  • Antioxidant-rich, UV protection

  • Supports collagen formation

  • Moisturizes skin and strengthens hair

• Usage: ~5% dilution

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8. Cucumber Seed Oil (Cucumis sativus)

• Source: Seeds of cucumber.

• Skin Type: Aging, dry, or irritated skin.

• Key Components:

  • Linoleic acid (~60%), phytosterols

  • Vitamin E

• Benefits:

  • Protects skin elasticity and lipid barrier

  • Moisturizes, reduces wrinkles

• Usage: 10–25% in formulations

Skin Care Ingredients

 

1. Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)

• Source: Cold-pressed from sunflower seeds.

• Skin Type: Sensitive, delicate, mature skin.

• Key Components:

  • High in oleic acid

  • Vitamins A & E

• Benefits:

  • Gentle, suitable for sensitive skin

  • Nourishes and moisturizes dry, weathered skin

  • Anti-aging properties for mature skin

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2. Tomato Seed Oil (Solanum lycopersicum)

• Source: Extracted from tomato seeds.

• Skin Type: Mature, sun-damaged, dehydrated skin.

• Key Components:

  • Antioxidants

  • Vitamins & minerals

  • Lycopene (a powerful antioxidant)

• Benefits:

  • Protects against oxidative stress

  • Hydrates and revitalizes mature skin

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3. Walnut Oil (Juglans regia)

• Source: Pressed from walnuts.

• Skin Type: Mature skin

• Key Components:

  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3:omega-6 = 1:5)

  • Vitamins (B complex), minerals (manganese, phosphorus)

  • Antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • Moisturizes and nourishes

  • Fights wrinkles

  • Soothes inflammation

• Recommended Usage: 10–15%

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4. Wheat Germ Oil (Triticum vulgare)

• Source: Extracted from the germ of wheat.

• Skin Type: Mature skin, cracked skin, scars, stretch marks

• Key Components:

  • Extremely high in vitamin E (≈255 mg/100 g)

  • Linoleic acid and mixed tocopherols

• Benefits:

  • Anti-aging and regenerative

  • Moisturizes damaged skin

• Recommended Usage: 5–10%

• Caution: Avoid if allergic to wheat or gluten

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5. Flower/Herb Oils

• Method: Made by macerating herbs or flowers in a carrier oil (e.g., arnica flowers in jojoba oil).

• Properties:

  • Transfers the scent and some properties of the plant to the oil

  • Filtered oil retains some original benefits of the herb or flower

Skin Care Ingredients

 

1. Red Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus idaeus)

• Source: Seeds of red raspberries.

• Skin Type: Sun-exposed, aging skin; suitable for sunscreen formulations.

• Key Components:

  • Vitamins E & A

  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic, alpha-linolenic, oleic acids

  • Antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • UV-filtering properties

  • Supports skin rejuvenation

  • Anti-aging, antioxidant-rich

• Usage: 5–10% in formulations; can be used undiluted

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2. Rice Bran Oil (Oryza sativa)

• Source: Bran of the rice kernel.

• Skin Type: Sensitive skin; nut allergy-friendly; sun-exposed skin.

• Key Components:

  • Vitamins E & antioxidants

  • Fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, palmitic

• Benefits:

  • Emollient and moisturizer

  • Absorbs UV light (sunscreen applications)

• Usage: 5–100%, depending on formulation

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3. Rosehip Oil (Rosa mosqueta / Rosa rubiginosa)

• Source: Seeds of wild rose bushes.

• Skin Type: Dry, mature, scarred, or sun-damaged skin.

• Key Components:

  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic, gamma-linolenic (~80%)

  • Vitamins A & C, lycopene

• Benefits:

  • Supports skin regeneration

  • Reduces wrinkles and scars

  • Protects against sun damage

• Usage: Typically 10%, can be up to 100%

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4. Safflower Oil (Carthamus tinctorius)

• Source: Seeds of safflower plant.

• Skin Type: Dry, aging skin.

• Key Components:

  • Fatty acids: oleic and linoleic acids

  • Vitamin E

• Benefits:

  • Moisturizes and prevents moisture loss

  • Protects from sun damage and premature aging

Skin Care Ingredients

1. Kukui Nut Oil (Aleurites moluccana)

• Source: Nuts of the candlenut tree, native to Hawaii.

• Skin Type: Chapped, irritated, dry skin.

• Key Components:

  • Linoleic acid

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

• Benefits:

  • Deep hydration

  • Soothes irritation and inflammation

  • Long-used traditional moisturizer

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2. Macadamia Oil (Macadamia integrifolia)

• Source: Nuts of the macadamia tree.

• Skin Type: Dry, mature skin; compatible with all skin types.

• Key Components:

  • Monounsaturated fatty acids, especially palmitoleic acid

• Benefits:

  • Quick absorption

  • Antioxidative protection

  • Supports scar healing and sunburn relief

  • Regenerative for dry or mature skin

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3. Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)

• Source: Seeds of the neem tree.

• Skin/Hair Use: Hair care, antibacterial/antifungal skin applications.

• Key Components:

  • Antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic compounds

• Benefits:

  • Strengthens hair, enhances shine

  • Insect-repellent

• Caution: Strong scent; may affect formulation fragrance

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4. Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

• Source: Cold-pressed from olive fruits.

• Skin Type: Dry or sensitive skin.

• Key Components:

  • Oleic acid

  • Vitamins E & A

• Benefits:

  • Moisturizes without clogging pores

  • Softens and soothes skin

  • Can be used as massage oil or in formulations (~10%)

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5. Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica)

• Source: Kernels of plum fruits.

• Skin Type: Sensitive, dry skin.

• Key Components:

  • Vitamins E & A

  • Oleic and linoleic acids

  • Antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • Gentle moisturizer

  • Antioxidant-rich

  • Similar properties to almond and apricot oils

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6. Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica granatum)

• Source: Seeds of the pomegranate fruit.

• Skin Type: Dry, mature, sun-damaged skin.

• Key Components:

  • Antioxidants

  • Fatty acids (oleic, linoleic)

• Benefits:

  • Anti-aging, fast absorption

  • Supports sun protection formulations

• Usage: ~10% in formulations

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7. Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo)

• Source: Seeds of the pumpkin.

• Skin Type: Mature, dry, or barrier-compromised skin.

• Key Components:

  • Vitamins A & C, zinc

  • Omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic, oleic)

  • Phytosterols and antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • Nourishes and rejuvenates skin

  • Supports skin barrier function

  • Anti-aging and protective

Skin Care Ingredients

 1. Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)

• Source: Seeds of evening primrose plant.

• Skin Type: Mature, irritated, rosacea or acne-prone skin; also for hair and nails.

• Key Components:

  • Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) up to 9%

  • Anti-inflammatory compounds

• Benefits:

  • Anti-aging and anti-inflammatory

  • Soothes irritated skin

  • Supports healthy hair and nails

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2. Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)

• Source: Seeds of the flax plant.

• Skin Type: Aging, inflamed skin.

• Key Components:

  • Omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) 52–63%

  • Phytoestrogens (lignans, may be reduced during processing)

• Benefits:

  • Strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity

  • Supports anti-aging formulations

• Caution: Highly prone to oxidation; stabilize with vitamin E and refrigerate

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3. Grape Seed Oil (Vitis vinifera)

• Source: Seeds of common grapevine.

• Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, or when non-greasy finish is desired.

• Key Components:

  • Antioxidants

  • Light, non-greasy fatty acids

• Benefits:

  • Absorbs quickly, leaves no residue

  • Suitable as a carrier oil for nut allergies

• Usage: 1–3% in serums and skincare products

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4. Hazelnut Oil (Corylus avellana)

• Source: Seeds of hazelnut.

• Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone skin.

• Key Components:

  • Mildly astringent compounds

• Benefits:

  • Reduces oiliness and may improve thread veins

  • Can be used in sunscreens for mild sun protection

• Usage: 10% dilution or up to 100% of the oil phase

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5. Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sativa)

• Source: Seeds of hemp plant.

• Skin Type: Dry, mature skin.

• Key Components:

  • ~80% polyunsaturated fatty acids

  • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

• Benefits:

  • Closely mimics natural skin lipids

  • Lightweight, dry oil, absorbs easily

  • Anti-inflammatory and nourishing

• Usage: 2.5–10% in formulations

• Caution: Sensitive to oxidation; store in dark, cool containers

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6. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

• Source: Seeds of jojoba plant; technically a liquid wax.

• Skin Type: All skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.

• Key Components:

  • High in tocopherols (vitamin E)

  • Low in polyunsaturated fatty acids

• Benefits:

  • Mimics natural sebum; regulates sebum production

  • Improves softness, hydration, and reduces fine lines

  • Excellent for hair and scalp care

• Usage: Can be used 100% alone or blended as needed

• Special Note: Very stable, highly resistant to rancidity

Skin Care Ingredients

1. Black Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus occidentalis)

• Source: Seeds of black raspberry fruit; cold-pressed.

• Skin Type: Mature, aging skin.

• Key Components:

  • ~85% essential fatty acids (including ~30% omega-3)

  • Four forms of vitamin E: alpha-, beta-, gamma-tocopherols & tocotrienols

  • Phytonutrients and antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • Lightweight, dry oil; quick absorption

  • Anti-aging, antioxidant-rich

  • Does not clog pores

• Usage: 1–5% in formulations

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2. Blackberry Seed Oil (Rubus fruticosus)

• Source: Seeds of blackberry fruit.

• Skin Type: Blemished, sun-damaged, aging skin.

• Key Components:

  • Vitamin C (brightening, rejuvenating)

  • Vitamin E, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol)

  • Carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin

  • ~90% unsaturated fatty acids, ~20% omega-3

• Benefits:

  • Reduces appearance of wrinkles

  • Brightens and rejuvenates skin

  • Oxidatively stable for serums and creams

• Usage: 1–5%

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3. Blackcurrant Seed Oil (Ribes nigrum)

• Source: Seeds of blackcurrant (cassis).

• Skin Type: Dry, scaly skin; thinning or weakened hair.

• Key Components:

  • Omega-6: up to 20%

  • Omega-3: up to 14%

• Benefits:

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Soothes dry or sensitive skin

  • Rejuvenates hair

• Usage: 1–5%

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4. Blueberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium corymbosum)

• Source: Seeds of blueberry fruit.

• Skin Type: Facial, anti-aging formulations.

• Key Components:

  • Extremely rich in antioxidants

• Benefits:

  • Protects from UV damage and free radicals

  • Helps prevent premature aging

• Usage: 1–5%

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5. Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis)

• Source: Seeds of borage plant.

• Skin Type: Mature or damaged skin.

• Key Components:

  • Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) up to 24%

  • Vitamins and minerals supporting skin regeneration

• Benefits:

  • Prevents sun damage

  • Anti-aging, supports skin repair

• Usage: Best blended with carrier oils at 5–10%