When it comes to health and beauty, taking our cue from nature is usually the best way. In the case of deeply moisturising our bodies, this principle certainly applies. Mangoes, cacao beans and shea nuts - the bounty of nature that provides body butter infused with vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids in a form that easily penetrates the skin. Here, we will discuss the difference between these delectable butters and what skin conditions they can help.
But first what are body butters?
These butters, extracted from the beans of cacao (cocoa), shea or from mangoes are a rich, thick fat. In the case of cocoa butter, it is actually an edible fat that can also be used on the skin. Mango butter is extracted from the mango kernel and is similar in consistency to Shea and Cocoa butter but is slightly higher in essential fatty acids. Due to the thick consistency of these butters, you might need to put in a bit more ‘elbow grease' to rub them in to your skin, but it's not too difficult. Generally, the butters melt in to the skin nicely with a bit of vigorous rubbing.
Cocoa butter
Perhaps the best known of the body butters, good ‘ole cocoa butter consistently delivers the goods. Cocoa butter has a soft, natural chocolate scent and is an excellent skin softener whilst also providing a protective barrier. Due to its emollient properties it is very effective for lessening stretch marks. This really is the go-to butter for pregnant women all over the world. Cocoa butter is high in vitamin E, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids. Use alone as a body butter or add to your make-at-home beauty products such as salves, lotions or hair care. Cocoa butter is a superhero for these skin conditions:
- Eczema
- Dry skin
- Stretch marks
- Insect bites
- Frost bite
- Blemishes
- Wrinkles
- Sunburn
- Small wounds
- Allergies
Biome sells our own brand cocoa butter that is certified organic, unrefined and comes in a reusable glass jar.
Shea butter
This amazing substance comes from the fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree. It has a faint nutty scent and is so chock full of the good stuff, you'll want to slather it on daily. This gorgeous body butter is high in Vitamin A, D and F, boosts collagen and also contains good fatty acids. As such it packs a skin saving punch. It also has a natural SPF factor of 6, however we do not recommend using it as sun protection on its own. Shea butter helps fight:
- Dry feet
- Dry skin on scalp
- Eczema
- Insect bites
- Frost bite
- Blemishes
- Wrinkles
- Sunburn
- Small wounds
- Allergies
Biome sells this superbly tuberose scented
Leilani Whipped Shea butter by Ohana Organics which is also blended with lavender and rose. It is nourishing, easy to apply and melt in to the skin but most importantly the gorgeous tuberose scent lasts a long time on the skin.
You can also find our own organic shea butter here > 
Mango butter
For an extra soothing hit of beneficial fatty acids, you can't go past mango butter. This body butter contains oleic and stearic acid as well as Omega-9 which are all skin saviours in their own right, complementing the acid mantle of the skin. Mango butter is also a wonderful free-radical fighter due it its levels of vitamins A, C and E. Biome offers our own organic Mango Butter in a handy, reusable glass jar.
Mango butter is particularly good for:
- Sunburn
- After sun care in general
- Blemishes
- Wrinkles
- Itching
- Eczema
- Allergies
- Small wounds
- bites
A reasonable solution to soothe and nourish skin is to reach for the butter. Whether Mango, Shea or Cocoa, the lovely light scent and creamy feel will make the most parched skin happy whilst being a delight to the senses.
