KOKUM BUTTER - A SKIN REGENERATING EXTRACT NATIVE TO INDIA

Fabian Samuel

INTRODUCTION As chief operating officer with Indfrag Limited, Fabian

Samuel guide a botanical extracts firm that produces and exports bulk dietary ingredients to diverse commercial clients. Among the products Fabian Samuel's firm manufactures are refined castor oil and turmeric extracts. Indfrag also markets kokum butter, which is derived from the kokum tree (garcinia indica) and is native to northwest India's Ghats region.

Today, kokum tree has spread across tropical countries in Asia and Africa, and is preferred because of its low maintenance, drought-resistant qualities.

KOKUM BUTTER The tree's fruit is about the size of a small plum,

with its rind used as a curry spice in cooking. The butter is derived from the seed, which is high in oil and acts as a natural emollient.

Commonly used in India for centuries to restore the skin, Kokum butter is relatively hard, dry, and flaky. For this reason, it is typically mixed with other ingredients when incorporated in skin care products that soften the skin and regenerate dead skin cells.