Cupuacu butter comes from a tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest in South America.
The tree is similar to the cocoa tree, and its seeds are sometimes used in the production of white chocolate.
Cupuacu butter for hair is derived by pressing the seeds of the tree.
The seeds contain up to 48% stable butter, which has a soft and creamy consistency similar to shea butter.
In addition to hair care, it is also used in lip balms, body butters, soaps, lotions, massage creams and facial products.
Like most kinds of butter, cupuacu butter is solid at room temperature.
However, it can be melted by rubbing between palms or immersing in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes.
Unrefined Cupuacu Butter
7 Benefits of Cupuacu Butter for Hair
1. Highly Moisturising
Cupuacu butter is a highly moisturising emollient butter, which absorbs water, making it an ideal butter for sealing in moisture in hair.
2. Stabilises DIY Blends
Cupuacu butter can be used in a DIY butter blend to help stabilise shelf life and consistency.
3. Nourishes Dry & Brittle Hair
Cupuacu butter moisturises and nourishes dry and brittle hair.
4. Promotes Elasticity
The butter contains various essential fatty acids, which helps promote hair elasticity and durability.
5. Suitable for Fine Hair
It’s a lighter butter than shea butter so if your hair feels weighed down by shea butter, cupuacu butter is a suitable alternative.
6. Protects Hair from Sun
Cupuacu butter forms a protective barrier against harsh UV rays. If you spend a lot of time in the sun daily, this is a great butter to include in your regimen.
7. Long Shelf Life
It has a shelf life of up to 2 years when stored properly making it an economical option for hair care.
Looking at all the properties outlined above, the best hair butter to use in dry environments is cupuacu butter.
Cebra Ethical Skin Care Cupuacu Butter
Cupuacu Butter vs Shea Butter
As mentioned above, cupuacu butter has a lighter consistency than shea butter.
When it comes to sealing in moisture, cupuacu butter is up to 4 times more effective than shea butter due to its hydrophilic properties.
Additionally, cupuacu butter is a more effective and natural replacement for lanolin in hair care products.
In the end, it boils down to personal preferences but if you have chronically dry hair, you may want to consider using cupuacu butter in the LOC method.
You can also combine cupuacu butter and shea butter in a ratio of 70/30%.
Where to Buy Cupuacu Butter?
Always opt for unrefined butter especially if you plan to use it in hair product formulations. The popular choices on Amazon include:-
- Cebra Ethical Skin Care Cupuacu Butter
- Paris Fragrances & Cosmetics Supplies Raw & Unrefined Cupuacu Butter
- Oslove Organics Cupuacu Butter
8 Hair Products Containing Cupuacu Butter
These products are excellent for helping maintain moisture in hair and reverse dry hair.
You can include these products in your regimen and finish with cupuacu butter as a final step.
Carol’s Daughter Cupuacu Anti-Frizz Smoothing Blow Dry Cream
Herbal Essences The Sleeker The Butter Smoothing Conditioner with Cupuacu Butter Essences
Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Conditioner
Roots of Nature Whip Coil Cream
Donna Marie Hair Whip Leave-In Conditioner
DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Intense Moisture Treatment
Nature Skin Shop Cupuacu Repairing Shampoo Bar
Matrix Biolage Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo & Conditioner
Image credits – www.flickr.com/photos/cupuacufruit
First I’m hearing of this butter. Must give it a try soon. Nice article.
Thanks
I tried this butter some time ago. I really liked the texture. Added argan oil and avocado oil to it.