Mafura Butter (Cold Pressed Mafura Oil) – Essentially Natural

Mafura Butter (Cold Pressed Mafura Oil) is a rich, gently scented botanical butter obtained from the seeds of Trichilia emetica , a Southern African tree also known as Natal Mahogany. Cold pressed and filtered without chemical solvents, this tan-coloured butter has a naturally soft, viscous texture that provides a wonderfully conditioning feel on skin and hair. It is particularly lovely in body butters, balms, creams and nourishing hair care formulations. It can also be applied directly to the skin for a richer moisturising feel.

♡ Why we love it: Mafura butter gives makers a distinctive Southern African botanical option for comforting body and hair care. Its rich, creamy texture makes it a beautiful alternative to more familiar plant butters when a nourishing finish is wanted.

Key Properties

• INCI Name: Trichilia Emetica Seed Butter
• Botanical Name: Trichilia emetica
• Plant Part: Seeds
• Also Known As: Mafura Oil
• Country Of Origin: Zimbabwe
• Form: Soft, viscous botanical butter that can become firmer or more fluid depending on temperature
• Appearance: Tan to light brown
• Aroma: Mild, characteristic botanical scent
• Extraction Method: Cold pressed and filtered without chemical solvents
• Solubility: Oil soluble, insoluble in water
• Suitable For: Cosmetic Use
• Storage: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from light and heat

What It's Used For

• Applying directly to skin as a rich, conditioning botanical butter
• Adding softness and richness to body butters, creams and balms
• Creating nourishing hair butters, conditioners and other hair care formulations
• Incorporating into handmade soaps and suitable rinse-off cosmetic products
• Exploring an alternative to shea butter in compatible cosmetic recipes

Who It's For

This Product Is For:

• DIY makers creating rich body and hair care formulations
• Those who enjoy the comforting, creamy feel of botanical butters
• Formulators exploring alternatives to shea butter
• Anyone looking to incorporate a traditional Southern African botanical fat into their skincare routine

This Product Is Not For:

• Formulations requiring a very light, fast-absorbing oil texture
• Products requiring an ingredient that dissolves directly in water
• Recipes requiring a firm, high-melting-point butter without formulation adjustments

How To Use

• As a Skin Butter: Massage a small amount onto clean skin as needed, particularly on areas that benefit from a richer moisturising feel.
• As a Hair Butter: Warm a little between your palms and smooth over hair lengths and ends to help soften, condition and add shine.
• As a Cosmetic Ingredient: Incorporate into the oil phase of creams and lotions, or use in body butters, balms, lip care and suitable soap formulations.
• Processing Tip: Gently warm the butter when needed to soften it and make blending easier. Its consistency can change with temperature, so allow finished formulations to cool fully before assessing their final texture.
• Formulation Tip: Mafura Butter does not mix directly with water. Water-containing creams and lotions require a suitable emulsifier, while products intended for storage also require appropriate preservation and stability testing.

Safety Instructions

• For external use only.
• Do not ingest.
• Avoid contact with eyes.
• Patch test before first use, particularly on sensitive skin.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

FAQs

Q: Is Mafura Butter the same as Mafura Oil?
A: The names are sometimes used interchangeably, but mafura fats can differ depending on how the seeds are processed and which portions are extracted. This product is a cold-pressed botanical fat supplied in a naturally soft, butter-like form.

Q: Does Mafura Butter always stay solid at room temperature?
A: Not necessarily. Its consistency can change with temperature, becoming softer or more fluid in warmer conditions and firmer when cool. These natural changes are generally characteristic of botanical fats and do not necessarily indicate a problem with the product.

Q: Can I use Mafura Butter instead of shea butter?
A: Mafura Butter can be a lovely alternative in many cosmetic formulations, particularly body butters, balms and hair care. However, its consistency and melting characteristics differ from shea butter, so it's best to begin with a small test batch and adjust the formulation to achieve the desired texture.

Q: Can I melt Mafura Butter before making a balm or body butter?
A: Yes. Gentle warming can make it easier to combine with other oil-based ingredients. Avoid unnecessary prolonged heating and allow the finished product to cool before checking its consistency.