Pentadesma Butyracea Seed Butter

What Is Pentadesma Butyracea Seed Butter?

Pentadesma Butyracea Seed Butter (also known as Kpangnan butter, Lamy butter, or African tallow tree butter) is a natural plant butter extracted from the seeds of the West African butter tree. It has a composition similar to shea butter — rich in stearic and oleic acids — with a slightly firmer texture and higher melting point. It provides intense moisturization and forms a protective occlusive barrier on skin.

Key Skin Benefits

• + Intense moisturization — rich fatty acid profile deeply hydrates
• + Occlusive barrier — reduces TEWL, protects dry and damaged skin
• + Skin softening — high stearic acid content for long-lasting softness
• + Anti-inflammatory — traditional use for soothing skin conditions

Pros

• + Excellent for very dry, cracked, or compromised skin
• + Natural alternative to petrolatum and mineral oil
• + Higher melting point than shea — more stable in warm climates
• + Supports West African women's cooperatives (fair trade)

Cons

• − Rich/heavy — too heavy for oily or acne-prone facial skin
• − Solid at room temperature — requires melting for formulation
• − Limited global availability — niche ingredient
• − May solidify on skin in cold environments (grainy texture)

Specifications

Safety Ratings

Regional Regulatory Limits

Typical Usage % by Product Type

References

1. CosIng (2025) — Pentadesma Butyracea Seed Butter. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
2. PubMed — Tchobo et al. (2013) Pentadesma butter characterization. DOI: 10.1007/s11746-013-2268-4
3. EWG Skin Deep — Plant butters safety. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
4. SpecialChem — African plant butters. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/