Shorea Robusta Seed Butter is a natural fat obtained from the seeds of the Shorea robusta tree, commonly known as the Sal Tree, which belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family. This butter is used in cosmetics and personal care products for its moisturizing, emollient, and conditioning properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Key Components: Contains a range of fatty acids including stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, which contribute to its rich, emollient texture.
Fatty Acids: Stearic acid provides a creamy texture and helps to stabilize emulsions. Oleic acid offers deep moisturization, while linoleic acid contributes to the skin’s barrier function.

Physical Properties

Appearance: Solid at room temperature, typically white to pale yellow in color.
Odor: Mild, nutty or earthy scent, which may be faint and subtle.
Consistency: Smooth and creamy texture, which melts upon contact with the skin.

Production Process

Harvesting: Seeds of Shorea robusta are collected and cleaned.
Extraction: The seeds are processed using mechanical pressing or solvent extraction to obtain the butter.
Refinement: The raw butter is refined to remove impurities and improve its quality and stability.
Formulation: Incorporated into various cosmetic products to leverage its emollient properties.

Applications

Skin Care: Used in creams, lotions, balms, and butters for its excellent moisturizing and skin-conditioning effects. Helps in enhancing skin softness and smoothness.
Hair Care: Added to conditioners, hair masks, and treatments to provide nourishment and improve hair texture.
Cosmetic Products: Utilized in a wide range of products to enhance their emollient properties and provide a luxurious feel.

Cosmetic Benefits

Moisturizing: Deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, helping to maintain its elasticity and suppleness.
Emollient: Softens and smooths the skin, improving its overall texture and appearance.
Conditioning: Helps to condition and strengthen hair, making it softer and more manageable.

Safety

This ingredient is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. Individuals with known allergies to nuts or seeds should exercise caution. Compliance with cosmetic regulations ensures that the butter is used within safe limits in formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Sustainability: Harvesting of seeds should be managed responsibly to ensure the sustainability of the Shorea robusta tree and its ecosystem.
Regulation: The butter must adhere to cosmetic regulations to ensure its safety and efficacy in final products.

INCI Functions:


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Synonyms:

CAS: 225234-08-2