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Glow goals: Mafura butter, the luxe African butter your skin will love
One of the most versatile and yet least popular butter, Mafura butter is truly a hidden gem found in most southern African countries including Zimbabwe. Derived from the nuts of the Marufa tree (aka Cape Mahogany, or Natal Mahogany) this wonder butter has been used for centuries by African communities to nourish skin and hair. This luxurious butter is packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and healing properties that cater to dry, sensitive, and damaged skin and hair.
Mafura Butter is no ordinary moisturizer—it is a powerhouse of hydration, protection, and restoration. It is a semi solid butter that has a very low melting point of 30 Degrees Celsius or 86 Degrees Fahrenheit, meaning in the colder months it will be a soft solid butter and during warmer days it will liquify. This butter is rich in linoleic, palmitic, stearic and oleic fatty acids making it an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory butter. Mafura Butter moisturizes even the driest of skin types. The oleic fatty acid in the butter makes it a good ingredient to prevent and treat acne. Mafura butter has been used in Africa as part of haircare regimen as the fatty acids soften the hair and improves its elasticity. This prevents hair from breaking. Unlike synthetic ingredients, it works in harmony with your skin and hair, providing deep nourishment without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue.
Skin benefits of Mafura Butter
- Deep Moisturization & Repair – Because it is a light butter, it can penetrate deeply into the skin delivering the oleic and linoleic acids to the part of the skin that is responsible for moisture retention and elasticity.
- Soothes & Heals – Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for calming eczema, psoriasis, and dry, irritated skin.
- Anti-Aging Powerhouse – With its high antioxidant content, it helps combat free radical damage, reducing fine lines and promoting youthful skin.
- Fights Acne & Blemishes – The natural antimicrobial and non-comedogenic properties make it a great option for keeping acne-causing bacteria at bay ensuring that your skins pores are not clogged.
Hair Benefits of Mafura Butter
- Strengthens & Revitalizes – It deeply nourishes hair follicles, promoting stronger, healthier growth.
- Locks in Moisture – Perfect for curly and coily textures, it prevents dryness and enhances hair elasticity.
- Protects Against Damage – Acts as a natural barrier against heat, pollution, and environmental stressors.
- Soothes the Scalp – Its anti-inflammatory benefits help relieve dandruff and scalp irritation.
Adding Mafura butter to your skin and haircare routines
As we learn from our history and bring heritage and technology together, Kuchiva Naturals has developed several skin and hair care products with Mafura butter. As the base butter for all our new products look out for our Rare Essence body butter, Pomegranate body cream and Buttermilk body cream. Cheers to soft, radiant skin!