UNREFINED MAFURA BUTTER

Mafura butter is luxuriously creamy with a gorgeous caramel hue and subtle nutty undertones that make it a pleasure to use.

Sourced from the mafura tree (locally known as miti-mai), a large evergreen native to Tanzania, this remarkable butter comes from wild-harvested seeds. The tree, which belongs to the meliaceae family and can grow up to 30 metres high, has been valued for generations for its nourishing properties.

Why Mafura Butter?

  • Highly nourishing for skin and scalp
  • Contains 1% myristic acid to soothe and calm
  • Easily absorbed without greasiness
  • Wonderful for face, body and lip care
  • Melts at 20°C for effortless application

Blends beautifully with unrefined cocoa butter for enhanced richness.

How to use

For hair: Warm a small amount between your palms and work through damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave for 20-30 minutes before washing, or use as an overnight treatment.

For skin: Apply directly to dry areas - elbows, knees, heels - or blend into your favourite body butter recipe.

For formulations: Perfect for lip balms, handcrafted soaps, rich creams, and luxurious body butters. Its creamy texture melts at body temperature.

Ingredient information

INCI: Trichilia Emetica (Mafura) Seed Butter

Fatty Acid Profile

  • Oleic acid (Omega-9): 40-50%
  • Linoleic acid (Omega-6): 30-40%
  • Palmitic acid: 10-15%
  • Stearic acid: 5-10%
  • Other fatty acids: trace amounts

Key Properties

  • Melting point: 20°C (melts easily for effortless application)
  • Texture: Creamy, soft butter that absorbs readily
  • Colour: Natural golden to pale yellow (unrefined)
  • Shelf life: 12-24 months when stored properly
  • Comedogenic rating: 2-3 (low to moderate, generally non-pore-clogging)
  • Saponification value: 180-200 (for soap making)
  • Naturally contains: Vitamins A, E, and F; antioxidants; phytosterols

Traditional Uses

  • Moisturising dry skin and hair
  • Soothing inflammation and minor skin irritations
  • Supporting skin elasticity and repair
  • Traditional antimicrobial applications in African medicine

Origin and sourcing

Our unrefined mafura butter is sustainably sourced from small-scale producers in Tanzania who harvest the seeds of the cape mahogany tree. We partner with trusted suppliers who work directly with these communities to ensure fair pay and support traditional harvesting methods that protect the trees and the land. Each batch is cold-pressed to retain its natural golden colour and nutrient profile - nothing added, nothing taken away.

Your purchase directly supports the women in Tanzania who collect and process these wild seeds, generating vital income for their communities whilst preserving traditional knowledge.

Common questions

Does mafura butter have a scent?
Yes, unrefined mafura has a mild, earthy, nutty aroma that fades once applied.

Will it clog pores?
Mafura butter is considered non-comedogenic and absorbs well, making it suitable for most skin types.

How should I store it?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will soften in warm temperatures and firm up when cool.