Illipe Nut Butter - Unrefined

Botanical Name: Shorea stenoptera

Common Name: Light Red Meranti, Tangkawang, Borneo Tallow

INCI Name: Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter

CAS Number: 91770-65-9

Country of Origin: Borneo/Netherlands

Plant Part: Nuts

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Processing Type: Unrefined

Aroma Profile: Subtle, mild aroma.

Appearance: Its colour ranges from off-white to pale yellow. 

Consistency: A smooth, creamy, non-greasy texture. It remains solid at room temperature.

Absorption Rate: Fast

Description: Illipe butter is derived from the nuts of Shorea stenoptera, a species endemic to Borneo, specifically within the Malaysian and Indonesian regions of the island. The nuts are collected from the forest floor and dried under natural sunlight until their shells become brittle enough to facilitate separation. The nuts, which contain approximately 50 percent fat, are then pressed to extract this nourishing emollient. The resulting pale yellow butter exhibits a texture and chemical composition similar to cocoa butter, with a slightly higher melting point, making it one of hardest known cosmetic butters. Despite its firmness, it melts upon contact with the skin. Due to its density, Illipe butter is well-suited for end products that require a high melting point, such as lip balms and cold process soap formulations, as it contributes to producing products with a firmer consistency and enhanced longevity.

Historically, indigenous communities in Borneo have been producing butter from Illipe nuts for centuries, primarily for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Illipe Nut Butter is a natural ingredient that enhances the effectiveness and sensory qualities of various skincare and cosmetic formulations. It has a soft, creamy consistency and is primarily composed of fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids, as well as triglycerides. Additionally, it can form a protective barrier that supports moisture retention and skin repair. This versatile and valued emollient is widely used in formulations such as creams, lotions, body butters, and balms.

Suggested use levels: Typically ranges from 3% to 100%, with 3-4% commonly used when incorporating it into formulas. Higher concentrations are also possible, particularly for applications such as pure balms or products that require a higher melting point, such as lip balms.

Recommended Storage: This butter should be kept in a cool (below 25 °C), dry environment away from direct sunlight and moisture, stored in an air-tight container. The product will become liquid above room temperature (e.g., 36 °C), but will re-solidify upon cooling without compromising its functionality. When stored appropriately, this butter has a shelf life of up to one year.