Have you ever heard of butter extracted from a tree?

Chiuri butter is extracted from the seeds of a tree whose literal name translates to the “butter tree.” It is used mostly in skincare and haircare products. Although the chiuri tree is native to Nepal, limited research and commercialisation mean that its products, including the extracted butter, do not receive the recognition they deserve.

Beyond the butter, the tree as a whole is used for different purposes. The Chepang community holds the tree as sacred, both literally and figuratively. They have sustained their lives by selling chiuri seed butter, using other parts of the tree for healing, producing honey, and even giving chiuri saplings as dowry.

Chiuri butter is an optimal product for people looking for environmentally responsible and traditionally sourced alternatives. Yet this plant-based butter is still struggling to find a place in average Nepali households.

Dr Upashna Timothy is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Lavana Skin and Hair Clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal. She obtained her MD in dermatology from Kathmandu University and received aesthetic training in Mumbai. She shares her insights on the use of chiuri butter in skincare.

What is chiuri butter?

Chiuri butter is a natural fat extracted from the seeds of the chiuri tree (Diploknema butyracea), a tree native to the mid-hill and Himalayan regions of Nepal and parts of India.

Mostly, it is extracted using a traditional method that involves sun-drying the chiuri seed, grinding it to a flour-like consistency, steaming the seed flour and then expelling the oil out of it, which eventually gets filtered. Then, the butter is formed, which looks yellow or whitish in colour. Traditionally, it has been used by local communities for skincare, cooking, and medicinal purposes.

Because the tree grows in high-altitude, colder climates, the butter derived from its seeds is naturally rich and protective, making it particularly suitable for dry and cold weather conditions.

How is it any different from the famous shea butter?

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which is indigenous to West and Central Africa. While both chiuri butter and shea butter are plant-derived emollients, they differ slightly in their fatty acid composition.

Chiuri butter contains higher levels of oleic and palmitic acids, giving it a smoother texture and good skin-softening ability.

Shea butter is richer in stearic acid, which makes it slightly firmer and more occlusive. These compositional differences lead to mild variations in texture, absorption, and feel on the skin, though both are excellent natural moisturisers.

Is it good for moisturising skin during the winter season?

Chiuri butter has excellent emollient properties, meaning it helps to restore the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In winter, when low humidity and cold air strip moisture from the skin, Chiuri butter forms a protective lipid layer that keeps the skin soft, supple, and well-hydrated.

It is especially beneficial for people who have dry and flaky skin, rough areas such as elbows, knees and heels, and also skin that has been treated post-procedure or has compromised barriers. People looking for a suitable moisturiser in winter can opt for chiuri butter.

Does chiuri butter possess healing properties as well?

Chiuri butter is rich in essential fatty acids, which support skin repair and regeneration. It also contains Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage. Along with that, naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds can be found in it; these compounds can help calm irritated and inflamed skin.

These properties can actually heal cracked or chapped skin, soothe eczema-prone or sensitive skin and even reduce redness and irritation associated with skin dryness.

Are there any known allergens or safety concerns associated with its topical use?

Like all natural ingredients, chiuri butter can cause allergic reactions, although reported cases are rare. Refining processes that reduce residual proteins may further lower the risk of allergic reactions, similar to refined nut oils used in skincare. Its long history of traditional use suggests a well-tolerated safety profile.

However, for individuals with sensitive skin, atopic dermatitis, or known plant or nut allergies, a patch test (applying a small amount behind the ear or on the inner forearm for 24 to 48 hours) is strongly recommended before regular use. This applies to first-time users as well.

Overall, when sourced responsibly, chiuri butter is considered a safe and gentle emollient for everyday use.