Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Butter fat, commonly known as clarified butter or ghee in some cultures, has a long history of traditional use in skin care, particularly in Ayurvedic and folk remedies. Historically, it has been applied topically to moisturize dry skin, soothe minor burns, and promote overall skin softness. The rationale for its use is based largely on its emollient properties, as butter fat contains triglycerides and fatty acids that can help form a protective barrier on the skin and reduce moisture loss.

However, scientific validation for these traditional uses is limited. While individual components of butter fat, such as short- and medium-chain fatty acids, have demonstrated moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory settings, there are no large-scale clinical trials directly supporting butter fat’s efficacy in general skin care or for specific dermatological conditions. Most modern skin care products use highly refined and hypoallergenic oils or butters (such as shea or cocoa butter), which have more robust evidence or fewer sensitizers compared to animal-derived fats.

In summary, while butter fat is widely used in traditional skin care practices and may provide a basic moisturizing effect, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its use over more commonly studied plant-based oils and butters. Its use is therefore primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

More about Butter fat
More about Skin Care (general)

Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)

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anthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
Almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
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Watermelon
Zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
alpha-terpineol
azelaic acid
arbutin
avocado
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anthocyanidins
Algal protein
argan nut oil
Abalone
behenic acid
Biopeptide
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beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
bisabolene
butternut
borage
bottle gourd
bird\'s nest
California chia
chervil
Carnosine
candelilla wax
cocoa butter
cereal grass
citral
castile soap
copaiba oil
currant
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dulse
egg
emu oil
flavans
geraniol
Glycolic acid
glyceryl oleate
Gac
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Glycosylceramides
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
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Houttuynia
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loquat
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linseed oil
limonene
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silica
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Tyrosinase
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Other health conditions supported by Butter fat

Appetite (deficient)
Burns and Scalds
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Skin Care (general)
Wounds and Sores

Products containing Butter fat

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.