Murumuru Butter: A Precious Ally from the Heart of the Amazon
The murumuru palm (Astrocaryum murumuru) is a resilient, spiny tree native to the Brazilian Amazon, stretching across borders into Peru and Bolivia. Thriving in periodically flooded lowlands and riverbanks, especially throughout the Amazon River estuary and islands like Marajó, this palm is a true child of the rainforest. Its trunk, leaves, and fruit stalks are armed with tough black spines, making harvesting a careful, patient process. The ripe fruit falls naturally to the forest floor—only then can it be gathered safely.
Once on the ground, forest rodents feast on the yellow fruit pulp, leaving behind clean seeds. These seeds, once dried, are cracked open to reveal the rich kernel inside. It is from these kernels that the precious Murumuru Butter is extracted through traditional methods, supporting local Amazonian communities.
Why I Love Murumuru Butter
Murumuru Butter has a creamy, light texture and, when fresh and properly processed, carries a wonderfully nutty, natural scent. I vividly remember the first time I used butter from my trusted supplier in Brazil—it was nothing like the neutral, scentless butter I had previously received from mainstream distributors. The fragrance, freshness, and quality were unmatched. That’s why I only buy my Murumuru Butter directly from this source, ensuring it is seasonal, fragrant, and sustainably extracted.
The Skin Benefits of Murumuru Butter
Murumuru Butter is naturally rich in fatty acids, particularly Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid, which contribute to its incredible skin benefits:
Lauric Acid:
- Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Soothes and supports the skin’s microbiome
- Helps maintain hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Creates a protective, breathable layer on the skin
Myristic Acid:
- Strengthens the skin barrier, keeping it resilient and intact
- Helps protect the skin from pollutants and irritants
- Enhances the skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients
- Softens and smooths dry, flaky skin
- Acts as a natural emollient, leaving skin nourished and radiant
How I Use It
I incorporate Murumuru Butter in several of my Jungle Glow products:
Murumuru Butter Soap – Paired with detoxifying green clay and essential oils of Rosemary, Tea Tree, and Eucalyptus, this soap is formulated for normal to oily skin and acne-prone complexions. Murumuru's anti-inflammatory properties work synergistically with the essential oils and green clay to calm breakouts, reduce inflammation, and gently cleanse without drying.
Body Butters – In my rich, nourishing body butters, Murumuru Butter shines for its ability to soothe and protect the skin. It helps lock in moisture and reinforce the skin barrier, making it especially suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
From its journey through flooded Amazonian forests to your skincare routine, Murumuru Butter is more than just a natural ingredient—it’s a story of tradition, resilience, and care for both people and planet.