Bubulum Oil: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Bubulum Oil?

Bubulum Oil is a fatty oil taken from the feet of cattle. It is rich in natural triglycerides, mostly oleic and palmitic acids, which are prized for their softening touch on skin. Farmers long noticed that the grease from cattle parts kept leather supple, and tanners later refined the oil for smoother handling. When the beauty industry looked for affordable animal based emollients, Bubulum Oil found its way into creams and balms.

The process starts with cleaning and boiling cattle feet to release fat. The fat is then separated from water, filtered to remove solids and gently heated to clear any remaining moisture. The result is a pale yellow oil with a mild scent that blends well with other cosmetic ingredients.

Today you will see Bubulum Oil in rich face moisturizers, overnight masks, hand creams, body butters and some lip balms. It is also added to specialty treatments aimed at very dry spots like elbows and heels.

Bubulum Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Formulators choose Bubulum Oil for two key reasons that directly affect how a product feels and performs on the skin.

  • Emollient – It fills in tiny gaps between skin cells which smooths rough areas, boosts softness and gives creams a lush glide that feels comforting on dry or mature skin
  • Solvent – Its oily nature helps dissolve other oil soluble actives or fragrances so the final formula stays even and stable without gritty bits

Who Can Use Bubulum Oil

Bubulum Oil is best suited for normal, dry and mature skin that craves extra softness. Its heavy, occlusive feel can be too rich for very oily or acne-prone types because it may sit on the surface and feel greasy.

Since the oil is sourced from cattle feet it is not appropriate for vegans or vegetarians who avoid animal-derived ingredients for ethical or lifestyle reasons.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women can generally use products containing Bubulum Oil as there is no evidence of hormone disruption or systemic absorption. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new skincare just to be safe.

Bubulum Oil does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so no extra daytime precautions are needed beyond regular sunscreen use.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Bubulum Oil differ from person to person. The points below list potential but uncommon issues. In well-made products most users will not notice any problems.

  • Clogged pores or breakouts in individuals already prone to acne or very oily skin
  • Contact dermatitis such as redness, itching or mild swelling in those with an allergy to bovine proteins or trace impurities
  • Unwanted greasy feel that may make makeup slide or feel heavy on the skin
  • Sensitivity for strict ethical users who may feel discomfort using an animal-derived ingredient, which is more an ethical than physical reaction

If irritation or any adverse effect occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 3 / 5

Bubulum Oil is rich in long-chain fatty acids that tend to sit on skin and create an occlusive layer. While this is great for sealing in moisture it can also trap dead cells and mix with excess sebum which may block pores. The oil is not as heavy as pure mineral grease yet it is thicker than lighter plant oils so it earns a middle-of-the-road score of 3.

Because of this moderate risk it is generally not the best choice for people who are acne-prone or easily break out. Those with balanced or dry skin usually tolerate it well.

Formula style also matters. When Bubulum Oil is used at low levels in a lotion alongside lightweight esters the pore-clogging risk drops, but in rich balms where it is a main ingredient the likelihood goes up.

Summary

Bubulum Oil works as an emollient and a solvent. It slips between skin cells to smooth rough patches, soften texture and give creams a plush feel, while its oily nature dissolves fragrance oils and other fat-loving actives so formulas stay uniform.

The ingredient is a niche pick rather than a mainstream star. Many brands lean toward plant or synthetic options that appeal to a wider audience including vegans, yet Bubulum Oil still shows up in specialty balms aimed at very dry skin or in heritage products that value animal fats.

Safety-wise topical use is considered low risk for most adults with the main concerns being potential pore blockage, mild contact allergy in those sensitive to bovine proteins and ethical objections. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to perform a simple patch test before full use to make sure your skin agrees with it.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search