Butyrum: 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
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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 Butyrum?

Butyrum is a butter-derived ingredient rich in natural fats. It contains a blend of triglycerides and short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acid that give it a soft buttery feel once applied to skin. People have been using butter on skin for centuries to soothe dryness, and modern formulators have refined the concept by extracting and purifying the most skin-friendly parts to create Butyrum.

The production process begins with dairy butter. The butter is gently melted, then washed and filtered to remove water, milk proteins and impurities. The remaining lipid fraction is further deodorized so it has little to no scent, then stabilized to keep it from going rancid. The result is a smooth semi-solid fat that blends easily into water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions.

You will most often find Butyrum in products that aim to replenish moisture such as face moisturizers, night creams, body butters, lip balms, hand creams, nourishing hair masks and after-sun treatments. Its rich texture makes it especially useful in formulas designed for dry or mature skin that needs an extra layer of softness.

Butyrum’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Formulators choose Butyrum mainly for one standout role.

Emollient: As an emollient Butyrum fills in tiny gaps between skin cells, leaving the surface smoother and more supple. It helps lock in water that is already present in skin which supports a lasting feeling of comfort. The ingredient also lends a creamy slip to lotions so they spread easily without feeling greasy, making the overall application experience more pleasant.

Who Can Use Butyrum

Thanks to its rich fatty acid profile Butyrum suits most dry, normal and mature skin types that crave extra softness. Combination skin usually tolerates it well when applied sparingly to drier areas, while very oily or congestion-prone complexions may find the texture too heavy and prefer lighter emollients. Because Butyrum is extracted from dairy butter it is not suitable for vegans; vegetarians who consume dairy can use it if they are comfortable with animal-derived ingredients.

No specific warnings are in place for pregnant or breastfeeding women as the ingredient is used topically and has no known hormone-related activity. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a doctor before adding it to a routine.

Butyrum does not increase photosensitivity so sun exposure precautions remain the same as with any moisturizer. As the material is deodorized lactose and milk proteins are largely removed but individuals with severe dairy allergies may wish to stay cautious and check with a healthcare professional.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Butyrum vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and stored.

  • Clogged pores or breakouts in very oily or acne-prone skin
  • Mild redness or itching in individuals sensitive to residual milk components
  • Contact dermatitis if a user is allergic to dairy fats
  • Rancid odor or slight irritation if the product has expired or been stored poorly

If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 3/5  Butyrum is a rich saturated fat much like cocoa butter and coconut oil, both of which sit in the mid-range of the comedogenic scale. Its thick texture can slow the flow of sebum out of pores, making blockages more likely on oily areas. When used in low amounts within balanced formulas the risk drops, but straight or high-percentage applications may still feel heavy on breakout-prone skin.

Because of this mid-level score Butyrum is generally not the first pick for people who struggle with frequent acne although some may tolerate it on drier patches. Product format, total oil load and how thoroughly the face is cleansed at night all influence the final outcome.

Storage also matters: oxidized or stale fats become more pore-clogging, so always keep jars closed tightly and away from heat.

Summary

Butyrum acts mainly as an emollient, filling microscopic gaps in the skin surface and sealing in water so skin stays soft and comfortable. Its blend of triglycerides and short-chain fatty acids melts at body temperature, giving creams a buttery glide without the slick feel of straight oils. While not as trendy as shea or mango butter it still has a loyal following in artisanal balms and winter moisturizers thanks to its familiar dairy background and lush skin feel.

The ingredient is considered safe for most users when fresh and properly stored with only a small risk of irritation in those allergic to dairy fats. As with any new cosmetic, do a quick patch test before adding a Butyrum product to your routine just to be safe.

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