Posted by Jaimie Kikendall
on September 16, 2025
At Bare Tallow Co., we’re all about ingredients that work with your body, not against it. One of our favorite hidden gems? Cupuaçu Butter (pronounced koo-poo-AH-soo). It’s not as widely known as shea or cocoa butter, but once you learn about it, you’ll understand why we love it so much.
What Is Cupuaçu Butter?
Cupuaçu butter comes from the seeds of the Cupuaçu tree (Theobroma grandiflorum), a tropical rainforest tree found in Northern Brazil and closely related to cacao. While the pulp of its fruit is popular in Brazil for sweets and juices, the seeds—about 20% of the fruit—are pressed to create this luscious, nutrient-dense butter.
Why We Love Cupuaçu Butter
Cupuaçu butter is both an ultra-humectant (draws water into the skin) and an ultra-emollient (locks moisture in). This rare dual action makes it one of the most powerful natural moisturizers for restoring skin health.
Absorbs 200–450% of its weight in water: delivers lasting hydration that keeps skin plump and comfortable. Locking in deep, lasting hydration while leaving skin soft and silky, never oily.
Restores Skin Barrier: phytosterols, fatty acids, and antioxidants repair damage and strengthen the skin barrier, making it a game chager for eczema, psoriasis and overly dry skin.
Revitalizes, restores & firms skin: Its unique blend of oleic and stearic fatty acids improves skin elasticity, helping reduce the appearance of sagging and fine lines.
Soothes & Heals: Anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerative properties calm irritation, redness, and sunburn, while supporting faster healing.
Antioxidant Shield: Loaded with polyphenols and vitamins that fight free radicals, slowing premature aging caused by environmental stressors.
Quick absorption: melts in beautifully without leaving a greasy residue.
Little goes a long way: even a small amount of unrefined, raw butter provides complete moisturization.
Hair Benefits
Cupuaçu isn’t just for skin, it works wonders on hair, too:
Deep Moisture & Shine: Penetrates the cuticle with hydration while sealing in shine — reviving brittle, dry strands.
Frizz & Breakage Control: Strengthens from root to tip, reducing split ends and keeping frizz at bay.
Scalp Health: Feeds the scalp with essential fatty acids to ease dryness and flakiness for a healthier foundation.
At Bare, you’ll find Cupuaçu butter in Revive, Remedy, Lip Butter, Barest, and Everything Bagel — where it partners with our star ingredient, grass fed & finished tallow, to create formulas that are both restorative and indulgent.
Why It Stands Out
More hydrating than shea butter — often called “supercharged shea” thanks to its unmatched water-binding power.
Ethically sourced from the Amazon rainforest, supporting local communities who’ve used it for centuries as food and medicine.
Gentle enough for sensitive skin — safe for lips, under-eyes, and even baby skin.
Bottom Line
Cupuaçu butter (koo-poo-AH-soo) may be a little-known ingredient, but it’s a game-changer. By drawing in water, locking it in, and delivering nutrients, it gives your skin and hair the deep, lasting care they deserve.