Illipe Butter as a Versatile Solid Fat for Multiple Industries
Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, commonly known as illipe butter or Borneo tallow, is pressed from the seeds of a tropical tree native to Borneo and parts of Indonesia. This solid fat belongs to the Butters category, standing out among other plant butters for its notably high melting point and firm crystalline structure. Historically, illipe has been used as a substitute for cocoa butter in confectionery due to its similar fatty acid profile, and food manufacturers still rely on it as a cocoa butter equivalent in chocolate and coating production, particularly in warmer climates where heat stability is essential for finished goods.
In skincare formulation, illipe butter is valued for its dense texture and ability to form a protective barrier on the skin, which is why it appears in lip balms, hand and body creams, nourishing masks, and stick-form products. It holds shape well in solid formulations, so it frequently replaces part of the cocoa butter or shea butter content where a higher melting point and reduced tackiness are required. In color cosmetics, illipe serves as a structuring agent in lipsticks, foundation sticks, and concealers, helping pigments disperse evenly and keeping texture stable across temperature changes. In candle making and solid perfume compositions, the butter also functions as a thickening agent, giving the product the right firmness and a slower melt rate.
The 1 kg pack size is intended for small-batch and studio-scale production: suitable for cosmetic labs, formulation studios, and small workshops testing recipes before scaling up or running mid-sized production runs. Illipe pairs well with other plant butters and oils: it complements softer textures such as Passion Fruit Butter by adding firmness and structure to a blend, and works well alongside Cupuacu Butter to create compositions that stay pliable yet remain heat-resistant. For adding antioxidant value and a berry-toned character to formulations, illipe combines nicely with Blueberry Butter.
The butter should be introduced during the oil phase melting stage at around 60 to 70 degrees Celsius, allowing the crystals to fully liquefy before adding active or heat-sensitive ingredients. Typical dosage in cosmetic formulations ranges from 5 to 25 percent of total product weight, depending on the desired firmness of the finished item. Store the butter in a tightly sealed container, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight, to preserve its structure and stability over an extended period.
Firming Body Butter Bar with Illipe
Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter 50 g
Cocoa butter 30 g
Sweet almond oil 40 g
Beeswax 20 g
Vitamin E 3 ml
Essential oil blend 4 ml
Melt
the illipe butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax together in a double boiler at
approximately 65 degrees Celsius until fully liquid. Remove from heat, stir in
the sweet almond oil, and let the mixture cool slightly for a few minutes
before adding vitamin E and the essential oil blend. Mix thoroughly and pour
into silicone molds, letting the bars solidify at room temperature away from
drafts or sudden temperature changes.