FAQ

Kokum butter is a plant-based butter sourced from the fruit of the Garcinia Indica tree, native to India. It is known for its ability to support the skin barrier while maintaining a dry-touch finish. Unlike many other butters, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy, does not transfer easily once applied, and is non-comedogenic. It is the primary ingredient in both Base Layer and Calm Balm.

Most lotions are mostly water; they feel good going on but evaporate quickly. Traditional balms and petroleum-based products help retain moisture but tend to feel heavy, greasy, and sit on top of the skin rather than supporting it. Products built around kokum butter hold moisture in while remaining breathable and comfortable to wear. No grease, no residue, no film.

No. It spreads easily, absorbs well, and leaves a dry-touch finish, which is just fancy skin words that mean you'll be able to feel that something is on the skin, but it won't leave residue on your hands or transfer onto clothes (or kids, or dogs, or phones...).

Calm Balm was specifically designed for sensitive or reactive skin. Base Layer is also gentle, but if your skin is highly reactive, Calm Balm is the better starting point simply because it has less total ingredients plus contains bisabolol, the active ingredient in chamomile, meant to calm skin. As with any new product, test a small amount first if you have concerns.

Yes. Kokum butter is widely considered one of the most non-comedogenic natural butters available, making it well-suited for use on the face and under eyes.

Non-comedogenic is just fancy skin words for the rating of how likely an ingredient or product is to clog your pores. This is important always but particularly so for products you might consider using on your face. We're happy to report that both Calm Balm and Base Layer will not clog pores, as they are both non-comedogenic (look at that, you learned a new thing!).

There is no added fragrance in Calm Balm or Base Layer. Some people smell something, typically very light nutty or earthy, and any scent comes naturally from the ingredients.

Yes. Both products use a small number of plant-based ingredients selected for function. There is no petroleum or water in the formulas. Full ingredient lists, including why each one is included in the product, are available on each product page.

Kokum butter is derived from the seed of the Garcinia indica tree, not a tree nut. Mango butter is derived from the kernel inside the pit of the mango fruit, which is also a seed, not a tree nut. Official allergen declarations list both as nut-free. However, if you have a severe or anaphylactic nut allergy, we recommend consulting your doctor before use and patch testing carefully. When in doubt, check the full ingredient list on the product page and ask your allergist.

Petroleum-based ingredients like petrolatum (a main ingredient in Vaseline, Aquaphor and other similar products) work by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin. They can be effective, but they also feel heavy, can trap things under the skin, and are derived from crude oil refining.

It's also worth noting that while the US does require petrolatum to be fully refined, there's no mandatory testing requirement to verify purity. This is in contrast with the EU, where testing is required. So in practice, the US ingredient doesn't have the transparency to confirm purity.

The Leopard Goods formulas use kokum butter instead: plant-based, breathable, and effective without the grease or the residue.