No Nonsense, Just Good Butter: Why Kokum’s in, and Palm’s Out

Let’s talk about fats. The kind that goes into soap.

Most commercial soap (even the so-called “natural” stuff) is packed with palm oil – it’s cheap, it lathers well, and it’s everywhere. But here at Usk Valley Herbs, we decided early on:
It’s not how we roll and we'd rather the Orangutans kept their home.

Instead, we use something far better for your skin – and the planet.

So, what’s wrong with palm oil?

There’s no shortage of reasons:

Deforestation: Palm plantations have devastated rainforests and wildlife habitats, especially for orangutans and other endangered species.

Fires & emissions: To clear land, forests are often burned – releasing huge amounts of carbon into the air.

Murky supply chains: Even "sustainable" palm oil is often greenwashed. Traceability is hard to guarantee.

We think soap should do good, not just feel good. So palm oil is firmly off the list.

Why we love and use Kokum Butter instead

Kokum butter comes from the seeds of the Garcinia indica tree, native to India. It’s a non-comedogenic, hard, stable butter — and it does wonders for the skin.

Here’s why we use it:

 Deeply moisturising — without the greasiness

It sinks in fast, leaving skin soft, not slick. Perfect for skin that works hard.

 Rich in antioxidants

Packed with vitamin E and fatty acids to help protect and repair dry, cracked or weather-beaten skin.

Doesn’t clog pores

So it’s great for face and body, even if you’re prone to breakouts.

 Sustainably sourced

We only use Kokum butter from ethical, traceable suppliers — it’s wild-harvested and doesn’t rely on mass deforestation or industrial monoculture.

What does it mean for your soap?

In our bars, Kokum butter helps create:

A firm, long-lasting bar

A rich, creamy lather

A gentle cleanse that doesn’t strip your skin

It’s a simple swap – but one that speaks volumes.

No palm oil. No shortcuts. Just good soap.

We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel — just make it better. That means choosing ingredients that respect both skin and soil.

So next time you’re scrubbing off the mud, the sweat or the day’s graft — you’ll know exactly what’s in your bar, and what isn’t.

So take a peack and Explore our soaps → SHOP SOAPS