Sodium kokum butterate is formed during the saponification of the kokum butter.
The fatty acids found naturally in the kokum butter are mixed with sodium hydroxide also known as lye. This chemical process forms sodium kokum butterate (soap) and glycerin.
Kokum butter is an oil that comes from the seeds of the kokum tree. The fruit and seeds from the kokum tree are used, among other things, in the cosmetic industry.