An Introduction to Shea Butter:
Shea butter is the fat extracted from the nut of Africa Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is used in cosmetic formulations and as a substitute for Cocoa butter in chocolate industries. Shea butter is composed of bioactive substances that are responsible for Shea butter’s medicinal properties. Shea butter is a solid at room temperature and melts at body temperature. It is therefore useful for skin care as it has sun screening properties and acts as an emollient and skin moisturizer. Topical use of Shea butter has also demonstrated anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
Shea Butter has been extracted from the nut of the Shea tree in West Africa and used as cosmetic and therapeutic skin care lotion for thousands of years. It’s origins go as far back as Cleopatra’s Egypt. Global trade of shea butter dates not only back to Cleopatra's Egypt, but was a very popular item of trade in the Middle Ages throughout West Africa and into the coastal regions.
The rich history of shea butter spans centuries, from Cleopatra’s reign in Egypt—where she kept the oil stored in large clay jars—to now, where it is the featured (or sole) ingredient in beauty products on seemingly every shelf, from high-end boutiques to neighborhood convenience stores.
Why It’s Unique
- • Bioactive Fraction (Healing)
- • The “active ingredient” in Shea Butter
- • Most oils from fruits, vegetables and nuts have 1% or less
- • Loaded with Vitamin A, E and F
Why Grade A?
- • Bioactive Fraction (Healing)
- • Use of a significant number of nuts obtained from immature fruits
- • Microbial contamination
- • Inappropriate temperatures during extraction process
- • Extensive post-extraction manipulations to reduce color and/or odor
- • Improper storage temperature
- • Too much time between nut crushing and the heating process
- • Water with high metallic content (iron)
Benefits
- • Melts at body temperature
- • No greasy feeling
- • Vitamin A & E – Reduces lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, sun damaged skin; keeps skin healthy
- • Vitamin F – Skin protector & rejuvenator
- • Does not clog pores
Uses
- • 21+ Uses
- • Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
- • Minor burns
- • Eczema
- • Sun and wind protection
- • Even skin tone
- • Reduce blemishes and scarring
More Uses
- • Skin peeling, after tanning
- • Blemishes and wrinkles
- • Itching skin due to dryness
- • Sunburn
- • Shaving cream to reduce razor irritation
- • Small skin wounds
- • Skin cracks
- • Soften tough skin on feet (especially heels)
Little Known Industrial Uses
- • Candle & Soap Making
- • Industrial Lubricant
- • Fertilizer
- • Livestock Feed Formulations