Unrefined Shea Butte

Unrefined Shea Butter at a glance

Unrefined Shea Butter is supplied in solid form and dissolves in oils and the fat phase. Shea butter is pressed from the nuts of the shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, which grows across the savanna belt of West and Central Africa. Unrefined butter is not bleached or deodorized, so it keeps its natural nutty scent and an ivory to yellowish color. It is rich in stearic and oleic acids and in unsaponifiable compounds, which give it its comforting feel. Confirm quality on the supplier CoA.

Why shea butter is a favorite

Shea butter melts at body temperature, spreads into a rich, protective layer and leaves skin feeling soft and supple. It is a key ingredient in products for dry skin, hands, lips and hair. Its African origin and traditional use by women's cooperatives also give it a strong, positive story.

Product formats

Body butters

Whipped and solid body butters for very dry skin.

Balms and lip care

Lip balms and multi-purpose balms for dry patches.

Rich creams

Hand creams and night creams with a cushioned texture.

Hair masks

Masks for dry, curly or textured hair.

Processing

Melt the butter gently at a low temperature, around 70 °C or less, with the other oils and butters. Stir until clear. Shea butter can become grainy if it melts and cools slowly; to prevent this, cool the melted blend quickly while stirring, for example in an ice bath, once it reaches the target temperature.

Good partners

Unrefined coconut oil and Avocado oil unrefined make classic body butters. Phytosterol Complex adds barrier lipids. Browse more in the actives catalog.

Testing

Check for graininess after storage at different temperatures. Smell the product over time, since unrefined butters can develop a rancid note; add tocopherol to help prevent it.

Claims

Skin feels soft, nourished and comfortable; with unrefined shea butter.

Characteristics

Form: solid. Solubility: oils, fatty phase. Source: nuts of the shea tree. Type: unrefined. Grade and quality: supplier CoA.

Original recipe: shea lip and cuticle balm, 100 g

Unrefined shea butter 40.00 g, sunflower oil 30.00 g, beeswax 18.00 g, castor oil 10.00 g, tocopherol 1.00 g, flavor oil 1.00 g. Melt the shea butter and beeswax with the oils, stir until clear, cool quickly to avoid graininess, add tocopherol and flavor, and pour into tins.

Fair trade and sourcing

Shea butter is often produced by women's cooperatives, and fair trade sourcing supports their income. Ask the supplier about origin and certifications, and share the story on the label if confirmed.

Refined versus unrefined

Refined shea is white and odorless, which suits fragrance-sensitive products. Unrefined shea keeps its scent and color and is preferred in natural ranges. Some brands blend both to balance scent and natural appeal.

Range ideas

A body butter, a lip balm and a hair mask can share unrefined shea butter and a natural, nourishing theme.

Lot records

Keep each CoA with the batch file and note the lot used.

Shea for hair

Curly and textured hair often feels dry, because natural oils travel less easily along the curls. Shea butter in masks, leave-in creams and styling butters helps these hair types feel softer and look more defined. Use a light hand in leave-in products so curls do not look heavy.

Whipped textures

A whipped body butter feels lighter than a solid butter. Cool the melted blend until it is soft but not set, then whip it with a mixer until it doubles in volume and turns fluffy.

Record the lot number in your batch log so every production run can be traced back to its certificate of analysis. Retain a small sample of each lot for at least the shelf life of the finished product, since it makes later quality questions much easier to answer.

Storage

Store closed in a cool place away from light. Close the container after use.