What is the difference between refined and unrefined shea butter?

Unrefined (raw) shea butter is ivory or yellow, has a nutty scent, and retains more vitamins and bioactive compounds. Refined shea butter is white, odorless, and has a longer shelf life but fewer beneficial compounds.

Can I use shea butter on my face?

Yes, many people use shea butter on their face, especially for very dry skin. It has a comedogenic rating of 0-2 (low to moderately low), meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. Patch test first if you have acne-prone skin.

Why does my shea butter feel grainy?

Graininess occurs when shea butter melts and re-solidifies unevenly, causing fatty acids to crystallize. It's still safe to use. To fix, gently melt it in a double boiler, stir well, and let it cool slowly at room temperature.

Is shea butter sustainable and ethical?

When sourced from fair trade cooperatives, shea butter supports women's livelihoods in West Africa. Look for fair trade and organic certifications. The shea tree is wild-harvested and slow-growing, making sustainable practices important.

How long does shea butter last?

Unrefined shea butter typically lasts 18-24 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refined shea butter may last slightly longer. Rancid butter will smell off or sour.

🌰 Shea Butter

Traditional African butter for external skin and hair care—composition, uses, and ethical sourcing.

⚠️ EXTERNAL USE ONLY

Overview

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). For centuries, it has been a staple in West African communities for cooking, skin care, and traditional medicine. Today, it's one of the most popular natural moisturizers worldwide, valued for its rich fatty acid profile and skin-conditioning properties.

For external use: Skin and hair care applications.

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Key composition highlights

Fatty acids: oleic acid (40-60%), stearic acid (20-50%), linoleic acid, palmitic acid.
Vitamins: naturally rich in vitamins A, E, and F.
Bioactive compounds: allantoin (promotes healing), triterpenes, cinnamic acid esters.
Texture: solid at room temperature, melts at body temperature.
Unrefined vs refined: unrefined (yellow/ivory) retains more nutrients; refined (white) has longer shelf life.

Tip: Unrefined shea butter has a nutty scent and contains more beneficial compounds.

Common external benefits

Deep moisturization for dry skin
Skin barrier support and protection
Traditional use for minor skin irritations
Hair conditioning and frizz control
Stretch mark prevention (traditional use)
Anti-aging skincare applications

These are traditional external uses—not medical treatment claims.

Common uses

Body moisturizer: apply directly to skin, especially dry areas like elbows and heels.
Hair care: deep conditioning masks, leave-in treatment for curls.
DIY products: body butters, lotions, lip balms, salves.
Stretch marks: traditional application during pregnancy.
Eczema relief: gentle moisturizer for sensitive skin (patch test first).

Safety & Side Effects

Edibility Classification

⚠️ EXTERNAL USE ONLY

Shea butter is traditionally used for cosmetic and skincare applications and is not intended for internal consumption.

Typical Uses

External / Cosmetic Uses:

Body moisturizer for dry skin
Hair deep conditioning masks and leave-in treatments
DIY body butters, lotions, lip balms, and salves
Stretch mark application during pregnancy
Eczema relief for sensitive skin
Anti-aging skincare

Traditional or Cultural Uses:

West African traditional cosmetic and healing practices
Harvested and processed by women's cooperatives

Known or Common Side Effects

May cause allergic reaction in individuals with tree nut allergies (though rare, as shea is a seed)
Rare skin irritation or contact dermatitis
May be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals
Patch test recommended, especially for facial use
Not for internal use—intended for topical application only

SuperfoodSpace Disclosure

SuperfoodSpace Disclosure: This product is traditionally used as external. Only food-grade, properly sourced forms should be consumed where applicable. External-use products are not intended for ingestion. Individual tolerance may vary. Consult a qualified professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a medical condition.

Typical origins & sourcing

Shea butter comes from West African countries where shea trees grow wild. Prioritize:

Fair trade certification: supports women's cooperatives who traditionally harvest and process shea nuts.
Key regions: Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Benin.
Unrefined/raw (Grade A): most nutrients retained, ivory or yellow color, nutty scent.
Refined (Grade B/C): white color, neutral scent, longer shelf life but fewer compounds.
Organic certification: ensures no pesticides in wild-harvested or cultivated sources.

Storage tip: Store in cool, dry place. Shelf life: 2 years. Grainy texture is normal and can be remelted.

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Affiliate Recommendation

Fair trade shea butter products coming soon.

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Composition Profile

Fatty Acid & Compound Profile — click to expand/collapse

ComponentTypical Range

Oleic Acid (Omega-9)40-60%

Stearic Acid20-50%

Linoleic Acid (Omega-6)3-11%

Palmitic Acid2-9%

Vitamin E (Tocopherols)Present

Vitamin A (Carotenoids)Present

AllantoinPresent

TriterpenesPresent

Note: Composition varies by source region, processing method, and grade. Unrefined butter retains more bioactive compounds.

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