Shea butter, unrefined, organic, 100 g

Shea butter, unrefined

Shea butter forms a protective layer on the skin that slows water evaporation and softens it at the same time. It is obtained by pressing the kernels of the Butyrospermum parkii tree fruit and is supplied in unrefined, organic-certified quality, meaning without bleaching or deodorisation. It therefore retains its natural scent, colour and natural accompanying substances, for which it is valued in the care of dry and stressed skin.

Suitable for body butters, balms, creams, solid sticks, hair masks and soap. It has food-grade quality, so it can also be used in the kitchen.

Key benefits

• Skin barrier protection – a film on the skin surface limits water loss, which is especially noticeable on dry, rough or cracked skin on the hands, elbows and lips.
• Softening and nourishment – a high proportion of stearic and oleic acid gives the butter a semi-solid consistency that melts on the skin and leaves it smoother.
• Soothing irritation – unrefined butter contains natural accompanying substances that are traditionally used in the care of irritated and atopic skin. The manufacturer states that it soothes irritation and improves skin elasticity.
• Antioxidant protection – according to the manufacturer's data, it contributes to protecting the skin against free radicals and supports its elasticity and firmness, which is used in the care of mature skin.
• Hair care – in masks and leave-in creams for ends, the manufacturer states it reduces dryness, frizz and breakage.

Use in formulation

Shea butter is part of the oil phase. It does not dissolve in water and mixes freely with vegetable oils and other oil-phase ingredients. It melts on the skin, so it spreads well in anhydrous products and, according to the manufacturer, absorbs without a greasy feel.

The recommended dosage is 1 – 100 % depending on the product type. In its pure form it is used as a body butter or lip balm; in creams and lotions it typically appears in single-digit percentages; in solid balms and sticks it forms the base of the formula together with wax.

For unrefined butter, processing below 40 °C is recommended to preserve its scent and accompanying substances. Melt it in a water bath at the lowest necessary temperature and do not keep it warm for long. When added to hot-process emulsions, it goes into the oil phase only after melting with the shortest possible heat exposure, or the melted butter can be stirred into the emulsion during cooling.

In cold-process soap, it is used as part of the oil blend, where it contributes to the hardness of the soap and a gentler effect on the skin. Part of the butter is commonly added after trace as a superfat that will not saponify. The saponification value must be verified before calculating the lye.

Suitable for products such as

• body butters and whipped butters, where it forms the main ingredient
• lip balms, sticks for dry patches, hand and heel balms
• nourishing creams and body lotions for dry and sensitive skin
• baby cosmetics and preparations for atopic skin
• nail and cuticle care
• hair masks, leave-in creams for ends, massage sticks
• cold-process soap
• food use in the home kitchen

What is worth knowing

Unrefined butter has a characteristic nutty scent and a beige to white hue. In products without fragrance, the scent is noticeable and at higher dosages it will also affect the scent of the finished product. A refined version is more suitable for a neutral base.

In emulsions it increases viscosity and gives them a richer, creamier character. At higher percentages the emulsion may feel heavier, so in light lotions it is combined with liquid oils or light esters.

Anhydrous products with shea butter do not require a preservative. In creams and lotions, standard preservation of the water phase applies. The butter is sensitive to prolonged exposure to heat and light, so for products with a long usage period it is recommended to add vitamin E to the oil phase.

Frequently asked questions