What is Shea Butter?
Shea Butter is a fatty extract from the seed of the Karite (shea) Tree. The Shea Tree is native to the sub-Saharan countries of West Africa.
Why should I use Shea Butter?
100% pure Shea Butter is a superior moisturizer. The unrefined Shea Butter has the largest healing fractions and contains special natural ingredients that are ideal for healthier skin. Shea Butter contains natural anti-inflammatory agents and a minor sunscreen agent.
My Shea Butter is white. Why?
Pure white shea butter has been stripped of most of its healing properties. It can still be used as a moisturizer. Chemicals have been used to remove its unique healing properties and color.
I'd like to know a little history of Shea Butter.
The earliest mention of shea butter dates back to the time of Cleopatra, with references to caravans bearing clays of Shea Butter to be used as cosmetics. In 1348, Ibn Batouta, Moroccan historian and ambassador, noted uses of shea butter he observed in West Africa.
My Shea Butter is beige. Why?
At room temperature, premium Shea Butter is a soft uniformly beige colored creamy solid that readily melts in the hands and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Shea Butter is not green, gray, dark brown or white. Shea products with these colors are modified substitutes sometimes bearing the name 100% Shea Butter.
How does Shea butter smell?
Pure, natural Shea Butter has a characteristic smell. Once you smell pure natural premium Shea Butter, you will always know the smell. In fact, some first time users of Shea Butter occasionally say the smell of Shea Butter is not the most attractive smell. However, after 10 or 20 minutes on the body the butter has no smell. Unaltered Shea Butter does not have a cologne or perfume fragrance. If your Shea Butter does not have the characteristic smell, color and does not spread like butter, it is probably not a good quality Shea Butter.
What are uses of Shea Butter?
The American Shea Butter Institute suggests 21 reasons to use Shea Butter. Certified African "Shea Butter" will provide improvement in all the conditions listed below. Dry skin, skin rash, skin peeling, after tanning, blemishes and wrinkles, itching skin, sunburn, shaving cream for a smooth silky shave, small skin wounds, skin cracks, tough or rough skin (on feet), cold weather, frost bites, stretch mark prevention during pregnancy, insect bites, healthy skin, muscle fatique, aches and tension, for before and after strenuous exercise, skin allegeris such as poison ivy or poison oak, eczema, dermatitis, Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems, etc.).
As you use this multi-purpose cream you are likely to discover additional uses. The amount of time required for optimum results with various conditions may vary with each condition. Wrinkles, for example, require 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Itching is relieved immediately
DISCLAIMER: The information provided here or elsewhere on this site is not intended to constitute professional medical advice for treatment. We encourage you to consult your personal physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Is all Shea Butter the same?
All Shea Butter is not equal. Because of the lack of standards in the extractions process and because of post-preparation maintenance many shea butters differ widely in the quality and composition. The American Shea Butter institute provides analysis to determine the quality of Shea Butter. Grade "A" is the highest quality and Grade "F" is the very lowest in quality.
What should I do if my Shea Butter melts?
Because of the unique properties of shea butter, it may melt under high temperature. Do not leave shea butter in a hot place, such as your car in the summer. If the product does melt, place it in a cool room. It will solidify.
Who should use Shea Butter?
Everyone! Every household should have a jar of Shea Butter, either among the beauty supplies for soft smooth better looking skin, or in the medicine cabinet for minor skin injuries around the house.
Do I have to refrigerate my shea butter?
No, Shea butter should be stored at room temperature.
Where can I purchase shea butter?
You can purchase premium shea butter here. Check out the following products.
OMOLOLU INTERNATIONAL 100% Pure African Shea Butter
GUEYE Karite Shea Butter Herbal Complex
**Some data courtesy of the American Shea Butter Institute
