Del Campo R, et al. (2017).Effect of miracle fruit ( Synsepalum dulcificum) seed oil (MFSO) on themeasurable improvement of hair breakage in women with damaged hair: Arandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, eight-month trial. It’s essential for people with eczema to keep their skin moist and protected,” says Dr. Vij. “Shea butter can be a good option for many folks.” 5. Provides sun protection Some companies also market their shea butter as being organic. This is the unrefined version that has been grown and harvested using natural processes only. The healing and moisturizing properties of shea butter can be attributed to its nutritional value. Here is the nutritional data for shea butter. Shea Butter Nutrition Facts Nutrition Facts If your hair is naturally straight, thin, or fine, consider using shea butter on the ends of your hair. Applying shea butter to your roots may cause an oily-looking buildup. Storage Shea butter contains UV-B absorbing triterpene esters, such as cinnamic acid and tocopherols. In addition to these, it also has a high percentage of phytosterols, triterpenes, and hydrocarbons such as karitene. It also contains:

In the colder months, you’ll notice that the butter will harder and in the warmer months, it will be softer, which are both normal. Precautions A number of chemical treatments like straighteners, perms, and curlers are responsible for stripping off the natural moisture from the hair. Shea butter can help restore this lost moisture. It also protects the hair from harsh weather conditions and the harmful free radicals in the air and water. Moreover, shea butter has a low SPF that is sufficient to protect the hair from sun damage caused due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It repairs the damage that has already been caused by the harsh weather and the sun. This is largely due to the fact that once absorbed, shea butter coats the hair shaft so that it is protected from a heat tool or any other damaging material being passed along the hair. This is particularly beneficial for processed or colored hair. Its moisturizing and emollient properties may also help protect the hair against damage caused by environmental factors ( 20). The Soft Services Buffing Bar won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022 for its keratosis pilaris- and ingrown hair-reducing powers, which are all thanks to skin-buffing microcrystal exfoliants. This bar also contians shea butter to soothe and moisturize exfoliated skin for a buttery-smooth feel without redness or irritation. Continue reading to learn more about the profile and applications of Shea butter. What Is Shea Butter Made From? a b Maranz, Steven; Wiesman, Zeev; Bisgaard, Johan; Bianchi, Giorgio (2004). "Germplasm resources of Vitellaria paradoxa based on variations in fat composition across the species distribution range". Agroforestry Systems. 60 (1): 71–76. doi: 10.1023/B:AGFO.0000009406.19593.90. S2CID 2510852.

Adding essential oils to the shea butter doesn't really mask the scent. If you are using the shea butter in a treatment for irritated or dry skin then it is best to leave the treatment unfragranced. Why choose organic, unrefined shea butter? Fold, N. 2000. (2013-01-14). "A matter of good taste? Quality and the construction of standards for chocolate in the European Union. Cahiers d'Economie et Sociologie Rurales, 55/56: 92–110" (PDF). {{ cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ( link)

Always store your shea butter away from heat and light. If you have unrefined shea butter, it’s typically recommended that you store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It’s recommended that shea butter is used within 18 months of extraction from the seed, as beneficial properties may diminish over time. Vitamin E: Tocopherol is otherwise known as vitamin E. Different versions of this are found in shea butter, but their concentrations fluctuate depending on climate and some other factors like the butter extraction method ( 4).

Shea butter, derived from the nuts of the Shea tree, is known for its moisturizing and healing properties. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help treat many skin issues and irritations effectively. Originally from Africa, shea butter is now used widely in many cosmetic and medicinal formulations all around the world. It is not only rich in vitamin A and vitamin E but also provides mild sun protection as well. While unrefined shea butter benefits your skin with its all-natural goodness of fatty acids and vitamins, it is often refined to be incorporated into various formulations. Along with its benefits for your skin and hair health, shea butter is also known to help soothe muscle aches, treat diarrhea, and relieve nasal congestion. While it is usually safe to use, it may lead to itchiness and rashes for some. Frequently Asked Questions Carayanni VJ, et al. (2011). Comparing oilbased ointment versus standard practice for the treatment of moderate burns inGreece: A trial based cost effectiveness evaluation. DOI:

However, as is the case with all raw ingredients, be sure to do a spot test before using Shea butter liberally. Apply the ingredient to your skin and wait 24 hours to confirm no adverse reaction occurs. If you do experience irritation, speak to your doctor. How Do I Store This Product? If you are wondering where you can get your hands on good-quality shea butter, scroll down to the next section. Where To Buy Shea Butter?

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Ameh, A. O., et al. (2016). Synthesis and characterization of antiseptic soap from neem oil and shea butter oil. Shea butter has a sun protection factor (SPF) of about three or four. It’s too small to prevent sun damage or sunburn on its own. Seeds of a shea tree—raw materials for oil production The Shea Nut. Children transporting crushed shea nuts in Jisonaayili, Ghana Wala women selling shea butter in Ghana Traditional preparation of shea butter in Mali A young woman selling shea butter in Ghana. The Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment's main ingredient may be avocado oil, but that's not the only moisturizing ingredient that your undereyes will be treated to. It also contains shea butter to soften and prevent skin dehydration while beta-carotene acts as a brightening antioxidant. Once the butter cools down slightly, add a few drops of lavender essential oil. This step is not compulsory.

The non-saponifiable matter and vitamin F in this butter are vital ingredients for maintaining the skin’s elasticity. Shea butter also improves the production of collagen in the skin. Thus, its application restores the natural elasticity of the skin besides hydrating, softening, and beautifying it ( 13). Restored elasticity also ensures reduced wrinkles and blemishes. 7. Reduce Razor Irritation And Bumps Shea butter is great for softening and revitalizing brittle hair. Due to its non-greasy nature, it helps to control and spread the excess oil in the scalp. Massaging the hair with generous amounts of shea butter can give you soft, silky, and luscious tresses. This benefit of shea butter is applicable for dry as well as fragile, curly hair. Shea butter should be applied twice a week for hair growth. This will improve the hair texture and moisturize the hair. It has wide usage in curly hair treatments due to its emollient qualities ( 25). One study found that shea butter was better at reducing eczema symptoms than petroleum products, which doctors often recommend. This may be because shea butter contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that’s in skin. Organic unrefined shea butter varies widely in colour, it is predominantly between yellow to a cream colour, however shea butter can be anywhere from a light orange through to ash grey with a greenish tint. Get your aromatherapy oils and other soap making supplies today direct from one of the largest suppliers online. Looking for citric acid where to buy or any other great raw ingredients, we have you covered.

What does organic, unrefined shea butter look like?

Unrefined shea butter is the butter extracted from the sheanut, which is only grown in Western Africa. Our shea butter is unrefined, organic and raw, this means that it hasn't undergone any chemical refining process or extraction. Our raw shea butter is extracted in the traditional way by a woman's co-operative in Ghana that is committed to empowering local women in the community. Pure shea butter is also referred to as karite or sheanut butter. What does organic, unrefined shea butter look like? Draelos, Z. D. (2015). A pilot study investigating the efficacy of botanical anti‐inflammatory agents in an OTC eczema therapy.