Shea Butter – The Ultimate Skin Nourisher
Shea Butter is a rich, creamy butter extracted from the nuts of the African Shea tree. It is deeply moisturizing, packed with vitamins, and known for its ability to protect and heal the skin.
Unlike emulsified butters, which contain water, true body butters like Shea Butter are anhydrous, meaning they provide long-lasting hydration by sealing in moisture without preservatives.
| Vitamins & Compounds | Source | Extraction Method | Region & Country | Benefits for Skin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Fatty Acids | Shea Tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa) Nuts | Cold-Pressed & Unrefined | West Africa (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria) | Deeply moisturizes, heals, protects skin barrier |
Where Does Shea Butter Come From?
Shea Butter is predominantly produced in West Africa, with Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria being the largest suppliers.
In Ghana, the Northern Region is particularly known for its traditional methods of Shea Butter extraction, where women-led cooperatives handcraft unrefined Shea Butter.
Although Shea trees grow across parts of East and Central Africa, West African Shea Butter remains the most popular for skincare due to its high oleic and stearic acid content.
| Butter Type | Hardness | Skin Benefits | Scent Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shea Butter | Firm but melts at body temperature | Moisturizing, soothing, anti-inflammatory | Nutty, earthy |
How Butters Compare to Oils
While plant oils are lightweight and absorb quickly, butters like Shea Butter have a higher concentration of fatty acids, providing longer-lasting hydration and skin protection.
- Butters are occlusive: They help trap moisture inside the skin, preventing dehydration.
- Rich in fatty acids: Butters contain a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats, giving them their thick, creamy texture.
- Protective properties: The high lipid content in butters strengthens the skin barrier.
