Shea butter, or karite butter, is known as a strong antioxidant; it stimulates collagen production, relieves irritation, moisturizes and regenerates the skin. Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Shea butter (or shea butter) is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the shea tree, which grows in central Africa. Shea butter is solid and its consistency at room temperature is similar to that of ghee. The color of shea butter can be white or cream, and it has a pleasant, delicate nutty smell. In addition, it goes well with essential oils, which allows you to give the desired aroma to the product.
Shea butter is used in Food Industry, as well as for the manufacture of ointments and cosmetics. It can replace a moisturizer, an emollient, and nourishing mask. But it gained the greatest popularity.
Shea butter (shea butter) is a rich source of vitamins and natural fats for skin and hair, which is why it is used as a base for many cosmetic products, or as one of the ingredients.
The main components of the oil are oleic, stearic and linoleic acids. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory property and accelerates skin regeneration. The African population uses shea butter in ointments for treatment skin diseases. It is believed to help heal minor wounds and cracks in the skin.
The main buyers of shea seeds and finished butter are food companies producing chocolate, which use shea butter as a natural substitute for cocoa butter.
Types of shea butter
Shea butter, or karite, comes in two types: refined and unrefined. Unrefined oil has not been subjected to heat treatments or additional purifications, which means it has retained everything useful material and microelements provided by nature.
Refined oil is completely odorless, which is simply necessary in the food and medical industries. It lasts longer.
What are the benefits of shea butter (karite)?
Cosmetologists call shea butter or shea butter transport oil, due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver various useful components cosmetics. These components easily combine with oil, and when they get into the skin, they are just as easily and quickly released from it.
For beauty, shea butter is a real find. It alone will be enough to cope with a number of problems. It is widely used in the care of lips, facial skin, hair, and is part of sunscreen and tanning cosmetics.
Thanks to the regenerating properties of unsaponifiable fats, the oil stimulates collagen synthesis and is recommended for the care of mature and aging skin. The protective properties of the oil are due to triglycerides: the barrier functions of the skin are enhanced when used.
Here are just some of the beneficial properties of shea butter:
- unrefined oil shi is effective means for treatment sunburn, skin rashes, scars, stretch marks, frostbite, burns and even muscle spasms.
- contains plant antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E and catechins. They protect cells from negative impact free radicals and the environment, and also prevent it premature aging and stimulate collagen production.
- is part of anti-inflammatory ointments used to treat scars, eczema, age spots, psoriasis, acne, furunculosis. Thanks to its high vitamin A content, it promotes healing and disinfection, and also soothes the skin after insect bites.
- Shea butter is quickly absorbed, does not clog pores and is ideal for caring for any skin type.
- does not contain chemicals, which means it is perfect for caring for babies. Suitable for combating eczema or diaper rash sensitive skin kids.
- acts as a lip balm, protecting thin and delicate skin from cold and dry weather, healing cracks and wounds.
- helps increase skin elasticity. Used by mature women to reduce the severity of wrinkles and tone the face.
How to choose quality shea butter?
Pure shea butter should be a delicate creamy beige color, thick and dense, with a characteristic subtle nutty smell. A high-quality product at room temperature resembles regular butter, but immediately melts at the touch of your hand.
Shea butter, also known as shea butter, rich in fatty acids, which makes it the ideal remedy to solve problems with the skin and the health of the whole body. It is extracted from the seeds of the African shea tree. More recently, the oil has gained immense popularity in the West, and now it is invariably added to a number of cosmetic products, such as lotions, balms, shampoos, creams, and conditioners. In this article we want to give you a detailed answer about the beneficial properties of shea butter for skin, face, hair and health, history of origin, composition, how to choose and store, recipes for care at home.
If you are still looking natural remedy for beautiful skin or hair, opt for shea butter! And to understand why it is on it, read the article to the end.
Description of shea butter
Shea tree ( lat. Vitellaria paradoxa) grows primarily in Africa. Its fruits contain rich in fat the seed from which healing oil is extracted.
The manufacturing process is quite labor-intensive: first, the peel is removed, the contents of the seed are fried for 24 hours, then crushed until a brown mass is formed. Then add water and boil the mixture until a light composition is obtained, which is shea butter.
Main components included: oleic, stearic and linoleic acids. They are quickly absorbed into the skin as they melt at temperatures human body. With its moisturizing and healing properties have a beneficial effect on problematic skin. The oil is also an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drug that can be beneficial in the treatment of various ailments. And the resemblance to vegetable oils makes it suitable for oral administration.
For many centuries, the tree has grown in West Africa, from Senegal to Sudan and the foothills of Ethiopia. Historical documents contain references to jars of oil that were transported during the reign of Cleopatra. Even the Queen of Sheba, a model of youth and beauty, used it!
The shea tree was also considered sacred by many African tribes. Its trunks were used to make royal coffins, and the oil is still a valuable skin care product. It is used to protect skin and hair from scorching sun and dry winds. Some tribes, mainly in northern Nigeria, mix shea butter with palm oil and use it for cooking.
Why is shea butter so famous? beneficial properties for health and is included in countless chemical formulas, along with other vegetable oils? Let's figure it out.
What is the secret of shea butter?
Shea butter is often used in moisturizers, lotions, and other emulsions for skin and hair. It is rich in fats, which makes it an excellent emollient and moisturizer. Numerous studies prove its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. The most powerful antioxidant normalizes skin barrier functions and activates cellular respiration.
Vitamins A and E support normal skin nutrition and protect it from damage due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These components are the priority sun protection factor (SPF). Vitamin E also has a calming effect on the skin, improves its elasticity, and prevents aging.
Shea butter is available in several varieties on the market. Pure or raw oil is the most natural product usually has yellow or green color. May contain a small amount of impurities, since it is sold in unrefined form, immediately after extraction from nuts. Next, pure oil can go through several stages of processing different ways, which will be discussed below.
Refined and unrefined shea butter
Oil can be unrefined or refined. The least processed after pure formulation is unrefined shea butter. Because it is extracted by hand, the vitamins, minerals and other natural properties are preserved. When subjected to a filtration process through clay or cheesecloth, it may slightly change color, smell, and texture. The melted butter is poured into special molds, after which it goes on sale. The unrefined version is divided into classes from A to F, depending on quality.
Refined shea butter is a fully processed butter. In addition to the filtration process, it is deodorized by airing or using chemicals, then bleached. At the end, fragrances and preservatives are added to increase shelf life. All these processes visually make the oil homogeneous and light, but significantly reduce its nutritional value.
The oil found in cosmetic products is an even more advanced version, involving additional processing processes. This composition is called “ultra-refined” or “highly refined”.
Some companies specialize in supplying only natural oil shea, which is grown and harvested exclusively in a natural way. This version completely preserves everything valuable properties. Therefore, it is positioned as a product enriched with a large number of nutrients. Let's look at them in the table.
Composition, calorie content and nutritional value of shea butter
| Nutrients | In 1/8 cup (30 ml) | Per 100 g |
| Calories | 44 cal/kcal | Kilojoules 185kJ |
| Energy | 1.023 kJ (244Cal) | 3,700 kJ (884Cal) |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fats (all) | 28 g | 99.9 g |
| Saturated | 12.9 g | 46.6 g |
| Trans fats | <0.03 г (Макс.) | <0,1 г (Макс.) |
| Polyunsaturated fats | 1.4 g | 5.2 g |
| Monounsaturated fats | 12.2 g | 44 g |
| 0 mg | 0 mg | |
| Octanoic acid | 0.06 g | 0.2 g |
| Capric acid | 0.06 g | 0.2 g |
| Dodecanoic acid | 0.36 g | 1.3 g |
| Tetradecanoic acid | 0.03 g | 0.1 g |
| Hexadecanoic acid | 1.2 g | 4.4 g |
| Octadecanoic acid | 10.7 g | 38.8 g |
| Palmitoleic Acid | 0.03 g | 0.1 g |
| Octadecenoic acid (Omega-9) | 12.025 g | 43.5 g |
| Octadecadienoic acid (Omega-6) | 1.355 g | 4.9 g |
| Octadecatrienoic acid (Omega-6) | 0.08 g | 0.3 g |
| Phytosterols | 99 mg | 357 mg |
| Total carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sakharov | 0 g | 0 g |
| Alimentary fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Water | <0.028 г (Макс.) | <0,1 г (Макс.) |
| Vitamins (All) | 0 mg or mcg (microgram) | 0 mg or mcg (microgram) |
| Folate (total) | 0 mcg (microgram) | 0 mcg (microgram) |
Shea butter contains a high percentage of phytosterols, triterpenes and hydrocarbons. Triterpene esters, such as cinnamic acid and tocopherols, are responsible for the ability to absorb UV radiation and enhance collagen production.
The oil also contains:
- Fatty acid. 5 essential fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and arachidic. A large proportion in the composition of the oil (85-90%) is stearic acid, providing a solid consistency, and oleic acid, influencing the degree of hardness or softness.
- Phenolic resins. Phenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant properties. Shea butter contains 10 phenolic compounds, 8 of which are catechins. Conventionally extracted oil has higher levels of phenols than hexane extracted oil. In fact, the catechin content of shea butter is higher than the total amount of phenolic compounds in ripe olives. The total concentration and relative percentage of shea butter extracted from shea nuts varies from region to region, depending on the level of environmental stress in which the trees grow.
- Vitamin E. Tocopherol is called vitamin E. Shea butter contains 1% tocopherol, which is very high for vegetable oils.
- Vitamin A and vitaminF. They help in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema and dermatitis, and slow down the aging process.
Shea butter is considered an essential product for the skin, as it is enriched with unsaturated fats (with a higher proportion of unsaponifiable components), fatty acids, vitamins E and D, phytosterols, provitamin A and allantoin. Since time immemorial, it has been used to care for the skin of children and adults, as well as in nutrition. Below are all the important benefits of shea butter.
27 Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin, Hair and Overall Health
Incorporating the oil into your regular skincare routine works wonders! Don't believe me? Then read on quickly.
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Moisturizes dry skin
Shea butter is the best moisturizer for the face and entire body. The fats it contains are responsible for softening and moisture-retaining properties, sealing water in the skin and nourishing it for a long time. Dehydrated and dry skin is characterized by roughness and flaking, and cracks may even form in certain areas of the body. Shea butter eliminates all the unpleasant consequences, making the skin soft and more elastic without clogging the pores. Its use is especially indispensable in the cold season.
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Shea butter fights acne and age spots
Plant sterols, such as oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acids, do not come into contact with alkali, i.e. are non-saponifiable. This gives shea butter special healing properties, unlike other vegetable oils and fats. Raw, unrefined oil helps get rid of many skin problems: acne, age spots, stretch marks, insect bites, burns.
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Reduces inflammatory processes on the skin
Shea butter has several cinnamic acid derivatives that have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an indispensable aid for skin inflammation. Applying oil to the affected area will help cope with the symptoms of generalized inflammation due to dermatitis and rosacea. It is also used for sunburn, rashes, minor cuts and scrapes.
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Prevents the effects of free radicals
Shea butter is considered one of the best anti-aging remedies. It stimulates the production of collagen, a protein responsible for youthful skin. Vitamins A and E support firmness, hydration and natural radiance. Regular use of oil makes wrinkles less noticeable and prevents their premature appearance. Also one of the beneficial properties is the ability to increase blood circulation and cell renewal. And a mixture of vitamins along with catechins actively fights free radicals formed as a result of environmental pollution and external irritants that damage the skin. Cinnamic acid infuses skin with antioxidants to prevent damage caused by UV exposure.
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Shea butter helps with dry skin
Excessive dryness and flaking of the skin can lead to itching, which the miraculous shea butter will also help to cope with. By nourishing the skin with the necessary amount of moisture, its use will bring significant relief. And the anti-inflammatory properties will help cope even with psoriasis.
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Restores skin elasticity
Unsaponifiables and vitamin E are vital ingredients for maintaining skin elasticity. Shea butter also improves collagen production. Thus, its use restores the natural elasticity of the skin, reduces wrinkles and stretch marks.
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Relieves irritation and swelling
Epilation often causes irritation and itching, which can even lead to shaving bumps. Shea butter reduces irritation and soothes the skin. To soften hair, it can be used the day before shaving to make the shaving process quick and without causing discomfort.
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Shea butter helps get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy
Shea butter is often used as a base in many cosmetic products aimed at preventing and reducing stretch marks that appear during pregnancy or weight loss. These marks are formed due to stretching of the skin beyond its normal state. The use of oil improves the production of collagen, a natural emollient, which restores skin elasticity. Daily massage with oil significantly lightens and reduces stretch marks.
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Soothes the skin
Unrefined shea butter, being free of chemicals, is an excellent natural source of hydration. Thus, it is ideal for baby care, adapting to his delicate and sensitive skin. Usually the oil is used after a bath. It is also effective in treating eczema and diaper rash on the skin of newborns and toddlers.
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Shea butter is the ultimate lip care
In cold and windy weather, lips quickly lose moisture and become dry and damaged. Shea butter acts as a nourishing balm and heals even severely chapped lips. When applying a balm based on shea butter, a kind of protective barrier is formed, thereby retaining moisture in the skin.
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Repairs damaged hair
Chemical treatments, whether straightening, perming or curling, take away natural moisture from the hair. Shea butter interferes with this process. It actively protects hair from harsh weather conditions and harmful environmental influences. Having a low SPF factor, it eliminates the negative effects of UV radiation and restores already damaged areas. This is explained by the fact that the oil completely envelops the hair structure and protects it from high temperatures or coloring. It can also be used in the pool or at sea, saving hair from chlorine and salt.
Here is a simple hair care recipe:
Take a tablespoon of raw or unrefined shea butter and melt it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Once the oil has cooled slightly, add a few drops of lavender essential oil (this step is optional).
Distribute the mixture evenly from roots to ends of hair.
Leave for half an hour, then wash your hair using a mild shampoo.
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Prevents hair loss
The fatty acids contained in shea butter can significantly improve the health of the scalp, reduce hair loss and fragility. The use of oil strengthens the follicles, which makes the hair stronger, thicker and full of natural shine.
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Eliminates dryness and soothes itchy scalp
Possessing anti-inflammatory properties, the oil fights psoriasis, removes dandruff and softens dryness. Does not leave greasy marks and does not close pores after use.
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Treats split ends
Shea butter has a moisturizing and regenerating effect on the hair and scalp, strengthens it and reduces fragility. In addition, vitamins A and E nourish dry hair and treat split ends.
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Natural conditioner
The oil can be used as a natural conditioner after washing your hair. It acts like a lock, sealing in moisture without weighing down the hairstyle. The presence of the same vitamins A and E makes the oil an excellent nourishing agent, moisturizing the hair from roots to ends.
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Secure hold for curly hair
Shea butter is ideal for softening and regenerating hair. Thanks to its soft consistency, it is evenly distributed throughout the scalp. Massaging your hair with a generous amount of shea butter will make it soft, silky and hold your curls in place. This is also an excellent product for curly and frizzy hair. By using it twice a week, you will noticeably improve the hair structure.
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Soothes muscle pain
Muscle pain is most often the result of inflammation in the affected area due to strain or the development of a disease. Traditionally, shea butter is widely used in Africa to relieve soreness. Although there is no concrete evidence in medicine about its healing properties, people actively use the oil to massage sore areas.
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Treats rheumatism
Rheumatism is characterized by joint pain, inflammation and swelling. To reduce symptoms, the oil can be used as an ointment that has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Helps with arthritis
Chronic joint disorder, often associated with age, obesity or injury, causes arthritis, a very painful disease that affects a huge number of people. Constant pain disrupts habitual movements and worsens the quality of life of patients. Shea butter contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The use of oil gives excellent results in patients with arthritis, eliminating swelling and pain. The exact mechanism of action is still unknown. However, it is triterpenes that are considered the main factor responsible for these indicators.
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Inflammation and nasal congestion
The next time you feel the first signs of nasal congestion, all you need to do is lubricate your nostrils with shea butter. Of course, it sounds strange, but believe me, the scheme works. Nasal congestion is often a consequence of inflammation of the inner lining of the nasal passages. Here again the anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter come to our aid! In a study conducted to monitor the effectiveness of this product, participants cleared signs of nasal congestion in just 90 seconds.
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Reduces cholesterol levels
As we mentioned earlier, shea butter is edible and is used by many people in Africa for cooking. Adding oil to your diet is a way to lower blood cholesterol. It is rich in stearic acid (a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid), which reduces the amount of lipoproteins and cholesterol in the blood plasma, as evidenced by research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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Useful for treating diarrhea
Diarrhea is a symptom of many diseases and can also occur on its own. It is treated with a wide range of medications and herbal infusions. Today, there is a huge demand for dietary shea butter products that are being developed to treat this unpleasant disease.
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Wound healing
Wounds, cuts, and abrasions heal easily if you apply shea butter to them. It is quickly absorbed into the deep layers of the skin, supplying all the necessary fats and nutrients that enhance blood microcirculation, thereby accelerating the recovery process.
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Soothes skin after insect bites
Thanks to its high vitamin A content, the oil disinfects and soothes skin allergies caused by poisonous plants or insect bites. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties speed up the healing process. The development of further infection at the root is eliminated by the use of shea butter.
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Helps with dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema
Conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema are caused by dry, flaky and irritated skin. Treatment requires an ingredient that works as a moisturizing and anti-inflammatory tool. Shea butter does this job perfectly! It has proven itself as an excellent cream in the fight against eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil can be used to reduce swelling and itching. Doctors recommend shea butter for people suffering from these skin diseases as it is safe and does not cause allergies.
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UV protection
Shea butter acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting against ultraviolet radiation. The level of protection in sun creams containing shea butter ranges from 6-10 depending on the quality of the oil. It is not recommended to use pure shea butter as a sun filter, as the SPF level is considered insufficient to provide reliable protection against harmful rays. The oil is good to use after sunbathing to soothe the skin.
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An excellent alternative to coconut, butter and olive oil in cooking
Healthy fats, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds - all this makes shea butter a suitable option for use in food. It is a serious competitor to coconut, butter and even olive oil. It has an unusual taste, but you can get used to it in 1-2 days. Use oil for frying, add a spoonful to your morning smoothie, you can even replace butter with it when making your favorite toast, sandwiches and pancakes. Of course, it is better to choose an unrefined option for cooking.
What a number of advantages! Are you still lost in choosing the best oil for your health? The following section will help dispel all your doubts, in which I would like to talk about the choice and method of storing oil.
Keep these indicators handy to help you make the right choice.
When purchasing shea butter:
- Look for raw or unrefined shea butter.
- Make sure that the oil is supplied to the market by a reliable company. Study the label, trade regulations and ingredients.
- Check the smell of the oil. It should be nutty or earthy. Any hint of plastic or chemicals indicates that it is a refined version.
- If possible, pour a small amount of oil onto your hand. It should be soft and moisturize the skin.
- As for color, the unrefined version eliminates variety. The butter should be ivory in color, with a lighter color indicating that it has undergone a bleaching process.
How to store
The best way to store natural shea butter is to keep it in a cool place in an airtight container. Quite often, vitamin E is added to oil to increase shelf life.
On average, 100% shea butter has a shelf life of 2 years. If you smell a sour, rancid odor, the product is expired.
Here are some simple recipes for skin care at home using shea butter.
Body lotion recipe with shea butter
You will need:
- 1 cup raw shea butter;
- 1/2 cup coconut oil;
- 1/2 cup almond butter.
Recipe:
- Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler.
- Mix well and let cool for a few minutes.
- Add almond butter and mix well again.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
- Once the natural crystallization process has finished, using a mixer, beat the oil mixture until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
- Pour the prepared mixture into an airtight container and place in a dry, dark place. Let it cool down.
- Use as needed to hydrate the body.
You can also add essential oils along with almond oil.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons raw shea butter;
- 1 tablespoon beeswax;
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil;
- 6-7 drops of lavender oil;
- 6-7 drops of peppermint oil.
Recipe:
- Melt the shea butter, beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Let them cool slightly and then add essential oils.
- Mix thoroughly and pour the mixture into small jars or molds.
- Leave aside until the contents thicken.
- Use once or twice daily as you would a regular lip balm.
You learned a lot of useful information about shea butter. Let us help you a little further, leaving information about possible side effects for last.
These side effects may result from topical or ingestion of shea butter:
- itchy rash;
- hives;
- nausea;
- weakness;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- stomach ache.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, stop using shea butter immediately and consult your doctor. Allergies do not occur very often, but it is better to protect yourself. If you have never used shea butter before, it is better to do a patch test on an area of skin in the forearm area.
Answers to popular questions about shea butter
Expert answers to readers' questions.
Why is the oil called “female gold”?
In Africa, many women make a living by picking and processing shea fruits by hand. The fact of the difficult fate of black women gave rise to the name “women’s gold.”
Is this oil edible?
Yes, the oil is safe to take internally.
What is the shelf life of shea butter?
The average shelf life of shea butter is two years, but this can vary depending on the brand.
Is shea butter a natural product?
Yes, shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to West Africa.
Which shea butter is best?
Always choose raw, unrefined oil. It is considered best for topical use and oral administration. This is because all the nutrients are retained in it.
What does shea butter smell like?
Unrefined shea butter has an earthy or nutty odor.
Are all shea butters the same?
No and no again! Shea butter comes in different grades, depending on the processing completed. The most popular are the refined and unrefined versions.
Is shea butter vegan-friendly?
If you buy 100% shea butter, it is a vegan product as it is purely plant based. Products containing shea butter may not be vegan-friendly due to additional ingredients.
Is this oil safe for people with nut allergies?
Although the oil is extracted from the seeds of nuts, there have been no known side effects from its use by people with nut allergies.
I hope you found this article on the benefits of shea butter helpful. Feel free to include it in your routine and share your impressions with us!
What else is useful?
Shea butter is the main component in the preparation of various creams, masks and balms. Combined with your favorite essential oils, it has a rejuvenating, healing, restorative effect. It is absolutely safe to use on sensitive areas of the skin: lips, eyes, neck, décolleté. Nourishes, moisturizes and softens the skin, making it more elastic.
It is a solid mass of cream or yellowish color, reminiscent of butter. Easily melts on contact with the human body. This gift of nature has protected the skin and hair of the African population from the scorching heat for thousands of years.
Being an environmentally friendly product, it has a truly miraculous effect. The peoples of the hottest continent, using healing oil from generation to generation, practically do not encounter dermatological problems. Mothers rub it into the skin of their babies from birth. The properties of shea butter are unique.
PRODUCTION METHODS
African peoples use various parts of the tree in food, as medicine, and as a detergent. Women sell seeds and prepared oil at local markets all year round. This type of entrepreneurship allows the population to earn a lot of money, which makes them independent of the rainy season.
The age of trees in the wild reaches 300 years, but they bear fruit no earlier than 25 years. The fruit of the “tree of life” looks like a small avocado. The valuable product is obtained from the pulp of the seed, which is located in the middle. The way in which the product was made is easily determined by its color:
Pure white - obtained industrially: by pressing, extracting the necessary substance with a special solvent.
With a yellowish tint– obtained manually. The fruit pulp is separated from the seed. The peeled and dried kernel is ground in a mortar. The shells are then fried and ground into a smooth paste.
The resulting mixture is poured with hot water and during the evaporation process, the oil appears on the surface. Containers filled with liquid mass are placed in a cool place where it takes on a solid form.
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPOSITION
All types of shea butter are usually divided into five main classes:
- AClass- light yellow in color, unrefined, obtained naturally without the use of reagents (the most expensive).
- INClass– pale yellow or gray-yellow in color, refined, also without reagents and synthetic impurities.
- WITHClass– white, subjected to deep cleaning, hexane solvent is used.
- D class– has a small amount of impurities.
- E class– contains impurities.
Important! Class A, B, C varieties are allowed to be used for cosmetic and pharmacological purposes.
Shea butter or shea butter is unique. Its chemical composition is based on such active substances as:
- fatty acids (triglycerides – 80%);
- terpene alcohols;
- unsaponifiable fats;
- proteins and carbohydrates;
- vitamins A, E, F and D.
Beneficial elements, penetrating into tissues, can have a beneficial effect, moisturizing and protecting them from drying out.
Useful properties and applications
IN MEDICINE
Shea butter has established itself as an ointment with medicinal properties. This natural medicine is beneficial for various diseases. It has an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect for sprains, muscles and joint pain. It has a therapeutic and preventive effect on burns, wounds, dermatitis, ulcers and problem skin.
Capable of protecting both from frostbite and active sunlight. It has the ability to constrict blood vessels, so it is indispensable for a runny nose, as well as the first symptoms of colds, flu and viral infections. Can replace a soothing agent for redness or rashes on children's skin.
COSMETIC USE
Shea butter is widely used in cosmetology. The fruits of this tree can work wonders on dry, flaky or calloused skin. It has been used by professional cosmetologists for a long time, both in its original form and as part of cosmetics - the most competitive in the market.
In addition, an “overdose” of life-giving elements is impossible - the skin absorbs exactly as much as it needs, which allows you to use it sparingly. Shea butter for skin is a real panacea. Thanks to its ability to penetrate deeply into the epidermis and deliver beneficial elements to cells, shea butter prevents the first signs of aging.
Evens out complexion and reduces the depth of wrinkles, the skin becomes elastic and denser. Acts as a component in products for sensitive and damaged skin, in masks, shampoos, balms for dry and split ends, and sunscreens.
Recipes for the face
Cosmetologists use the gifts of the shea tree for facial skin as a base for makeup, instead of cream, and create masks and refreshing balms. Its protective and restorative properties allow you to apply the mixture to the entire face area, even the most delicate and sensitive areas: the skin of the eyes, lips, neck, décolleté. A face mask can:
- nourish and moisturize;
- protect vulnerable areas from ultraviolet radiation and cold;
- heal cracks and scratches;
- restore blood circulation.
ANTI-AGING MASKS
Several recipes for mature skin with signs of aging and fading:
- Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil and shea butter, 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 chicken yolk. Apply to cleansed skin before bed for 25 minutes daily for a month.
- Ingredients: 1 teaspoon of shea butter, sea buckthorn, almonds, calendula. The heated mixture is applied to the face before going to bed. After 20 minutes, the residue is removed with a cotton pad.
- Ingredients: shea butter, 2 tablespoons of castor oil, 2 drops of rosemary. Apply for 30 minutes, no more than 1 time within 3 days, rinse with water.
NIGHT CREAM MASK
The benefits of shea butter in this case: it has regenerating properties, rejuvenates the skin, smoothing out fine wrinkles, and refreshes the complexion. To prepare a cream for dry, sensitive skin we will need:
- shea butter - 1.5 teaspoons;
- jojoba extract - 1 teaspoon;
- flower hydrolate - 0.5 teaspoon;
In a water bath, bring the shea butter to a soft state and, stirring, add the rest. It is important that the mixture takes on a homogeneous mass and does not remain on the surface in the form of drops. The cream mask is applied to the face throughout the night.
LIP HEALING
Required ingredients:
- shea butter - 15 grams;
- jojoba - 10 grams;
- lemon ether - 3 drops;
- rose water - 7 milliliters.
Add jojoba to the melted butter. After removing the container from the heat, without stopping stirring, add the remaining ingredients. Let the product cool and place it in the refrigerator.
ANTI-ACNE MASK
Oil and honey relieve skin inflammation. We need to mix a tablespoon of each component, adding a few drops of walnuts and salicylic acid. Use the mask at night, applying it to the problem area for 20 minutes before going to bed. You should stop washing your face and remove any remaining mixture with a clean, dry cloth.
Hair Recipes
What is useful about shea butter for hair is that it provides excellent protection against breakage and the sun. The oil improves blood circulation in the scalp, nourishes and moisturizes the roots, strengthens the hair follicles, preventing hair loss.
Regular use of oil-based masks will make hair more manageable, restore structure and give shine.
In its usual form, the oil should be used both before washing your hair, applying the melted product to slightly damp hair, and after, distributing a small amount with your palms along the entire length.
You can also prepare a special mask for enhanced hair nutrition. For this we need:
- shea butter - 40 grams;
- linseed oil - 2 tablespoons;
- burdock oil - 1 tablespoon;
- Vitamin E liquid (A for accelerated growth) - 1 tablespoon.
All ingredients are thoroughly mixed and applied to the scalp and hair for 3-4 hours.
Peculiarity! Applying oil before using a hair dryer or straightener reduces the chance of split ends.
Beneficial properties of combination with coconut and cocoa butter
The most common oils for hair care are coconut and cocoa, the value of which is carboxylic acids. Solid vegetable oils are easily absorbed by the scalp and are suitable even for hypersensitive tissues, helping in the fight against many diseases. Shea butter in cosmetics is successfully combined with coconut and cocoa butter.
COCOA BUTTER
For combination or oily hair types. Improves the activity of the sebaceous glands, nourishes the hair, strengthens the roots. Cocoa contains a large amount of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and caffeine, which makes hair softer, stronger, and gives a pleasant aroma.
COCONUT OIL
An indispensable product for dry, split ends. Has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Accelerates hair growth, nourishes and softens its structure.
Recipes for hands
Perfectly softens and has a moisturizing effect. Unrefined oil can be rubbed into the skin daily in a small amount. It is especially useful to apply oil to your hands before going outside during the cold season.
ANTI-DRY
It is necessary to mix all the ingredients in equal quantities and heat in a water bath. For dry skin, use a mixture of shea butter, calendula, walnut, or olive oil. The cream is rubbed into the skin, and after 10 minutes the residue is removed with a dry cloth.
FOR CRACKS
To combat microcracks, shea butter is mixed with sea buckthorn in a 1:1 ratio, heating in a water bath. This hand mask is used once a day.
Shea butter for massage
Depending on the purpose of the massage, the following esters can be combined:
- geranium – helps smooth the skin;
- grapefruit – strengthens the immune system, prevents the formation of fatty deposits;
- orange – promotes blood circulation and skin elasticity;
- juniper – remove excess fluid and toxins;
In anti-cellulite massages, shea butter is often combined with mandarin and geranium esters. 
The nutritional value
The location of the trees, the method of production, the degree of purification - all this affects the taste of the oil, which is highly valued by the local population. In African countries, it is added to holiday dishes to give it a unique taste.
European cuisine uses this product extremely rarely, except at the industrial level as an alternative oil in confectionery and desserts. The product is high in calories and promotes:
- stable hormonal balance;
- strengthening the walls of body cells;
- saturation with energy;
How to select and store at home
In fact, the composition of the oil cannot be faked - the presence of foreign impurities turns it into ordinary fat. Natural shea butter has a light nutty aroma. The absence of odor indicates that the product has aged or was originally manufactured with the addition of hexane or other components, which also suppress the natural yellow tint and expected properties.
There are also refractory and liquid shea butter on sale, which are a secondary product and, accordingly, are much cheaper. They are not dangerous, but still do not have the same healing properties as first-grade oils. If you purchase it as a component of a cosmetic product, you should pay attention to:
- is shea butter one of the first listed in the composition;
- fame of the company engaged in production;
- whether oil is the main component;
The oil can be perfectly stored for 3 years in a cool place, in an airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Use homemade creams for no more than 3 months. There is no need to put it in the refrigerator.
Video lesson: properties and benefits of Shea butter.
Contraindications
There were no prohibitions on the use of shea until recently. It turned out that it contains latex and nuts in small quantities, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Frequent use can also clog pores.
Attention! You should not use a spoiled product - pay attention to the period and storage conditions of the oil.
Shea butter is a natural organic product that can heal the human body. The extract is widely used in the following areas: cosmetology, medicine and cooking. Universal components have a positive effect on the body both outside and inside. The presence of shea butter in a cosmetic product is a guarantee of young and healthy skin.
Many visitors to Africa sincerely admire the smooth and healthy skin of local women and their thick hair. Moreover, African women manage to preserve this wealth under the mercilessly scorching sun and scorching dry wind of the savannah. In addition to the bizarre play of genes, the centuries-old secret of the amazing skin condition of Africans lies in the regular use of skin extract obtained from the seeds of the shea tree. After all, Africans begin to actively use it, starting from infancy.
The shea tree has many names: colo, shea butter, African tallow tree, vitellaria amazing, etc. It is found in 19 countries of the African continent. To obtain valuable oil, fruits, similar to miniature avocados, begin to be collected only from trees that have reached 30 years of age (the lifespan of a tree can reach 300 years). The direct source of oil is the seeds found in the pit. They are dried, boiled or fried, and then carefully crushed.
The following methods for producing oil are currently known:
- manual (tested for centuries);
- industrial.
The manual method is more labor-intensive. Patient African women crush the seeds in mortars, then add a little water to them and grind them for a long time until a brownish paste forms. It is then rinsed to produce foam, which is collected and boiled. The top layer of the decoction prepared in this way is removed and cooled. The resulting substance is oil. It is a bit like baked milk.
Modern technological improvements in the process of obtaining shea butter include additional heat treatment, filtration, bleaching and deodorization. The resulting oil has an attractive snow-white color and is devoid of a specific odor.
Benefit
Shea butter has healing properties.Africans have long adapted to consuming nutritious shea butter as food. It is a worthy substitute for both butter and sunflower oil, which is familiar to Europeans. Shea butter contains a variety of poly- and monounsaturated (stearic, oleic, palmitic, linolenic, linoleic). These substances serve:
- strengthening all cell walls;
- participants in the formation of hormone-like substances;
- source of energy.
In civilized countries, shea butter is practically not eaten, but is used in some branches of the food industry (for example, to make margarine or chocolate, shea butter perfectly replaces cocoa butter).
It is much more in demand in the production of various cosmetics and medicinal balms. Shea butter has become a popular component of masks, creams, lipsticks, and scrubs. It is perfectly absorbed into the skin and goes well with other aromatic essential oils. In addition, this oil is believed to have medicinal properties. It:
- supplies the skin with essential fat-soluble vitamins (D, A, E), maintaining its elasticity and healthy condition;
- increases the formation of collagen, thereby preventing age-related changes in the skin and stretch marks - stretch marks (they form with a lot of weight or during pregnancy);
- reduces inflammation and associated tissue swelling (therefore, shea butter is used for minor injuries, sprains, bruises, myositis and arthritis as a local remedy, which is rubbed locally into the affected area);
- differs in antimicrobial activity;
- locally increases blood circulation (therefore it can be a good help during massage);
- heals burns, cracks, small wounds, diaper rash;
- nourishes and moisturizes the skin, combating flaking and protecting it from any vicissitudes of the climate (aggressive sun, dry hot wind, frost, sea water, etc.);
- strengthens nail plates, cuticles and hair.
Harm
However, you need to remember that, like any exotic product, shea butter can easily provoke an allergic reaction. Therefore, before using it for the first time, it is better to conduct a kind of allergy test by smearing a limited area of skin with shea butter.
The disadvantage of shea butter is the lack of large-scale clinical trials that meet the requirements of evidence-based medicine, which could categorically confirm its beneficial effects on the human body.
Features of application
Shea butter is used in cosmetology. Shea butter or products of which it is a component can be purchased in pharmacies or specialized natural cosmetics stores (including online stores). When purchasing, you must carefully read the composition of the product. The fact is that the method of making oil affects not only the final cost. Traditional African manual technology allows you to preserve more valuable substances. This oil is usually unrefined; it has a creamy or slightly greenish color and a perceptible nutty odor. Natural (without preservatives) butter is assigned class A. Class F shea butter is considered the lowest quality; it only has a moisturizing effect.
Aug-15-2016
What is shea tree?
What is shea butter, the properties and uses of this oil, as well as what medicinal properties does it have and what exactly is this oil good for human health? These questions often arise among those who care about their health and show interest in traditional methods of treatment, in particular treatment with essential oils. And this interest is understandable. Maybe in this article, to some extent, you can get an answer to these questions.
Shea, Shea, or Vitellaria amazing (Vitellaria paradoxa, or Butyrospermum parkii) is a tree of the Sapotaceae family, with a spreading crown and leathery leaves, growing in Mali, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan , Burkina Faso and Uganda. It reaches 10-20 m in height and can live for several centuries. It begins to bloom with fragrant brown flowers at the age of twenty and actively bear fruit at the age of fifty, maintaining high productivity for more than a hundred years.
Unripe fruits are green and turn brown when ripe. They are round, about 4 cm in diameter. The inside of the fruit consists of a thin layer of nutritious creamy pulp surrounding a relatively large, fat-rich seed, from which the so-called “shea butter” or shea butter is extracted.
Wikipedia
In nature, vitellaria amazing, or as it is also called shea tree, shea tree or African tallow tree grows in western Africa and is the only representative of the Sapotacea family that grows in the African savanna. Outwardly resembling small avocados, the fruits of this tree have tender and aromatic pulp, as well as a seed that contains that famous oil (50% of the contents of the seed). The tree itself must be 30 years old, only then will it be possible to harvest its fruits. An adult plant produces no more than 20 kg of fruit per season. The shea tree is sacred, and its wood is used to make a mourning bed for a dead king. Only women can harvest the tallow tree.
What is shea butter?
In Africa, shea butter (natural, unrefined) is still produced in the same way as a thousand years ago. The seeds of the tallow tree fruit are dried, then crushed and ground with a pestle in a wooden mortar until it becomes flour. After that, the flour is mixed with water and boiled until a green mass has the consistency of liquid oil, which is easy to collect, since it is located on the very surface of the water. Next, the mass is removed from the water, washed several times and cooled, and the mass thickens. Later, this butter is stored in the form of bars, like loose butter, and it is sold in the same form. The oil can be stored for at least 2 years in a cool, dark place.
This herbal remedy has a pleasant light nutty aroma.
Shea butter classification:
The classification system for this oil divides it into five classes:
Class A - crude or unrefined oil extracted using water.
Class B – refined.
Class C – highly purified oil. Extract with a solvent such as hexane.
Class D – oil with a low level of impurities.
Class E – oil with impurities.
Commercial grades are cash grades A, B, C. Grade A oil, ranging in color from light yellow to grey-yellow, has a nutty aroma not found in other grades. Class C oil is pure white.
Compound:
The composition of this herbal remedy is unique. It is the only base oil consisting of almost 80% triglycerides and 20% from so-called unsaponifiable fats.
According to its fat composition, shea butter can be divided into: unsaponifiable fats (about 17%) and triglycerides (about 80%). The unsaponifiable part is represented by caristerols and carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition is represented by: oleic acid (range from 40 to 55%), stearic acid (range from 35 to 45%), linoleic acid (from 3 to 8%), palmitic acid (up to 3%), and also: myristic acid, arachidic acid (less than 1%) and linolenic acid (less than 1%).
Shea butter is a well-known source of natural vitamins A, F, E, C, which perfectly moisturize the skin.
Application:
Shea butter is used in various fields, it is consumed as food and serves as a source of essential fats for Africans. Africans use it for frying, add it to various dishes, use it to run oil lamps, even rub it on shacks and use it to neutralize soil.
The unsaponifiable fatty compounds contained in this herbal product help protect the skin from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. in this case, the natural components of shea butter act as a powerful UV filter. Shea butter activates the protective and also regenerating capabilities of the skin. Regular use of this oil for cosmetic purposes helps renew the skin, and also really slows down the natural aging process.
Beneficial features:
Summarizing the above, we can highlight the following beneficial properties of shea butter:
- improvement of cellular metabolic processes in the skin;
- moisturizing and nourishing the skin;
- healing properties;
- elimination of skin inflammation;
- ideal for dry and sensitive skin;
- influence on the synthesis of collagen fibers;
- the oil makes the skin elastic and firm, thanks to its regenerating properties;
- Helps avoid stretch marks on the skin.
Thanks to all the above qualities, shea butter is used exclusively in high-ranking cosmetics.
As an active ingredient in cosmetic preparations, this herbal remedy helps protect the skin from adverse climatic conditions, helping to prevent the formation of wrinkles. It applies perfectly to the skin, is easily absorbed, leaving a pleasant feeling of softness and smoothness.
If you purchase a ready-made cosmetic product with shea butter, be sure to pay attention to how it appears in the list of ingredients; if not in the first row, then you will not get the expected effect due to the low content of active substances in the cream.
Medicinal properties:
Shea butter is used for medicinal purposes due to its decongestant and analgesic properties, it is used to rub painful muscles and joints, it is used for rheumatism, it also has a beneficial effect on open wounds (for example, to heal a cut umbilical cord) or if the skin is sensitive, especially in cases when the skin of the hands and feet cracks. Shea butter is also effective for burns, acne and eczema.
Tallow oil saves Africans from the sun, cold, heat and dry hot wind; they lubricate their scalp, exposed areas of the body, face, lips and even the nasal mucosa. Even babies in the harsh climatic conditions of Africa are massaged with shea butter in order to protect their delicate skin from the effects of heat.
Western countries actively use this herbal remedy in the cosmetics and medical industries.
How to choose shea butter?
Regardless of how you use shea butter, as part of cosmetic preparations or natural ones, it is important to know that only the oil that is produced using ancient technologies of African tribes, that is, by hand, will be truly useful, hence the corresponding price of the product .
It is also useful to know that if shea butter does not have its characteristic light nutty odor, that is, if it has no odor at all, then such oil is old or has been treated with substances during accelerated processing, which will also not give the expected result from its use, in this case it has an unnaturally white color, without the characteristic off-white color of shea butter. This is very important, because natural shea butter cannot be faked. It will be very appropriate both in your cosmetic bag and in your home medicine cabinet.
Application in cosmetology:
Being an environmentally friendly product, this oil is highly valued by cosmetologists. Its softening and protective properties are considered especially attractive. Back at the beginning of the 20th century, it was found that peoples who actively use shea butter have practically no skin problems, they are not characterized by skin diseases, which are impressively distinguished by their smoothness and elasticity. Therefore, shea butter even serves as a base for soap production.
But it is not only due to its protective and softening properties that shea butter is so popular in the cosmetics industry. The fats that make up it are capable of regeneration and affect the synthesis of collagen fibers, and also have a sunscreen effect. Therefore, oil can not only moisturize, soften and protect the skin, but also slow down the aging process in it.
For face:
Compared to other cosmetics, shea butter can be used undiluted. It does not have a strong effect and is not capable of causing a negative reaction. Thanks to the convenient consistency of the oil, you can easily and quickly prepare the desired composition at home.
Almost all additional components of masks based on shea butter can be obtained in a store or pharmacy. If the oil is mixed with other identical compounds, it is advisable to heat it in a water bath. The most popular are moisturizing, nourishing and rejuvenating face masks.
Mask for moisturizing facial skin:
To moisturize your skin and give it a healthy glow, you need to prepare a mask from the following ingredients:
- shea butter – 1 tsp;
- olive and almond oils – 1 tsp each;
- creamy yogurt – 1 tsp;
- vitamin E capsules – 1 pc.
When applying the mask to your face, you must take a horizontal position, since the resulting mixture is too liquid. You can make it thicker by adding a teaspoon of clay or oatmeal, ground into powder.
This mass should be kept for at least 20 minutes and then washed off. As a result, the skin will noticeably transform, become silky and healthy. The moisturizing mask should be used 2 times a week.
For hair:
Thanks to the high content of oleic (40-50%), stearic (35-45%) and fatty acids, shea butter makes hair elastic, smooth, and silky. Despite rave reviews, you should do a trial allergy test before using the product. Shea butter contains natural latex, the use of which can lead to unpleasant consequences if a person is particularly sensitive.
Solid unrefined oil should be softened at a temperature of approximately 37 degrees before use. Apply the product to dry hair, starting from the ends. Finish with a light scalp massage. Wrap your head in a warm towel for 2-3 hours, or leave it overnight. Then wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo. A mask made from shea extract refreshes curls, enhances skin cell metabolism, and stimulates hair growth. The oil quickly revives weakened hair damaged by chemical dyes or perms. The product can be mixed with essential and vegetable oils for better effect.
Cosmetics and products based on shea essential oil
For example, BT NATURAL cream with natural shea and cocoa butters (a very common combination), according to the manufacturer, not only nourishes and rejuvenates the skin of the body, but also increases its turgor and elasticity, and also effectively fights stretch marks. It is also recommended for pregnant women to care for the skin of the abdomen and is designed to model the contour of the body, tightening the skin.
Cream-gel for the skin around the eyes with shea butter from the Kora company will help not only get rid of puffiness, but also cope with bruises under the eyes, as well as fine wrinkles and make the skin more elastic.
Cream with shea butter for skin care made by STYX also has softening, moisturizing and protective properties, as well as a very pleasant texture.
The Karites brand (karite is also the name for shea butter) offers a whole series of different products based on shea butter. It includes a variety of hair care products, such as restoring balms, conditioners and creams, as well as creams for the care of the face, body, hands, clarified oil, cosmetic milk and so on.
