The Shea-Karite tree is a tree native to the eastern and western central regions and countries of Africa. They can take between 30-50 years to mature. The trees produce a fruit (also called a nut) that contains a seed that undergoes an extensive process to turn it into the creamy silky substance known as shea butter.

There are different types of products that contain shea butter. There are also two major different classes to consider. Unrefined, sometimes also called raw, is in its completely natural state and holds the most beneficial qualities in it that gives the cream so many of its healing properties. This type is thicker in consistency and typically is of a yellow shade. Refined types, also called pure, due to it being purified, undergo a process which pulls out any impurities. Unfortunately, many manufactuerers also add chemicals to the refined types, which can cause it lose many of the vitamins and essential nutrients that makes it also lose its natural appeal.

When considering products made of shea butter, it is best to look for those which use it in its natural state. You will also want to take special care to ensure it has a high concentration. This is particularly true for lotions and soaps, as they may claim to have it in it, but have such small concentrations that it would be of no actual benefit to your skin or your health.

Here are some of the common health benefits of shea butter:

Vitamins A and E: Vitamins A and E are very beneficial for moisturizing the skin as well as helping to restore its elasticity. This causes it to be an excellent thing to use for those with dry skin who can benefit from these moisturizing properties. It has also been used by some as an anti wrinkle agent as well as used for helping reduce and eliminate stretch marks associated with pregnancy and weight loss and weight gain.

Healing Properties: Unrefined class A shea butter has many healing properties that can help with things such as frostbite, burns, insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, scars, and more.

Other BenefitsWhile it is widely researched to be used as a cosmetic, there are many other possible uses. It is believed by some to help with muscle tension and pain, as well as with sinus pressure and allergies. It is also used as a cooking oil, much like olive oil is used.

With so many amazing health benefits of shea butter, there is no question as to why its popularity has grown from its roots in Africa to being used all over the world!

Because it may seem difficult or complicated to use at first, we decided we would help create a simple guide on how to use shea butter for your hair and revitalize it for the best results.

The benefits of using shea butter shampoo and hair products are many.  It is a natural conditioner and will blow away any types of commercial shampoos you have used before. You hair will feel softer, seem to shine more, and your scalp will feel good as well. Those who suffer from an itchy scalp can benefit greatly from shea butter.

It can be applied quite simply in its natural state. We prefer unrefined types, as they do not lose any of their healing properties due to proccessing it. It comes in blocks or you can purchase it in a jar.

To get started, you should first dampen or wash your hair. This will make it much easier to apply and use.  You can then decide whether you would like to use the butter in its natural state or take a few minutes to turn in into a liquid which can be added much easier in the shower and as a hot oil treatment.

To use the product in its natural state, all you will need to do is to scoop a small amount into your fingers and then gently rub it so it will soften, as it often will begin to liquify just from your own body temperature. Work it in gently, rubbing it in starting from your scalp and roots all the way to the tips. You will immediately begin noticing results. You would think that your hair might feel greasy after doing this, but it ususually isn’t!  We recommend doing it right before bed so you can allow the butter to really work its magic before you shampoo and style as usual. You’ll notice a dramatic difference!

If you prefer to have a liquid substance that is slightly easier to apply into your hair, you can soften and possibly melt the creme pretty easily. All you will need to do is to place about 1-2 tablespoons of it into a plastic bag and seal tightly. Then, run hot water out of the tap over the bag for 1-2  minutes. NEVER microwave or heat the butter directly over the tap – not only could this cause a burn (although you will have shea butter to help soothe that pain!) adding heat to the product also depletes it of some of its natural qualities that help make it so moisturizing and wonderful.

Once you have slightly melted the butter, you will see that it applies on very easily and quickly. Be sure you really rub it into your scalp and all the way from the roots to the very tips. Again, you can leave on for 30 minutes before washing if you feel that it makes your skin oily, or we recommend putting it on right before bedtime and then washing your hair for a rejuvenating feeling first thing in the morning.

Do you have any tips or ideas for using shea butter for hair care? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Rich in vitamins A and E, as well as other important fats and nutrients, this centuries old extract has been used for a long time to help with common skin conditions. It is an excellent moisturizer and can also help prevent wrinkles or stretch marks as it helps promote healthy elasticity in the skin. Some also have had success in using it as an acne treatment, though there are relatively little studies done to prove this.

There are many different types of Shea butter body lotion products available. Some are available as pure shea extract while others have other ingredients and additives combined with them. When shopping for these products, its important that you are very careful as to what you are actually buying.

Many companies which market these products may make the claims of having shea butter in their lotions, unfortunately the amount may be very small, or they may not use a high grade of it that would actually give any benefits from use.

The best thing we recommend doing is to forget buying the lotions with it in it and get shea butter itself. This is because you don’t really know what you are getting in a lotion – and some of these body lotions contain fragrances which are not good for you, ingredients that clog your pores, agents that actually make your skin more dry, or harsh chemicals that can cause problems when absorbed through your skin. Sure, a lotion might look good on the packaging or the company’s website, but you want to make sure that the product you are getting is good for you – not make your existing skin conditions worse!

For the best results, first you will need a high quality grade shea butter. Some prefer raw unrefined varieties others prefer the purified versions. There is a bit of controversy as to which ones are actually “better” so the best thing to do is to choose whatever works best for you and what you like. Everybody has different unique individuals tastes and preferences, so it is important that you think about what you want and what you need more so than any reviews. If you have not used this product before, you may wish to instead try several of them to get an idea of what you like the best.

The extract that you buy is very thick, which is why it gets its name of butter. This can make it seem like it would be difficult to spread on your skin. Some have reported that East Africa Shea Butter is better for this, but either will work just fine.

A little known fact is that this thick substance liquifies rather easily at low temperatures. While it may seem solid at room temperature, when you rub it through your fingers and apply it to your skin you will notice it is much softer and easier to spread. If you want to be able to spread it very easily, placing it in a plastic bag and then running it under very hot water for a minute or so will bring it to a near lotion like consistency that is smooth and very easy to work into your skin.

Before using a shea butter lotion product, you may want to be careful if you have a history to nuts or latex, testing only a small patch of your skin at first or avoiding it all together. While the chance of an allergic reaction is quite rare and no formal studies have been performed to conclude allergies, it is always best to be on the safe side.

Have any questions or comments? Share them below!

photo credit: bradleygee

We recommend if you have not used shea butter before that you first try a sample pack that offers a wide variety of different types and products first. There are many different options to choose from and before buying something in bulk and being stuck with a large quantity of shea butter, you should first be absolutely sure that type you wish to have is the right kind for you.

There are two main different types – which are unrefined and pure.  It can be confusing what pure raw unrefined shea butter actually means, which is why learning about the different types can help you make the best decision. Unrefined and raw types generally mean that butter is in its original state and is not processed. Pure however typically means that it has been refined and processed, sometimes with chemicals added in order to help change its appearance and smell.

Then there is also the difference between East Vs. West African Shea Butter. While both types both possess the same healing properties and are made of the same material from the Shea tree, some do report a difference in the consistency, odor, and moisturizing properties found in each. It is believed that the Eastern types have less of a scent and are better for moisturizing, yet the Western varieties still hold as strong contenders for helping with skin irritation due to conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

When buying in bulk, you will also want to make sure you are dealing with a reputable vendor. You do not want to be stuck with buying imitation Shea butter or to get a product that is not actually 100% shea butter. There are many companies and individuals who provide bulk shipping and products. Carefully researching them online will give you an idea as to what their reputation is and what level of service you can expect should be.

Prices for wholesale shea butter are far less than individually priced items. You can expect to save a discount of up to 30-40% off and prices typically hover around $5 per pound. This is a considerable savings if you are someone who uses it regularly or has a high demand for it.

Have any recommendations about buying wholesale and bulk shea butter? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

photo credit: whiteafrican

Shea butter is made by extracting it from the pits of the fruit of the shea karite tree. This tree is native to Africa and grows in the countries of Nigeria, Mali, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Senegal, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Uganda. It is relatively rare to see it grown anywhere else unless in a controlled environment (such as commercial greenhouses). This is why almost 98% of the shea butter you see and use is a type of African shea butter.

The next question of course we often get is whether East vs. West makes a difference.

The terms regarding eastern and western are derived from the geological location of where the tree was grown the fruit harvested. If you look at a map, you can see that the countries Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Togo are in the Western part of Africa. Shea butter extracted from these trees is commonly considered to be West African Shea Butter. The countries on the Eastern side of the hemisphere include Sudan, Cameroon, Congo, Uganda and others.

There seems to be relatively little difference between East vs West African shea butter, though some have noted some differences in either texture or in the way they help with certain ailments. Since the trees are the same, the only reason for the slight differences could be attributed to the effects of climate – for example one tree may get more sun or more water – others may have a different balanced soil or get more nutrients from the ground that can effect the quality of the butter.

Below are some characteristics to help you decide which are best for you:

Western Characteristics: Believed to be more beneficial for healing, somewhat thicker consistency, stronger unrefined shea butter scent, believed to be the most beneficial for relieving irritation due to psoriasis and eczema.

Eastern Characteristics: The main notable Eastern Characteristics are that it is easier to spread, as it tends to seem more oily that its Western cousin and unrefined or raw shea butter does not have as strong as an odor as the unrefined varieties from the West. It is believed to be helpful as a diaper rash cream. Because of its higher oil density, it is believed to also be a better moisturizer.

When it comes to deciding which African shea butter is best for you, it’s all a matter of personal preference. Both are excellent for working as a moisturizer and helping aid with skin conditions. If you simply can’t decide, we recommend trying them both initially and then determining which one you like the best.

Vitamins A and E are present in this naturally occurring product which helps moisturize the skin. Most Shea Butter soaps do not have chemicals added to them and may have additional natural ingredients added to them. It is not uncommon for it to be mixed with fruits or for it to be suspended in other pure and natural ingredients.

What are the benefits of Soaps With Shea Butter?

There are many benefits of using these types of soap products. If you have dry skin that is prone to flaking or cracking, you’ll find that it can help make these problems less of an issue. Unlike other moisturizing skin products, which may use petroleum based products, it will not cause your skin to become oily or leave a residue on your skin.

When using the soap, you may notice some of these common benefits:

Reduced Itchiness: If you suffer from itchy skin due to drying, you will notice that you are not nearly as itchy any longer. For those who live in cold climates and especially are prone to this problem in the winter months, using a natural based soap can give you relief from dry skin that causes itching and discomfort.

Restores Elasticity: Our skin has the ability to “stretch”, which means it can change from being loose to tight and it is supposed to naturally stretch as our body needs it to. For example, if you were to gain or lose weight, your skin would adjust to accommodate for this. However, for some their skin does not stretch where it should go, especially in the cases of pregnancy such as in stretch marks, rapid or excessive weight loss/gain. Age is also believed to play a factor in the occurrence of stretch marks or wrinkles. By using a soap that can help with this, you can help prevent, reduce, or eliminate stretch marks and wrinkles.

Soften Tough Skin: Those who work with their hands in extreme conditions or are constantly walking around barefoot can develop very rough and tough skin in these areas. It is a natural reaction to being exposed to excessive and extreme conditions for your skin to toughen in order to help it protect you. However, having rough hands and feet can make you not as sensitive to touch and also feel rough to others who touch your hands, especially small children. By using a soap with natural shea butter, you can help soften this tough skin.

Relief for Skin Conditions: Many with skin conditions such as exzema, psoraisis, and others may find relief from the soothing and healing benefits of using soaps made with shea extract. While it is no substitute for professional medical treatment, it can provide some relief.

What Kinds of Soaps Should I Buy?

When looking at the many different options available it can be somewhat overwhelming as to what type you should buy or try. Something you will notice is that most of these soaps are expensive in comparison to other soaps – but they also last longer, which can over time result in little to no cost difference.

When buying different products, we recommend choosing a reputable vendor, since many might claim their soap is made with the butter but in reality has very little concentration of it. Researching the different brands can help you recognize rather quickly what each has to offer in terms of benefits and if they are actually legitimate.

Below are some of the top brands recognized worldwide.

L’OCCITANE Shea Butter: This soap made in France is typically 80% vegetable oils mixed with 20% shea butter for a wonderful product that leaves most others behind. They offer it in both bar and liquid form and in several different varieties and scents such as lavender, orange, and others. We reccommend the L`Occitane – Try Me Shea Gift Set if you haven’t used the brand before – that way you can get an idea of exactly what your favorites are.

Mistral Soap Mistral is another popular name in the French line of shea butter soaps. They offer a wide selection of variety of scents, the most popular including Verbena, Lavender, and Melon Pear. We recommend the Mistral Soap Pack, which offers one bar of each and can save you about $8 off the price of purchasing them separately.

Many other brands exist, these were just our two top picks. We’re sure that there are ones that we haven’t tried yet – and if you’re a soap maker and would like to send us your product for review on our site we would love to hear about it and try it! You can contact us with your details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have any shea butter soaps you like? Share your thoughts on your top picks, buying suggestions and other information in the comments below!

The Short Answer is that types carrying these designations are believed to be the most natural form available derived from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree leaving most of its properties intact. Raw unrefined shea butter is believed to retain the most nutrients and benefits found in it, whereas when it is processed or refined some of these properties may be altered or stripped from it during the purification process.

Consumer Watch: Be Wary of the Word Pure

When looking for various products to try and use, such as soaps or lotions, it can be quite confusing as to what exactly you are getting if you have never purchased it before and if there is not a lot of information about the actual product you are interested in. It is especially confusing because many producers and manufacturers will use the word pure to describe their product, which could sometimes mislead people into believing that their product is all natural and not processed. However, pure and unrefined are not always the same thing, since many define “pure” to mean to strip away any impurities that are naturally found in it. While there are still some benefits in types that have been proccessed, you are not as likely to have the same results, since refining it to remove certain elements can also pose the risk of it losing the different properties during the purification process.

The Biggest Difference is in How It Is Made

To help clarify the differences of the types you are considering, it helps to understand the process in which the butter is extracted. The original and manual method involves picking the fruits from the tree and then by hand removing the pits. Once the pits are removed, they then undergo a process that may include boiling, sun drying, and roasting the nuts. At this point they are then crushed by hand.

Commercial producers now do most of this process by machine to help expedite and speed up the process, since the manual method can take almost a full day to simply produce a single pound of the extract. Using high temperature ovens and machinery makes sense when producing large quantities, but doing so can also result in differences in the item that is produced. Often times when making shea butter extract on a commercial basis manufacturers will then add other chemicals or ingredients into the batch. This is believed by many to diminish the level of benefits one would receive from using the product. However, it is also the most cost effective solution, since it could be quite expensive to do everything by hand or not add ingredients that can lengthen the shelf life of the smooth creamy substance.

How Do I Make Sure the Product I Order is High Quality?

When doing your research, it is helpful to understand basic consumer ingredient labels to ensure that you are getting a genuine product. Many companies will claim that their product has shea butter in it, and even emphasize this – however when inspecting the label in greater detail you may notice that on the list of ingredients it is one of the last items listed. High concentrations will have the ingredient listed first – not last.

The best way to tell if the product you are interested in is unrefined is to assess its color and smell. Natural manual extractions of the nut will have a thick somewhat yellow-ish tint to it and smell “nutty”. When it has been extracted mechanically or had chemicals added to it, it may be solid white in appearance and have little to no smell whatsoever.

Another way which will help you ensure a quality product is to buy only from reliable sources and companies. Be wary of vendors who claim ridiculous benefits or seem pushy about selling it. You may also want to consider how much the price is – very low priced items may signify that it has been diluted.

Naturally occurring vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin F. Vitamin A and Vitamin E have long been associated with having beneficial properties for healing skin ailments as well as helping promote moisture retention and protect it from the elements. Another property found naturally in unrefined whipped shea butter is cinnamic acid, which can be used as a natural sunscreen. Another component of raw shea butter is the fat composition in it. These are “good fats” and are also attributed to better health and skin and hair care.

Now that you know the difference between pure, raw, and unrefined shea butter, hopefully you are equipped with the information you need to make sure that you choose a product that meets your needs exactly.

Have any questions or comments about raw shea butter? Feel free to leave them in the comments below and we will do our best to answer them for you.