Unrefined Shea Butter for Cosmetics and Food

Description

Unrefined Shea Butter 

Unrefined Shea butter is a naturally occurring fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). People have long revered this versatile ingredient. It is known for its exceptional moisturizing properties. Additionally, it nourishes the skin and soothes.

Key Benefits of Shea Butter

1. Moisturizing and Emollient Properties: Shea butter is rich in fatty acids such as oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. These acids help deeply hydrate the skin. Additionally, they lock in moisture.
2. Skin Barrier Support: Shea butter contains triterpenes, which strengthen and repair the skin’s natural barrier. Consequently, this reduces transepidermal water loss.
3. Benefiting sensitive or irritated skin: Natural compounds in shea butter, like cinnamic acid and vitamin E, offer anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. As a result, they benefit sensitive or irritated skin.
4. Antioxidant Protection: Also Shea butter contains natural antioxidants such as vitamins A and E. These antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage.
5. Versatility and Texture: Shea butter has a rich, creamy texture that melts easily on the skin. This makes it a versatile ingredient in many cosmetic products.

Applications of Shea Butter in Cosmetics

• Moisturizers and Body Butters: Shea butter is a staple ingredient in deeply nourishing moisturizers and body butters, where it provides long-lasting hydration and a velvety-smooth finish.
• Lip Care Products: Formulators commonly use shea butter in lip balms, lip glosses, and lipsticks to soothe, protect, and moisturize the delicate lip area.
• Hair Care Formulations: Formulators incorporate shea butter into hair masks, deep conditioners, and leave-in treatments to improve hair’s manageability, softness, and shine.
• Facial Care Products: Formulators add shea butter to facial cleansers, serums, and moisturizers to provide intense hydration and nourishment for the skin.

Usage Guidelines

When formulating with shea butter, the typical usage level ranges from 1% to 20%, depending on the desired level of moisturization and the type of product. Add shea butter to the oil phase of a formula and melt it with other lipophilic ingredients.

Embrace the skin-nourishing benefits of shea butter and elevate your cosmetic products with this versatile and luxurious ingredient.