Private Label Cosmetic Grade Unrefined shea butter/Refined shea butter
Products Description
Shea butter is a seed fat that comes from the shea tree. The shea tree is found in East and West tropical Africa. The shea butter comes from two oily kernels within the shea tree seed. After the kernel is removed from the seed, it is ground into a powder and boiled in water. The butter then rises to the top of the water and becomes solid.
Unrefined shea butter is made through a relatively simple and natural process. The nuts of the shea tree are first collected, and then the kernels are removed and dried. After that, they are ground into a paste, and the butter is extracted by pressing or other traditional methods. This process retains most of the natural components and characteristics of the shea butter.
Color and Odor: It usually has a yellow to ivory color, and its color may vary depending on the origin and processing details. It has a distinct, rich, and natural odor, often described as having a faint nutty or earthy smell. Some people also detect a hint of vanilla - like or smoky aroma, which is due to the natural substances and the traditional processing methods.
Refined shea butter undergoes a more complex processing procedure. After the initial extraction of the shea butter, it is further processed through methods such as filtration, bleaching, and deodorization. These processes are designed to remove impurities, reduce the color and odor of the butter, and improve its stability and shelf - life.
Color and Odor: Refined shea butter is usually lighter in color, often approaching a white or very pale yellow. It has a much milder odor compared to unrefined shea butter, with little to no detectable natural smell. This makes it more suitable for use in products where a neutral color and odor are desired.
Basic Analysis
| Inspection items | Technical Requirement | Test Result |
| Appearance | Grayish white to pale yellow | pale yellow |
| Smell | With shea butter special smell, no odor | With shea butter special smell, no odor |
| FFA，% | ≤6.0 | 3.7 |
| Moisture，% | ≤0.2 | 0.09 |
| Peroxide value，mgKOH/kg | ≤5.0 | 2.1 |
| Refractive index | 1.4620-1.4650 | 1.4640 |
| Melting point,℃ | 28-51 | 36.5 |
Benefits and Uses
Unrefined shea butter is rich in natural vitamins, especially vitamin A, and a variety of essential fatty acids. These components give it excellent moisturizing and nourishing properties. It can deeply penetrate the skin, helping to improve skin dryness and roughness, and promoting skin cell regeneration. It also has antioxidant effects, which can protect the skin from free radical damage and slow down the skin - aging process. In addition, its natural anti - inflammatory properties make it beneficial for treating some skin irritations and minor wounds.
Uses: It is widely used in natural skincare products, such as handmade soaps, body lotions, lip balms, and facial creams. Many people who prefer natural and chemical - free products choose unrefined shea butter because of its pure and natural nature. It is also used in some traditional African medicinal practices for treating various skin conditions.
Refined shea butter: Although the refining process removes some of the natural impurities, it still retains many of the beneficial fatty acids and nutrients present in shea butter. It provides effective moisturization to the skin, helping to keep it soft and supple. It can also form a protective barrier on the skin surface, preventing water loss and protecting the skin from environmental damage.
Uses: Refined shea butter is commonly used in the cosmetics industry, especially in products where a more refined and odorless ingredient is required. It is a popular ingredient in high - end skincare products, makeup, and hair care products. Its refined nature allows for better incorporation into formulations and a more uniform texture, making it easier to use in a variety of applications.
