Unrefined Shea Butter - Natural African Shea Butter

Unrefined Shea Butter

• INCI Name:
  Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

• CAS Number:
  194043-92-0

• Alternate Names:
  • Raw Shea Butter
  • Natural Shea Butter
  • African Shea Butter
  • Virgin Shea Butter
  • Unprocessed Shea Butter

• Benefits & Uses (Short):
  • Deeply moisturizes and nourishes skin
  • Helps soften rough and dry skin
  • Supports skin barrier function
  • Excellent emollient for hair and scalp care
  • Rich in naturally occurring vitamins and fatty acids
  • Used in creams, lotions, body butters, lip balms, soaps, and hair products
• How It Works (Short):
  • Functions as a rich emollient that forms a protective layer on the skin to reduce moisture loss
  • Contains oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids that help condition and soften the skin
  • Rich in unsaponifiable compounds that support skin comfort and conditioning
  • Helps improve the feel and texture of cosmetic formulations
  • Melts near body temperature, allowing easy absorption and spreadability
  • Provides long-lasting moisturization and helps protect skin from environmental dryness
• Olfactory Notes:
  • Natural nutty aroma
  • Mild earthy scent
  • Slight smoky or roasted nuance (varies by origin and processing method)
  • Rich buttery character
  • Stronger aroma than refined shea butter

• FAQs:

  Q: What is the difference between unrefined and refined shea butter?
  A: Unrefined shea butter retains its natural color, aroma, and beneficial compounds, while refined shea butter is processed to remove odor and color.

  Q: Is Unrefined Shea Butter good for dry skin?
  A: Yes, it is one of the most popular natural moisturizers for dry and rough skin.

  Q: Can it be used in hair care products?
  A: Yes, it helps moisturize hair, reduce dryness, and improve manageability.

  Q: What is the typical usage level in cosmetics?
  A: Commonly used at 2%–100%, depending on the product type.

  Q: Why does unrefined shea butter have a natural smell?
  A: Because it undergoes minimal processing and retains its natural fatty acids and plant-derived components.