Shea butter (or karite butter) is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the African shea tree (Karite, Tallow tree). Shea butter quickly hardens at room temperature, has a pleasant delicate nutty smell, has a creamy rich texture and is ideal for moisturizing and nourishing the skin and hair. It is used in food, in the food industry, and also for making ointments and cosmetics.
Shea butter is on par with well-known emollients. It is used both in pure form and in mixtures with other oils. It is often included in the composition of regenerating and anti-aging cosmetic products. No contraindications or side effects have been found for the use of shea butter. It can be used as a skin care product for children without risk to the child’s health.
Refined Shea butter has a high content of unsaponifiable fraction, containing 60-70% triterpene alcohols. Triterpene alcohols exhibit proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and also allow cosmetics to penetrate deeply into the skin.
