Unrefined Shea Butter

Prepared without chemicals and preservatives, unrefined shea butter is essentially produced in the method of African peoples throughout history. It is extracted from the shea tree seeds in a time-consuming process that involves workers gathering seeds, boiling and drying them, then pounding their shells to break and remove them so that the seed inside can be beaten with water and boiled again before extracting the pure fat. When it cools it’s whipped into a smooth cream that maintains its yellowish, ivory color and nutty, smoky aroma, as well as – and most importantly – all of its natural healing properties. Unrefined shea butter acts as a protective barrier against moisture loss, as well as an anti-inflammatory that soothes irritation and supports skin cell turnover.

Refined Shea Butter

Refined shea butter is processed in large plants where the practice of breaking open the seeds and separating the fat is expedited using chemicals such as hexane or other petroleum solvents. Not only are chemicals used in the extraction, but antioxidants or preservatives, as well as fillers like other inferior oils, may also be added, which ultimately change the butter’s color to bleach white, removes its natural odor and makes it extra smooth, however it retains only a small fraction of its beneficial healing properties. The natural butter changes and its properties are comprised in the process, yielding a product that lacks the true moiturising, nourishing quality of pure shea butter, and added chemicals or fragrances can also increase chances of irritation and allergic reaction.