Shea Butter

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Can you tell me about Shea Butter, what exactly is it and where do you

find it.?????????

I'm learning :0)

Angie

 

Shea

Butter - A butter obtained from the nut of the Mangifolia tree in Central Africa

 

 

The Mangifolia tree can live up to 300 years and has been called the “God Send” to the people of Africa. Found in the African Savannah, the Mangifolia tree gives up its fruit once a year. This is called the Karite nut. This nut is then boiled and the oil is extracted from it and refined into shea butter.

 

SHEA Butter contains fatty acid triglycerides (mainly oleic and stearic) and a high amount of unsaponifiable matters which can range from 2.5 % to 15 %.), this exceptionally rich vegetable extract contains fatty acids, Phytosterol and unsaponifiables, who stimulate the skin natural renewal process . The composition of the product however depends on several criteria particularly its geographic origin, its botanical origin and the way it has been processed (time during which the nuts have been dried, ripeness...) Crude Shea Butter has natural antioxidant properties due to its content in tocopherols.

 

COSMETIC USE: As all vegetable fats, Shea Butter has soothing , moisturizing and protecting effects. Due to the presence of a sizable quantity of unsaponifiable matters, its content in vitamins and other active elements. It displays a protecting role against UV rays because of its content in cinnamic acid and can thus be incorporated in solar products. The latex contained in shea butter would moreover prevent certain sun allergies. SHEA BUTTER has also an activity on cell regeneration and capillary circulation. This favors the healing of small wounds, dermites, cracks, crevices, skin ulcers. In the cosmetic field, this property is an asset against skin aging.it has restructuring effects on the epidermis, it has an anti-elastase characteristic which makes it a good active ingredient against stretch marks. It is very well tolerated by the skin for it does not trigger any allergic reaction and can even be used on very sensitive skin areas such as mucous tissues and around the eyes. It is therefore an outstanding product for cosmetic, even incorporated in high proportions. It can be used in anti aging products , moisturizing creams for dehydrated, irritated, scaly skins..

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Thanks this looks like some very nice stuff. I will have to get some. Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace, Angie

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandra,

 

If the shea you have does not smell rancid, you can use it in anything you

like. Depending on quality and processing methods, shea can last up to 3 yrs

or the time it starts going bad. Once you smell even a *hint* of off smell,

throw it away. You can't even use it in soap, the smells comes thru.

 

If the shea you have is creamy in texture and has a nutty/smoky smell, it is

the herbal kind. If it's white and hard, it's not.

The white hard kind can be used in soap and lotions for the body. It will

block pores if used in lotions or creams for the face.

The creamy, off white, or beigish kind, can be used in lotions or creams for

the face.

 

For eo's in creams, if it is a drop or two added afterward and the eo's are

not adulterated, [some people dilute them in jojoba, etc], then it's

generally regarded as safe [gras] to add add to lotions and creams.

Depending on the recipe, sometimes it's best to add the eo afterward it's

cooled down. Heat dissipates the oils sometimes, making you think you need a

lot more than you do.

 

If you are using an expensive oil, you would want to drop it in one drop at

a time until it's the scent you want it.

Janine Phariss

www.BlueSageNaturals.com

Fade scars, relieve pain, clear up eczema!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/4/2003 10:03:00 PM Central Standard Time,

writes:

My question is, is there a difference in pharmaceutical (if there is such a

thing) shea butter, and shea butter used in cream formulas? I wondered if I

could use what's left in a face or hand cream?

Sandra, I'll try to help you with this question...hopefully a lotion maker

will jump in and help with that question. There are different varieties

of shea butter, all varieties can be used in cream formulas. The two basic

different types are referred to as Refined and Unrefined......although I loved

your term Pharmaceutical! The two types have different

characteristics......but all shea butter has marvelous moisurizing qualities.

Shea butter has a long shelf if stored in a reasonable environment

(temperate environment, air tight container, out of direct sunlight). If the

butter doesn't have a funny 'old' smell to it then I think it would be fine to

use

in a small batch of cream for your own use. I would probably use that stash

on my cuticles and rough dry spots on my heels and splurge on some fresh butter

(available through online distributors for $6-$8 a pound) for use in my cream

experiments though.

Here is the link to a member of this forum, she offers a top quality

Unrefined Shea Butter that is super fresh, reasonably priced and she is a

pleasure to work with too! http://www.naturalindulgences.com/

margie

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hello Sandra,

 

It appears that others have adequately responded to this, but I just

thought I'd put in my 2 cents worth.

 

> I was wondering if someone could tell me if a shea butter that I

purchased

> about 2 yrs. ago is the same as the shea butter used in creams. I

bought

> this from a company called Thorne, that makes quality

vitamin/mineral

> supplements. It was about $10 an ounce, it's an off-white/beige

color, and

> in a plastic container.

 

This is probably refined butter and yes, probably what most companies

use in their products. $10 oz Holy Moly! That is incredible!

 

> My question is, is there a difference in pharmaceutical (if there

is such a

> thing) shea butter, and shea butter used in cream formulas? I

wondered if I

> could use what's left in a face or hand cream?

 

The closest thing to " pharmaceutical " shea butter would be a hexane

extracted butter. That is what the FDA has approved (so far) for

food use in the USA. Nice huh. They basically want nothing of it's

natural state left in it except for maybe the stearic and oleic acid.

I personally wouldn't use it in a hand or face cream. I'd use it

like Margie suggested, just straight on cuticles or rough feet.

 

>

> Also, if I may ask another one, can you add essential oils to a

cream that's

> already made up and set, say, the next day,or does it have to be

put in at

> the time of creating when it's still kind of warm?

 

Whenever I make creams I add the eo's during the cool down phase.

That way they won't dissapate out. I have added some to a cool cream

as well. I personally think when the cream or lotion is warm and

thinner than it is when set up, the eo's get dispersed better. Thats

just my opinion though.

 

> TIA,

> Sandra

 

HTH,

Margaret

Certified Shea Butter Technician

http://www.naturalindulgences.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Margie,

 

Thanks for the nice words ((blushing)).

 

Margaret

 

 

> Here is the link to a member of this forum, she offers a top quality

>Unrefined Shea Butter that is super fresh, reasonably priced and she is a

>pleasure to work with too! http://www.naturalindulgences.com/

>margie

 

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[Guest guest]

Thank you- This sounds perfect .

 

> coming in very late to this thread, so this might have already been

> suggested (the down side of being on digest!)

>

> What about just plain whipped Shea Butter...

>

> cut it into small pieces, put in the bowl of a stand mixer...and start

> beating it... it will (eventually) whip up light as merengue...

>

> you can just package that plain...delightful creamy good stuff...

>

> or sift a bit of cornstarch over and beat in... this will cut the greasy

> feeling a bit...leave a 'powdery' dry down

>

> or beat in a tiny bit of your favorite skin softening eo's...

> ce <>.

[Guest guest]

Hey Michelle,

 

There are a few, myself included.

 

http://www.naturalindulgences.com I carry pure lab tested Grade A shea

butter. (In Oregon)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com Our list Mom's site, she has some too. (In

Texas)

 

http://www.hillcountryhaiku.biz Margie Lemons has unrefined. (In Texas)

 

http://www.aromakaye.com They have graded butter and are in GA I think, but

are a bit spendy I believe.

 

These are all good places to get good quality unrefined shea butter IMHO.

 

Sincerely,

Margaret

Natural Indulgences LLC

(Who'll be posting a big shea butter sale next Thursday)

 

>Hi Folks

>

>Someone had posted here about a suppler for unrefined shea butter- The one

>I

>have been using is not making me happy :-). I want the real unrefined

>stuff.

>

>Anyone have a supplier they love?

>

>Thanks

>

>Michelle

>www.greentaramama.com

>

 

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[Guest guest]

Marti on the list is talking about doing another unrefined Shea butter buy.

This is the best shea. I bought LOTS from her last buy.

MAKE A HAPPY MEMORY EVERY DAY:

Evelyn

Alternasense Skin Design Products

www.alternasense.com<http://www.alternasense.com/>

-

m morton<greentara

< >

Friday, June 25, 2004 7:17 AM

shea butter

 

 

Hi Folks

 

Someone had posted here about a suppler for unrefined shea butter- The one I

have been using is not making me happy :-). I want the real unrefined stuff.

 

Anyone have a supplier they love?

 

Thanks

 

Michelle

www.greentaramama.com<http://www.greentaramama.com/>

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Hi Michell

always ask for a analysis of their Shea butter

not all Shea butter passes the test that is being sold on the market

Grade A & B are fine but anything less no Make sure the test show not micro

bug on the test If they cant provide a certificate I would not buy it this is

for your protection

Sharon

 

Margaret Helm-Duell <naturalindulgences wrote:

Hey Michelle,

 

There are a few, myself included.

 

http://www.naturalindulgences.com I carry pure lab tested Grade A Shea

butter. (In Oregon)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com Our list Mom's site, she has some too. (In

Texas)

 

http://www.hillcountryhaiku.biz Margie Lemons has unrefined. (In Texas)

 

http://www.aromakaye.com They have graded butter and are in GA I think, but

are a bit spendy I believe.

 

These are all good places to get good quality unrefined Shea butter IMHO.

 

Sincerely,

Margaret

Natural Indulgences LLC

(Who'll be posting a big Shea butter sale next Thursday)

 

>Hi Folks

>

>Someone had posted here about a suppler for unrefined Shea butter- The one

>I

>have been using is not making me happy :-). I want the real unrefined

>stuff.

>

>Anyone have a supplier they love?

>

>Thanks

>

>Michelle

>www.greentaramama.com

>

 

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[Guest guest]

I apologize for the late reply - but I love, love, LOVE the shea

butter from Agbanga Karite. I've ordered 2 - 100 lb batches and both

have been amazing. I gave some samples to 4 soapers I know and they

all ordered a bunch last time (we went in together and got a couple

hundred pounds) and we all really really like it, both in soaps but

also in balms and whipped shea creams. They are also Fair Trade

certified which I really like. I also have ordered their VCO and black

soap and been happy with those too. Check out their site at

www.agbangakarite.com.

 

-maggie

 

 

, " m morton " <greentara@x> wrote:

> Hi Folks

>

> Someone had posted here about a suppler for unrefined shea butter-

The one I

> have been using is not making me happy :-). I want the real

unrefined stuff.

>

> Anyone have a supplier they love?

>

> Thanks

>

> Michelle

> www.greentaramama.com

[Guest guest]

You got that right Maggie Mae!!!!!! Agbangakarite has awesome shea butter. Marti

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

I get mine from Marti Smith martismith50

Paula ........in Michigan

Coming soon Farm Fresh Soaps & Candles

paula

 

-

Jennifer Flanagan

Wednesday, October 13, 2004 1:38 AM

Shea Butter

 

 

 

I know we have a shea butter expert on this list .. somewhere. LOL

 

Where would be the best place to get unrefined, east African and west

African shea butter.. at the best price.. certified, and all that.

 

Thanks ahead of time!

 

Jennifer

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Jennifer,

 

>I know we have a shea butter expert on this list .. somewhere. LOL

 

I am not sure if I am the expert *grin*, but I do know a bit about shea

butter and have my opinions.

 

>

>Where would be the best place to get unrefined, east African and west

>African shea butter.. at the best price.. certified, and all that.

 

Now, for the opinion part. If it were me, I wouldn't waste my money on the

over expense of East African Shea butter. It is less readily available, but

it is in no way superior to West African Shea butter. And...there is NO ONE

that I have ever seen go to the expense of having East African Shea

laboratory tested for molds etc... You can get similar results with a mix

of West African shea and a quality soft oil such that is high in Oleic acid,

Argan oil would be ideal! Now on to the " certified " part of the question

and West African. After extensive studying and sampling of many different

shea butters on the market and also experiencing the customer service of

companies out there, I have my favorites and I have some I will NEVER do

business with. I no longer believe it is necessary to have " certified " shea

butter. That means I do not believe that in order for it to be good/the

best shea butter it does not have to be labeled Grade A by the American Shea

Butter Institute. I have seen shea butter pass the Grade A test and in my

opinion is inferior butter. Call me a shea butter snob if you will, I will

accept that, but I will not compromise on the quality of butter I use and/or

sell. The formula used to determine the Grade of shea butter in my opinion

is lacking. It allows for less than desirable butter to be passed off as

premium. Most folks probably don't care about all that and just want some

butter at the lowest price out there. Well, be careful is what I say, when

buying so called " certified " butter and any shea butter out there. The MOST

important thing is that the butter has been lab tested, any lab will do

and that it meet certain criteria.

 

Okay, now onto something a little lighter. I am currently awaiting a fresh

shipment of unrefined shea butter and should be picking it up by the end of

this week. I will post a Super Fast buy on it just as soon as I get pricing

confirmed. Chris has graciously okay'd that I can post this buy after I get

the details, even if it's a day earlier than ad day. Which I appreciate

very much!

 

>Thanks ahead of time!

 

Your welcome and I sure hope I didn't come off as sounding to harsh about it

all. I just have a passion about it. and I hope this will help.

 

Sincerely,

Margaret

Natural Indulgences LLC

 

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[Guest guest]

Margaret Actually I was hoping you would respond, and you were the expert

I was talking about lol. I did not find your post at all harsh! I found it

very informative and I thank you for taking the time to post! And your not a

shea snob! LOL! I do hope I am able to buy some shea from you.. Depends how

much money I have at the time, LOL But you also sell it in bulk on your site

right?

Thanks again!

Jennifer

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret,

 

Could you please post your web address in your signature line? I know

that I had your site bookmarked before, but cannot locate it.

 

Luckily, I have really gone through and organized my bookmarks well

and none will be able to hide from me again!

 

Thanks!

Andrea

[Guest guest]

Hey Jennifer,

 

>Margaret Actually I was hoping you would respond, and you were the

>expert

>I was talking about lol. I did not find your post at all harsh! I found it

>very informative and I thank you for taking the time to post!

 

Oh cool! I will post about shea butter anytime

 

>And your not a

>shea snob! LOL!

 

Thanks!

>

I do hope I am able to buy some shea from you.. Depends how

>much money I have at the time, LOL But you also sell it in bulk on your

>site

>right?

 

Your chance for this is coming right up! I am gearing up to post that super

fast buy, and I just put up a revamped site with lower wholesale prices on

shea butter. http://www.naturalindulgences.com

 

>Thanks again!

>Jennifer

 

You are welcome for sure!

Have a great day!

Margaret

 

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[Guest guest]

Hi Andrea,

 

>Could you please post your web address in your signature line?

 

I will do that from now on *grin "

 

>I know

>that I had your site bookmarked before, but cannot locate it.

>

>Luckily, I have really gone through and organized my bookmarks well

>and none will be able to hide from me again!

 

Sounds like something I need to do really badly. If only there were more

time in a day! lol

 

Have a great day!

Margaret

http://www.naturalindulgences.com

 

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[Guest guest]

West Africa

has been well known for it unrefined shea butter

www.houstoncandlesupply.com carries tested and graded A unrefined shea butter

for Ghana It is imported from small village and shipped . it is tested and

graded by the American shea butter institute in ga. her reg price is $6.00 a lb

with a special on now fore $4.95 min 5# that is a great price and it is packed

in 1 lb containers

sharon

 

Paula Coon <paulacoon wrote:

 

I get mine from Marti Smith martismith50

Paula ........in Michigan

Coming soon Farm Fresh Soaps & Candles

paula

 

-

Jennifer Flanagan

 

Wednesday, October 13, 2004 1:38 AM

Shea Butter

 

 

 

I know we have a shea butter expert on this list .. somewhere. LOL

 

Where would be the best place to get unrefined, east African and west

African shea butter.. at the best price.. certified, and all that.

 

Thanks ahead of time!

 

Jennifer

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

How do you make a signature line ? I don't know how to do it but have outlook

express on here. Anyone know how and willing to help me out with this ?

Jenn

-

Margaret Helm-Duell

Thursday, October 14, 2004 11:23 AM

RE: Re: Shea Butter

 

 

Hi Andrea,

 

>Could you please post your web address in your signature line?

 

I will do that from now on *grin "

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hey Pan,

 

Congrats on your first whipped shea!

 

I think you'll find that the smoky/nutty scent does not stay with you for

long. If it's really smoky though it might stay a bit longer. You might

try mixing in a bit of virgin coconut oil with it, if you don't have some,

Chris our list mom has some really yummy virgin oil de coco cream! And add

your eo's after that.

 

Using shea right after the shower or bath, or before bed are my favorite

times to use it. It soaks in well right after bathing and truly the scent

doesn't linger long (at least mine doesn't)

 

Have fun with it!

Margaret

www.naturalindulgences.com

 

 

>Well, I did my first whipped shea butter - the results are still pending.

>

>I did it very unscientifically since I've yet to procure a decent scale. I

>dumped my unrefined shea into a metal bowl and whipped it with my kitchen

>beaters. When it looked creamy, I tossed in some cornstarch, some vitamin

>E and essential oils. No measuring whatsoever.

>

>I'm REALLY not fond of the unrefined shea scent. I put in several drops of

>patchouli & sandalwood - still nasty. Finally put in a lot of bay rum and

>that has helped, though I can still smell that shea sneaking through!

>

>My husband and I put some on our hands. The greasy feel went away shortly

>after putting it on. Now it feels soft and quite nice.

>

>I don't think I'd slather myself with this before going to a party or

>anything, but we'll see how it works. Tonight before bed, I'll try it on

>my arms & legs, which are very dry. Hopefully, I'll de-stink-ify by

>tomorrow!

>; )

>

>Pan

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret,

 

Sniffing my hands.....seems to be gone, but then again perhaps I'm becoming

immune to it!

; )

 

I plan to take a shower tonight and then really give it a try.

 

I got some coconut oil from Chris and met with tragedy: The container sprang a

leak, so I tranferred everything (including container) into a bowl until I had

time to deal with it. It kept solidifying & melting depending how warm it was

in our house, so I never got it into a proper container. Next thing I knew, the

darned dog got into it and licked it all up. Arrrgh! (Well, at least he was

quite " regular " for a few days...)

; )

 

Life with animals....always interesting.

 

Pan

 

-

Margaret Helm-Duell

Sunday, February 20, 2005 4:49 PM

RE: Shea Butter

 

 

Hey Pan,

 

Congrats on your first whipped shea!

 

I think you'll find that the smoky/nutty scent does not stay with you for

long. If it's really smoky though it might stay a bit longer. You might

try mixing in a bit of virgin coconut oil with it, if you don't have some,

Chris our list mom has some really yummy virgin oil de coco cream! And add

your eo's after that.

 

Using shea right after the shower or bath, or before bed are my favorite

times to use it. It soaks in well right after bathing and truly the scent

doesn't linger long (at least mine doesn't)

 

Have fun with it!

Margaret

www.naturalindulgences.com

 

 

[Guest guest]

see, it's growing on ya already~LOL~

Sindy

-

 

Sniffing my hands.....seems to be gone, but then again perhaps I'm becoming

immune to it!

; )

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Yes, but will it grow on all my family & friends??

; )

 

-

sindy anderson

Sunday, February 20, 2005 8:10 PM

Re: Shea Butter

 

 

see, it's growing on ya already~LOL~

Sindy

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Numerous Topical Benefits of Unrefined Shea Butterby Carol Kelling (see all articles by this author)(NaturalNews) Shea butter is one of those ingredients that seems to be splashed on many products including those that claim to be natural and aren¢t. Buyer beware. Even if the label claims to have shea butter, check the other ingredients and check the brand. Shea butter is really incredible as long as you are getting the real deal.There are many regions where the Karite Shea tree grows in Africa. Shea butter actually comes from this tree, which bears the fruit and it is the nut inside the fruit that contains the shea butter. Shea butter is often seen as ceremonial and spiritual with great healing powers in the African communities.There is raw or unrefined shea butter versus refined shea butter and this is where it becomes really important. There is a big difference between the two types.Raw shea butter is going to be the most natural and least processed. The raw or unrefined is the purest and most effective. The two most natural ways to extract the unrefined shea butter is by hand or an expeller. This keeps all the vitamins, minerals and other natural properties of the shea butter intact, making it very beneficial.Refined shea butter is processed using chemicals, thus stripping the shea butter of its many healing properties. The chemical hexane, (http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexane) , is often used to dissolve the shea nut.When chemically processed, it goes through a refining, bleaching, deodorization and degumming process, which destroys the shea butter. It leaves it stripped of its vitamins, minerals and many other natural healing properties.Raw, unrefined shea butter is good for dry skin, skin rashes, skin peeling after tanning, sunburn, blemishes, cracked heels and skin, itchy skin, frost bite, stretch marks, scars, chapped lips, eczema, small wounds or scrapes, diaper rash, hair moisturizer, burns, athlete's foot, insect bites and stings, arthritis, muscle fatigue, pets' (dogs and horses) dry skin, sunburn, scrapes, and as a natural mechanics lubricant.The benefits of raw shea butter are that it can be used as a superior moisturizer with all natural vitamin A, an anti-inflammatory, a minor sunscreen agent (up to SPF 6), and it also reduces wrinkles (studies show skin improvement in 4-6 weeks with daily use).Once you have tried the true raw shea butter, you will quickly be able to discern between the natural and chemically processed varieties.