Do you know what Shea Butter is?
Do you know the different types of Shea Butter?
What is the difference between refined Shea butter and
unrefined Shea butter?
Apply natural cosmetics to the skin.
Take care of your skin from dust particles and smoke.
Skin dryness leads to rashes and itching.
Shea Butter is produced from the seeds of the African Shea
tree. Although the primary use is in the manufacturing of cosmetics for its moisturizing
and healing benefits, it is edible and can be used in cooking.
The two forms of Shea butter are refined Shea Butter and unrefined Shea Butter.
It
is removed from the Shea tree seeds by using bare hand, which is a time-consuming
process. The seeds are gathered by the worker, which are roughly the size of a
walnut. The seeds are then boiled to make the shells soft and easier to be removed.
The boiled seeds are then dried up and are pounded to break- open the shells.
Bits
of shell which are broken are removed. Then water is added and beaten together.
It is again boiled to extract the fat from the seeds. As the fat cools, it is
whipped continuously to make a smooth, usable product.
If
raw Shea butter is purchased from outside, it is usually unrefined and
unfiltered. The flecks of impurities may remain in that Shea butter because it
is not passed through cheesecloth or commercial strainers.
It
may be filtered through another means, keeping in mind that the quality of the
butter isn't affected.
The Refined Shea Butter
It
is the processed Shea butter as the name suggests. Refined Shea butter is
manufactured in large plants by using chemicals compounds/ gases like hexane.
These chemicals catalyze the process and help to break open the seeds. The
separation of fat or butter from the seeds is also accelerated. Odor is removed
from the seeds and it is made smooth for further processing.
Many
beneficial properties of Shea butter change as a result of the process. Perfumes
and preservatives are often added in the end.
Major Unrefined Shea Butter Benefits
There
are innumerable benefits of Shea butter. The major ones can be summarized as
follows:
1.
Acts
as a barrier against moisture loss
2.
Used
in soaps and cosmetics
3.
Possesses
anti-inflammatory properties
4.
Support
skin cells
5.
Protect
skin against infections and irritation
Difference Between Refined and
Unrefined Shea Butter
Unrefined
Shea butter can be considered as pure Shea butter while refined Shea Butter is
inferior in quality because it contains fillers. The odor and chemicals which
are added in its manufacturing, degrades its quality and lowers its beneficial
properties.
Unrefined
Shea butter is never purely white, but has a beige or yellow tinge in its
texture. The lack of color property is an indication that the butter has been
refined.
Uses of Shea Butter
The following can be considered as the general uses of
Shea butter:
- As a base for homemade deodorant
o Anti-inflammatory
o Antioxidant qualities
- In a Shea butter lotion bar stick for easy use
o Healing qualities
o Sun Protection
o Anti-ageing benefits
o Restores skin elasticity
o Hair protection and hair softener
- In magnesium body butter
o Baby care and lip care
o Moisturizer
- In homemade liquid foundation and makeup
o Soothes dry and irritated scalp
- After sun or beach exposure to replenish skin
- As a natural cuticle cream
- On the eyelids before applying makeup to make it last longer
- On sore/raw noses during a cold or flu
Conclusion
Due
to the above mentioned properties and benefits, unrefined Shea butter is chosen
over refined Shea butter mostly. The higher quality and amazing benefits that
unrefined butter provides, makes it an easy sell.
Anyone
can Purchase Unrefined Shea Butter Online as well as from local stores. The
digital platform is more attractive as it provides with additional discounts
and offers.
Storing
Shea butter is a task because the fatty acids in Shea butter can react and turn
rancid, if it is stored for too long or at improper/ irregular temperature
conditions e.g. in a hot truck. It shall be used within 18 months of extraction
to avail the maximum benefits. Refining Shea butter masks signs of impurity,
such as an off-color or odor.
