Good to know: this is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition such as eczema, or a tree-nut allergy, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using a new product.
01What is shea butter?
Shea butter is a natural fat taken from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which grows across the savannah belt of West Africa, including northern Ghana. It is solid at room temperature but melts easily at skin temperature, which is a large part of why it is so pleasant to use.
It has been used in West Africa for generations as a skin and hair moisturiser and as a cooking fat, and it is now a common ingredient in body butters, lotions, lip balms and soaps around the world.
02What's in shea butter?
Shea butter is rich in fatty acids, mainly oleic and stearic acid, and naturally contains vitamin E and other plant compounds. The fatty acids are what make it an effective emollient: it softens the skin and helps slow moisture loss by forming a protective layer on the surface.
How much of these natural compounds survive depends on how the butter is processed. Unrefined shea butter keeps more of them; heavily refined butter keeps fewer but is paler and has little scent.
03Using shea butter on skin
- Body moisturiser — warm a small amount between your palms and apply to slightly damp skin, especially on dry areas like elbows, knees and heels.
- Face — it is a rich product, so use very little, or choose a lighter formula such as our Shea Butter Face Cream. If your skin is prone to breakouts, test a small area first.
- Lips — shea is a popular base for lip balm; our Lip Balm Trio uses the same butter as the rest of the range.
- After-sun and dry weather — a thin layer helps comfort dry, tight skin in the Harmattan season and air-conditioned rooms.
04Using shea butter on hair
Shea butter is widely used on natural, curly and coily hair because it helps seal moisture in. The usual method is to apply it after water or a leave-in conditioner, focusing on the ends, which are the driest part of the hair. A little goes a long way — too much can leave hair feeling heavy.
For braids, twists, locs and edges, a firmer blend holds better; that is what our Hair Pomade is designed for. Shea butter can also be worked into the scalp in small amounts if it is dry.
05Shea butter as an ingredient for brands and makers
If you make skincare, soap or hair products, shea butter is one of the most useful base ingredients you can buy: it adds richness, structure and a natural feel to lotions, creams, balms and bars. Whether you choose unrefined or refined depends on how much natural scent and colour you want to keep. We supply Grade A unrefined shea butter in bulk with a lab-verified specification — see the specification page or request a quote.
06Choosing and storing shea butter
Buy shea butter from a seller who can tell you where it came from and how it was made, and check the ingredients: pure shea butter should list only shea butter. Our guide to identifying pure shea butter covers what to look for.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, keep the lid closed, and use clean, dry hands or a spatula. Stored well, shea butter typically stays good for a year or more; if it smells sharp, sour or like old crayons, it has gone off.
07Frequently asked questions
Is shea butter good for the face?
Many people use shea butter on their face, but it is rich, so use a small amount or choose a lighter face cream. If you are prone to breakouts, patch test first.
Can I use shea butter on my hair?
Yes. It is commonly used to seal moisture into natural and curly hair. Apply a small amount to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
Does shea butter expire?
Yes. Kept cool, dry and sealed, it usually lasts a year or more. Throw it away if it develops a sharp, sour or rancid smell.
What is the difference between raw and refined shea butter?
Raw (unrefined) shea butter is ivory to yellow with a nutty scent and retains more of the natural compounds. Refined shea butter is whiter and almost odourless, which some manufacturers prefer.
Where can I buy shea butter in Ghana?
Mother's Shea sells raw and whipped shea butter online from Tamale and ships across Ghana. See the store for current products and prices.
08Keep reading
Try shea butter made in Ghana
Raw, whipped, and blended for body, face and hair — from our cooperatives in the north to your door.