Reviewed By: Kacie La
Updated: 19th December 2023
Contents:
Shea Butter, a luxurious and natural substance, has long been revered in the world of beauty and skincare. Extracted from the nut of the Karite tree in Africa, it has found its way into countless skincare and hair care products, promising a better appearance and overall look. However, not all Shea Butter is equal. The distinction between unrefined and refined organic Shea Butter is not just a matter of colour or consistency; it goes much deeper, impacting their benefits, uses, and how they interact with our skin and hair. Let's explore these differences, their origins, and how they uniquely contribute to beauty and hair care products.
Shea Butter is a substance that is widely popular for its use in beauty products. However, there are some distinct differences between organic unrefined and refined Shea Butter with regard to their uses. Here are the uses and benefits when it comes to Shea Butter that you should know about.
Extraction of Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a substance that is extracted from the Karite (Shea) Nut tree, which is native to Africa. Shea Butter can be extracted by hand using traditional West African methods or through the use of a mechanical process.
Both of these methods result in the production of Shea Butter and Shea oil without the need to introduce chemicals or synthetic ingredients. This resulting product is what is known as unrefined organic Shea Butter, which is also known as raw or virgin Shea Butter. Refined Shea Butter, on the other hand, goes through some processing that may include adding preservatives, additives or more.
Both the refined and unrefined Shea Butter at N-Essentials are organic. This means that they follow organic farming practices and are natural, mostly chemical-free products that can help you lead a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Organic Unrefined Versus Refined Shea Butter
There are a multitude of differences between unrefined organic Shea Butter and refined organic Shea Butter. First, refined Shea Butter is extracted by processing it with high heat utilising natural solvents. This process results in a refined Shea Butter that is white in colour and has no odour. However, the majority of the benefits of Shea Butter that are found in unrefined Shea Butter are lost as a result of this process.
In contrast, unrefined Shea Butter is ivory to light yellowish in colour and has a natural odour that could be described as somewhat smoky or nutty. Given the loss of the natural properties of Shea Butter in refinement, unrefined Shea Butter is generally preferred for uses related to natural care. However, unrefined Shea Butter has some drawbacks given that it does not last as long as refined Shea Butter, and the odour can be a deterrent when considered for commercial sale.
Nearly all of the mainstream products that you'll find available on the market that are said to contain Shea Butter are actually made with refined Shea Butter. The refined version of Shea Butter offers the products a longer shelf life due to processing, has no colour and no smell allowing for versatile blending with other ingredients. Refined Shea Butter is also easier to work with given the fact that it does not get grainy when reheated unlike unrefined Shea Butter.
Shea Butter Benefits
Benefits of Unrefined Shea Butter
Unrefined Shea Butter is highly prized for its natural and comprehensive range of benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of using unrefined Shea Butter:
Natural Moisturiser:
It's an excellent addition to your regular moisturiser. By adding a bit of unrefined Shea Butter to your moisturiser or body lotions, you can help improve the appearance of dryness.
Hair Care Benefits:
When used in hair care, Shea Butter can improve the appearance of dry and brittle hair by reducing frizz.
Environmentally Friendly:
Opting for unrefined Shea Butter supports sustainable production methods, as it is often extracted using traditional, eco-friendly techniques.
Benefits of Refined Shea Butter
While refined Shea Butter does lose some of its natural properties during the refining process, it remains a valuable ingredient in the beauty and skincare industry for its versatility, longer shelf life, and ease of use in various formulations.
Less Aroma:
Refined Shea Butter is virtually odourless, which makes it a preferable ingredient in formulations where the natural, nutty aroma of unrefined Shea Butter might be considered overpowering or undesirable.
Consistency in Texture and Color:
The refining process results in a more consistent product in terms of texture and colour. This consistency is particularly important in DIY cosmetic projects.
Longer Shelf Life:
Refined Shea Butter has a longer shelf life than its unrefined counterpart. This extended shelf life is advantageous for DIY projects that need to maintain stability over time. Compared to unrefined Shea Butter, it has a better, non-greasy, smoother texture.
Easier to Combine with Other Ingredients:
Its less complex scent and more neutral colour make it easier to combine with other ingredients in skincare and cosmetic formulations without altering the desired final scent or colour of the product.
Versatility in Products:
Refined Shea Butter is widely used in a variety of commercial products including lotions, creams, soaps, and makeup, due to its adaptable properties.
Whether you choose unrefined or refined Shea Butter, each has its place in the realm of beauty and skincare. Unrefined Shea Butter stands out for its natural purity and maximal nutrient content, ideal for those seeking an organic skincare experience. On the other hand, refined Shea Butter, with its neutral scent and longer shelf life, is well-suited for mainstream beauty products and those sensitive to stronger aromas. Understanding these nuances allows you to make informed choices about incorporating Shea Butter into your beauty regimen, ensuring you reap the most benefits from this remarkable natural resource.
Whichever version you choose, you cannot go wrong when adding Shea Butter to your skincare regimen and products. Buy Shea Butter and other raw ingredients, essential oils and carrier oils at N-Essentials. Order online in small batches or bulk quantities. Contact the team to learn more.
