Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree. Shea butter is naturally rich in Vitamin A, E, and F and other minerals and proteins. Shea butter restores the skin’s elasticity and allows skin to absorb moisture from the air. When choosing Shea butter it is important to use organic and refined grade. The refining process uses bleaches, deodorizers, or other chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, that alter scent and appearance of Shea butter, in addition to destroying the vitamins and minerals that give it its healing properties. The yellow tint in unrefined Shea butter is due to the vitamin A content. Shea butter is high in a type of fat called unsaponifiables. The content can be anywhere from 7-12%, compared to Avocado oil, a well known skin moisturizer, which has 2-6%. Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid which is natural sun screen and skin lightener. Shea butter is non-comedogenic.
