FAQs

Learn More About Shea Butter

What is shea butter?

100% shea butter is an all-natural vegan oil that is made from the seeds of shea fruits. Shea butter is very rich in vitamin A and E which makes it a superior moisturizer packed with antioxidants. It also has a minor sunscreen agent. 

  

What is shea butter used for?

Shea butter has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for years however it is also used in the pharmaceutical and confectionery industry. 

When it comes to skincare here are 16 ways you can use your shea butter:

1. Dry Skin
2. Eczema
3. cold sores
4. Shaving cream
5. Sunburn
6. Soften feet
7. Minor cuts
8. Soften dog paws
9. Insect bite
10. Reduce stretch marks during pregnancy
11. Skin damage from burns or radiation treatment
12. Lip balm
13. Muscle ache and fatigue
14. Skin allergies such as poison ivy
15. Frost Bite
16. Skin peeling 

 

How should I store my shea butter?

When kept in a tightly closed container or pouch, shea butter is usually fine at room temperature away from direct heat or water. However, if you live in an area that gets very hot you may want to keep the majority of your shea butter in the refrigerator or at 75°F (28.9°C). 

 

Excessive heat can make your shea butter go rancid at a faster rate. If your shea butter is left in an environment that caused it to melt into liquid then resolidify over and over that may cause grains to form and make it uncomfortable to apply to the skin.

 

How do I fix grainy raw shea butter? 

Shea butter may become grainy when exposed to direct heat and allowed to cool down slowly. This is common in the hot summer months. To fix graininess, simply melt shea over low heat preferably using the double boiler method and cool as quickly as possible. To cool quickly place shea oil into the freezer.

 

Can I place it in the fridge?

If you live in an area that gets very hot you may want to keep the majority of your shea butter in the refrigerator or at 75°F (28.9°C). Be mindful not to let water get into your shea pouch or container as that will contribute to your shea butter going rancid quickly.

 

What type of shea butter do you sell?

Currently Northshea only makes and sells 100% pure and unrefined Ivory shea butter. The color of pure unrefined shea butter ranges from light buttery yellow to beige depending each shea season.  

 

My whipped shea butter melted and became grainy. How do I fix it? (address whipped body butter reduced quantity) 

Our product is entirely natural and whipped; the shea butter tends to melt if left out for too long in a hot mailbox/front porch/car. 

When it melts, the whipped texture introduced during production is lost, and natural oils condense hence the "reduction" in size. The product itself is still good to use.The only way to fix this is to whip it back up again or use it as it is. 

 

What are the ingredients of shea butter?

Unrefined shea butter is made with only shea nuts.

 

Where does your shea butter come from?

Our shea butter is made in Northern Ghana, West Africa.

 

Does shea butter go bad?

Shea butter is most potent during the first 24 months after it’s produced.