SHEA BUTTER

Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Shea Butter is valued for its exceptional emollient, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its high content of bioactive compounds such as stearic acid, oleic acid, and unsaponifiables.
Shea Butter is solid at room temperature, melts upon skin contact, and provides a smooth, nourishing effect.
Shea Butter is used extensively in skincare, haircare, soaps, and ointments due to its biocompatibility and natural origin.

CAS Number: 194043-92-0
EC Number: 293-515-7
Molecular Formula: Mixture of triglycerides (primarily C16–C18 fatty acids)
Molecular Weight: Variable (complex natural product)

Synonyms: Shea Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Vitellaria paradoxa Butter, Karité Butter, Shea Fat, Shea Nut Butter, Shea Oil (partially fractionated), Shea Butter Refined, Shea Butter Unrefined, Shea Butter Cosmetic Grade, Shea Butter Pharmaceutical Grade, Shea Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Vitellaria Paradoxa Butter, Karite Butter, African Shea Butter, Raw Shea Butter, Refined Shea Butter, Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Natural Shea Butter, Pure Shea Butter, Shea Nut Butter, Shea Kernel Butter, Shea Fat, Shea Oil Solid, Shea Vegetable Butter, Shea Plant Butter, Shea Cosmetic Butter, Shea Pharmaceutical Butter, Shea Food Grade Butter, Shea Butter Extract, Shea Butter Concentrate, Shea Butter Solid, Shea Butter Paste, Shea Butter Cream, Shea Butter Wax, Shea Butter Emollient, Shea Butter Moisturizer, Shea Butter Skin Conditioner, Shea Butter Hair Conditioner, Shea Butter Softening Agent, Shea Butter Protective Agent, Shea Butter Healing Agent, Shea Butter Restoring Agent, Shea Butter Replenishing Agent, Shea Butter Hydrating Agent, Shea Butter Nourishing Agent, Shea Butter Anti-Aging Agent, Shea Butter Functional Additive, Shea Butter Specialty Additive, Shea Butter Cosmetic Ingredient, Shea Butter Skincare Ingredient, Shea Butter Haircare Ingredient, Shea Butter Body Care Ingredient, Shea Butter Lip Care Ingredient, Shea Butter Soap Ingredient, Shea Butter Lotion Ingredient, Shea Butter Cream Ingredient, Shea Butter Ointment Ingredient, Shea Butter Pharmaceutical Ingredient, Shea Butter Nutraceutical Ingredient, Shea Butter Dietary Ingredient, Shea Butter Bulk Butter, Shea Butter Commercial Butter, Shea Butter Technical Grade, Shea Butter Industrial Grade, Shea Butter Laboratory Grade, Shea Butter Research Grade

APPLICATIONS

Shea Butter is used in moisturizers and lotions for intense hydration.
Shea Butter soothes dry, cracked, and sensitive skin.
Shea Butter improves skin elasticity and smoothness.

Shea Butter is applied in anti-aging creams and serums.
Shea Butter reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Shea Butter promotes skin regeneration through unsaponifiable compounds.

Shea Butter is incorporated into lip balms and lipsticks.
Shea Butter provides smoothness and prevents chapping.
Shea Butter improves gloss and glide in lip care products.

Shea Butter is used in hair conditioners and masks.
Shea Butter nourishes and strengthens hair fibers.
Shea Butter reduces frizz and enhances shine.

Shea Butter is applied in scalp treatments.
Shea Butter soothes irritation and dryness.
Shea Butter supports a healthy scalp barrier.

Shea Butter is used in body butters and massage creams.
Shea Butter provides deep moisturization and richness.
Shea Butter melts easily and spreads smoothly.

Shea Butter is incorporated in sun care and after-sun products.
Shea Butter reduces UV-induced irritation.
Shea Butter enhances skin recovery after sun exposure.

Shea Butter is applied in baby care creams and lotions.
Shea Butter protects delicate skin from dryness and irritation.
Shea Butter is gentle and well-tolerated in infant formulations.

Shea Butter is used in soaps for creaminess and skin conditioning.
Shea Butter contributes to hardness and stable lather.
Shea Butter improves mildness of natural soaps.

Shea Butter is employed in pharmaceutical ointments and salves.
Shea Butter acts as a carrier for active ingredients.
Shea Butter enhances healing of minor wounds and skin irritations.

Shea Butter is used in makeup formulations such as foundations.
Shea Butter improves texture and skin feel.
Shea Butter provides smooth application and moisturizing benefits.

Shea Butter is used in skincare formulations.
Shea Butter provides deep moisturization to dry skin.
Shea Butter improves softness and smoothness in lotions and creams.

Shea Butter is applied in anti-aging products.
Shea Butter reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Shea Butter supports skin elasticity and firmness.

Shea Butter is used in sunscreens.
Shea Butter provides natural UV protection.
Shea Butter supports repair of sun-damaged skin.

Shea Butter is incorporated in lip balms.
Shea Butter improves hydration and softness of lips.
Shea Butter helps heal chapped and cracked lips.

Shea Butter is used in hair care products.
Shea Butter nourishes dry and damaged hair.
Shea Butter improves shine and manageability in conditioners.

Shea Butter is applied in shampoos.
Shea Butter provides scalp nourishment.
Shea Butter reduces dryness and flakiness.

Shea Butter is incorporated in baby care products.
Shea Butter soothes sensitive infant skin.
Shea Butter prevents diaper rash irritation.

Shea Butter is used in men’s grooming products.
Shea Butter improves smoothness in aftershave balms.
Shea Butter reduces irritation after shaving.

Shea Butter is applied in massage oils.
Shea Butter enhances glide during massage.
Shea Butter provides lasting hydration to the skin.

Shea Butter is used in body butters.
Shea Butter creates rich and intensive moisturizers.
Shea Butter supports overnight skin repair.

Shea Butter is incorporated in soaps.
Shea Butter adds nourishing properties to cleansing bars.
Shea Butter improves lather quality in natural soaps.

Shea Butter is applied in wound healing formulations.
Shea Butter helps repair cracked heels and minor cuts.
Shea Butter supports regeneration of damaged skin.

Shea Butter is used in stretch mark creams.
Shea Butter improves elasticity in pregnancy care products.
Shea Butter helps minimize stretch mark visibility.

DESCRIPTION

Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa).
Shea Butter is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Shea Butter is valued for its rich emollient and healing properties.

Shea Butter appears as a creamy to off-white solid.
Shea Butter softens easily at body temperature.
Shea Butter has a mild, nutty aroma.

Shea Butter contains high levels of stearic and oleic fatty acids.
Shea Butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and F.
Shea Butter also contains natural antioxidants and cinnamic acid derivatives.

Shea Butter is non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types.
Shea Butter provides natural sun protection (SPF ~4–6).
Shea Butter enhances barrier repair in dry and sensitive skin.

Shea Butter is solid at room temperature but melts upon skin contact.
Shea Butter is stable under normal storage conditions.

Shea Butter is biodegradable and environmentally sustainable.
Shea Butter is a pale yellow to ivory solid fat at room temperature.

It has a mild, nutty odor in unrefined form and is nearly odorless when refined.
Shea Butter melts at body temperature, giving a soft and luxurious feel.

Shea Butter contains high levels of stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.
It also contains unsaponifiables, including tocopherols (Vitamin E), phytosterols, and triterpenes.
These compounds contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties.

Shea Butter is highly emollient and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
It is stable in cosmetic formulations and compatible with oils, waxes, and esters.
Shea Butter is biodegradable and considered environmentally sustainable.

PROPERTIES

Appearance: Pale yellow to ivory solid fat
Odor: Mild, nutty (refined grade is nearly odorless)
Density: ~0.9 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
Melting Point: 31–39°C
Flash Point: >200°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and organic solvents
Chemical Nature: Natural triglyceride mixture of fatty acids
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Storage Temperature: Store at 15–25°C in tightly sealed containers, protected from light and heat

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Not hazardous under normal use.
Move to fresh air if vapors from heated product cause irritation.

Skin Contact:
Generally safe and well tolerated.
Wash with soap and water if irritation occurs.

Eye Contact:
Rinse eyes with water if accidental contact occurs.
Seek medical help if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Low toxicity and edible in food grade.
Rinse mouth and drink water if consumed in non-food grade.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Shea Butter is non-toxic and non-irritant in cosmetic/pharmaceutical use.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
No special protective equipment required under normal use.
Avoid contamination during bulk handling.

Ventilation:
General ventilation is sufficient.

Avoidance:
Avoid overheating above 70°C to prevent oxidation.
Do not expose to strong oxidizers.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Collect mechanically if spilled in solid form.
Clean with absorbent material if liquid.
Dispose of according to local regulations.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-sealed container.
Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Refined Shea Butter has longer shelf life than unrefined grade.