We all know of Shea butter, what I think is that most of us have not realised the importance of Shea Butter to the World Market and the economy today.
Most women spends comparable amount of monies on Cosmetic Products that only contain about 5% of Shea Butter with the other 95% made up of synthetic compounds to give a desired texture and scent.
Compare the price of a Kilo of Shea Butter in Nigeria against the price of an imported jar
of cosmetic containing 5% or less of Shea Butter. Would it not be prudent to take that kilo of Shea butter and maximise it to the fullest?
of cosmetic containing 5% or less of Shea Butter. Would it not be prudent to take that kilo of Shea butter and maximise it to the fullest?
Why not design your own skin cream!
Shea butter has been known to work well against stretch marks. It also benefits those suffering dry skin, dermatitis and sunburn, quick skin healing and cinnamic acid, which protects the skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Since Shea butter is well tolerated by the skin, it usually does not trigger off any allergic reactions. This makes it ideal for use by persons with sensitive skin.
Since Shea butter is well tolerated by the skin, it usually does not trigger off any allergic reactions. This makes it ideal for use by persons with sensitive skin.
Medicinal Value
Shea butter is used as a base for medicinal ointments and has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
It has been claimed internationally to be an effective treatment for the following conditions:
1. Fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretch marks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis.
It is also being used as a sun blocking lotion; although the level of protection against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately SPF 6.
In Nigeria, Shea butter is used for the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion.
This is due to its hydrating properties which help in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration.
The anti-aging benefits of Shea butter have been recognized internationally and there is a mind-boggling range of Shea butter products available these days.
Industrial Use
The main industrial use of Shea butter outside Africa is in cosmetics, such as moisturizer creams and emulsion and hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair. It is also used by soap makers, typically in small amounts (5-7% of the oils in the recipe), because of its property of leaving a small amount of oil in the soap.
The main industrial use of Shea butter outside Africa is in cosmetics, such as moisturizer creams and emulsion and hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair. It is also used by soap makers, typically in small amounts (5-7% of the oils in the recipe), because of its property of leaving a small amount of oil in the soap.
The Vitamins A and E found in Shea butter help in keeping the skin supple and healthy. It also prevents premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F works as a rejuvenator. (Vitamin F from our local Food) Rough and chapped skin is soothed and healed. Shea butter penetrates the skin easily and does not clog the pores. Dry skin and dry scalp relief
•Heals blemishes and keeps wrinkles at bay
•Excellent skin moisturizer
•Reduces itchiness caused due to excessive dryness of the skin
•Cures minor burns and tough skin on feet
•Evens out skin tone
•Offers sun and wind protection
•Restores elasticity to the skin
•Restores lost hair lustre
•Eliminates scalp irritation caused due to chemical processing
BIO-ACTIVE GRADES of SHEA BUTTER (From the American Institute of Shea Butter) Shea Butter comes in different grades: Grade A; Grade B; Grade C; Grade D; or Grade F. When laboratory analysis is done, grade is determined by the presence or absence of various nutrients.
Grade A is the highest and best quality for cosmetics and personal industry.
Grade D is the lowest grade missing most of the valuable nutrients.
The highest grades are awarded to those butters with the largest Bio-active fraction (5% and above), a good safety screen, and rancidity value below 10. To that end, only the best preparation of unrefined Shea butter can earn the Grade A status.
Because of the limited amount of the Bio-active fraction preserved during the refining process, refined Shea Butter scores are typically grade C, sometimes Grade D, but never Grade A. and rarely Grade B. Grade F is reserved for Shea Butter not fit for human use. Grade F Shea is contaminated by micro organisms (such as mould, yeast or coli form bacteria) or contaminated with heavy metals (such as lead or mercury).
For comments, questions and observations kindly respond.
Thank you
Thank you