Vitellaria paradoxa
Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the Shea or Karite (as it’s known in Africa) tree. It is from the same family as Argan. This gnarled tree grows to a height of 10-15 meters, but it takes 20 years before it produces its first flowers and its green plum-shaped fruits. It doesn't reach maximum productivity until it is 50 years old, then remains productive for more than 100 years.
It is a native of Central Africa where the fruit is eaten and the butter from the nut is used for cooking and skin care. The butter has been used traditionally by healers for muscle aches and strains, arthritis and skin treatments for centuries.
This precious, smooth, and nutritive gift provides deep nourishment, leaving skin plump, soft, and protected. Its high content of anti-inflammatory fats including oleic and linoleic are quickly absorbed, locking in the necessary moisture to ensure skin stays hydrated throughout the day. The saturated fatty acids provide protection, preventing moisture loss, and repairing and maintaining a healthy barrier function.
The antioxidant-rich phenolic compounds offer a great healing and soothing remedy for many inflammatory conditions, from sunburns to rashes, dermatitis, eczema and rosacea. In particular cinnamic acid is able to protect against the sun's rays and resist oxidation. Its therapeutic properties help with dry and cracked skin, small wounds and the effects of ageing and sun exposure.
Shea butter’s dose of vitamins A and E is said to promote cell renewal and slow the signs of premature ageing by reducing the exposure of oxidative stress in the skin. Shea butter is said to also increase collagen production, restoring the skin’s natural elasticity and firmness.
Shea Butter has properties that increase local capillary circulation in the skin, helping with oxygenation, which in turn helps remove metabolic waste products, to leave clear glowing skin. It is able to regenerate cells.
Our organic certified Shea Butter comes from a sustainable project in Ghana.
