Shea butter is a fat obtained from the seeds of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, growing in the African savannah. Its preparation has a long history of local crafts and trade. The seeds are crushed and processed to separate the fat, which after cooling takes on a soft, solid form.
Characteristics and context
In cosmetics, shea butter is valued as an emollient and an ingredient of the fat phase. It affects the consistency and the feeling of smoothness after application. In INCI it appears as Butyrospermum Parkii Butter - a name referring to older botanical nomenclature. Refined and unrefined raw material may differ in smell and color. However, the mere presence of butter does not determine its quantity or the properties of the entire recipe.
Meaning and application
The consistency of butter is determined by a mixture of lipids, not one substance with a constant melting point. The heat of your hand softens the raw material, making it easier to spread. In the recipe, it is combined with oils, waxes or emulsifiers to achieve a specific feel. A cream containing butter and a product composed almost exclusively of fats may therefore behave very differently on the skin. Their similarity should not be judged solely by the name of the ingredient on the front of the packaging.
In practice
In practice, it is worth distinguishing between the origin of the raw material, the method of its purification and the composition of the entire cosmetic. Refining may change the smell and color, but the word "unrefined" itself does not automatically determine the quality of the finished product. Packaging, storage and manufacturer's recommendations are also important for the user. Shea butter is not an aqueous moisturizing ingredient: the feeling of softness and limiting water loss are different aspects of care than directly providing it in the aqueous phase of the cream.