Our Shea Olein, Vitellaria paradoxa (formerly called Butyrospermum parkii), is a fractionated form of shea butter derived from the nut of the African shea tree. Fractionated shea butter is created through a process that separates the different fatty acid components of shea butter, resulting in a lighter, more easily absorbed texture
Our Shea Olein is true liquid shea butter, not a solvent-extracted shea oil.
The two most prevalent natural fatty acids in shea butter are stearic acid and oleic acid. Stearic acid is solid at room temperature and oleic (the major fatty acid in olive oil) is liquid at room temperature. If cold pressure or gentle heat is applied, the oleic liquid portion will melt first and can be separated out.
Much more solid shea butter is produced than liquid shea oil, thus liquid shea is a precious commodity. The separation process is non-chemical and involves a simple physical separation so there are no chemical residues to worry about.
Shea oil is rich in linoleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that provides moisturizing and emollient properties. It offers a wide range of benefits for skin health and appearance and helps preserve the integrity of your skin so that it is better at retaining moisture.
Shea olein penetrates quickly and is great for dry skin and damaged hair. It is believed to have exceptional nourishing, protective, and reparative properties, which may help with aging or irritated skin. It also makes an excellent body massage oil and leaves hair feeling healthier and more manageable.
It is often used in cosmetics and skin care products due to its ability to:
- Soothe and hydrate dry skin
- Enhance skin elasticity and flexibility
- Provide a lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Act as a natural emollient and moisturizer
ALLERGY ALERT
LATEX: Shea butter contains natural latex. Although it is not exactly the same as the sap-like latex extract from the Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis), it is very similar in chemical composition. Although the quantities of latex in shea butter are small, this natural latex is responsible for the sealing property that shea butter has that may aid in protecting skin from UV sun rays.
TREE NUT: Shea nuts are tree nuts and are considered by the FDA to be true nuts. Although Shea is a nut, and the butter is derived from the nut, at this time there are no reports of either topical immediate allergic reactions or reactions from the ingestion of shea nut oil or butter. Of course, this can in no way guarantee that such a reaction could not occur.
Persons suffering from LATEX or NUT allergies should ALWAYS consult with their Health Care Provider and do an Allergy Patch Test before using any shea butter product.
