| Latin Name : | Butyrospermum parkii |
| English Name : | Shea Butter, shea nut butter |
| French Name : | Karité, arbre à beurre |
| Family : | Sapotaceae |
| Origin : | Ghana |
Latin name of Shea nut (Parkii) was given for M. Mungo Park, great exploratory, who was the first to go up the Gambia River around the end of XV th century. The tree grows tall and can live more than 300 years. It bears fruit around 15 years and is fully productive only from 25 years of age.
| Used Part : | Nuts from Butyrospermum parkii |
| Extraction : | The traditional extraction is made by hand, after the nuts are crushed and ground. The material is then placed in boiling water so the oil is extracted and floats on top. In the cosmetics industry, extraction methods are different, and faster, with the use of mechanical extraction and solvents. |
| Main Components : | Oleic acid, Palmitic acid, Linoleic acid, Stearic acid, A, D, E and F vitamins. |
| Oil Characteristics : | White to yellow paste with a characteristic smell and the property to melt at body temperature. |
| Properties : | Hydrating, softening, UV protective, regenerating, and conditioner. Extremely rich in unsaponifiable matter and vitamins, this butter is an essential: it protects the skin from the sun. It is also softening and regenerating for damaged skin. The hair also benefits from Shea nut butter since it enhances the shine and beauty. |
It is used like oil in cooking or as a substitute for cocoa butter.
It is used in the crafting of soaps, care creams or lotions and other products.
