Thursday, February 9, 2017

Choose Shea Butter According to your Requirement! Refined or Unrefined, Depends on You



Do you know what Shea Butter is?

Do you know the different types of Shea Butter?

What is the difference between refined Shea butter and unrefined Shea butter?

Apply natural cosmetics to the skin.

Take care of your skin from dust particles and smoke.

Skin dryness leads to rashes and itching.

Shea Butter is produced from the seeds of the African Shea tree. Although the primary use is in the manufacturing of cosmetics for its moisturizing and healing benefits, it is edible and can be used in cooking.

The two forms of Shea butter are refined Shea Butter and unrefined Shea Butter.



 The Unrefined Shea Butter

It is removed from the Shea tree seeds by using bare hand, which is a time-consuming process. The seeds are gathered by the worker, which are roughly the size of a walnut. The seeds are then boiled to make the shells soft and easier to be removed. The boiled seeds are then dried up and are pounded to break- open the shells. 
Bits of shell which are broken are removed. Then water is added and beaten together. It is again boiled to extract the fat from the seeds. As the fat cools, it is whipped continuously to make a smooth, usable product.
If raw Shea butter is purchased from outside, it is usually unrefined and unfiltered. The flecks of impurities may remain in that Shea butter because it is not passed through cheesecloth or commercial strainers.
It may be filtered through another means, keeping in mind that the quality of the butter isn't affected.


The Refined Shea Butter
It is the processed Shea butter as the name suggests. Refined Shea butter is manufactured in large plants by using chemicals compounds/ gases like hexane. These chemicals catalyze the process and help to break open the seeds. The separation of fat or butter from the seeds is also accelerated. Odor is removed from the seeds and it is made smooth for further processing.
Many beneficial properties of Shea butter change as a result of the process. Perfumes and preservatives are often added in the end.

Major Unrefined Shea Butter Benefits
There are innumerable benefits of Shea butter. The major ones can be summarized as follows:
1.      Acts as a barrier against moisture loss
2.      Used in soaps and cosmetics
3.      Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
4.      Support skin cells
5.      Protect skin against infections and irritation

Difference Between Refined and Unrefined Shea Butter

Unrefined Shea butter can be considered as pure Shea butter while refined Shea Butter is inferior in quality because it contains fillers. The odor and chemicals which are added in its manufacturing, degrades its quality and lowers its beneficial properties.

Unrefined Shea butter is never purely white, but has a beige or yellow tinge in its texture. The lack of color property is an indication that the butter has been refined.

Uses of Shea Butter
The following can be considered as the general uses of Shea butter:
  • As a base for homemade deodorant
o   Anti-inflammatory
o   Antioxidant qualities
  • In a Shea butter lotion bar stick for easy use
o   Healing qualities
o   Sun Protection
o   Anti-ageing benefits
o   Restores skin elasticity
o   Hair protection and hair softener
  • In magnesium body butter
o   Baby care and lip care
o   Moisturizer
  • In homemade liquid foundation and makeup
o   Soothes dry and irritated scalp
  • After sun or beach exposure to replenish skin
  • As a natural cuticle cream
  • On the eyelids before applying makeup to make it last longer
  • On sore/raw noses during a cold or flu

Conclusion

Due to the above mentioned properties and benefits, unrefined Shea butter is chosen over refined Shea butter mostly. The higher quality and amazing benefits that unrefined butter provides, makes it an easy sell.

Anyone can Purchase Unrefined Shea Butter Online as well as from local stores. The digital platform is more attractive as it provides with additional discounts and offers.

Storing Shea butter is a task because the fatty acids in Shea butter can react and turn rancid, if it is stored for too long or at improper/ irregular temperature conditions e.g. in a hot truck. It shall be used within 18 months of extraction to avail the maximum benefits. Refining Shea butter masks signs of impurity, such as an off-color or odor.