PRESENTATION

The Shea tree is a tropical African tree growing anywhere from 12 to 20 metres in height. The branches are short , the bark , greyish on the exterior and red on the inside.
Flowering begins in January through March and the flowers themselves are clustered together at the extremity of the stem. The fruit is a berry which looks like a large plum and turns yellowy- green upon reaching maturity.
The almond or seed within the fruit has 45 to 55 % fat/oil content.

PRODUCTION

Traditionally, shea butter is obtained by removing the fruit pulp by fermentation and then the seed is washed and sorted.
Shea butter imported from Africa does not undergo any further transformation and being rich in fatty unsaturated acids, it can develop a strongish odour quickly.

Shea butter can be further refined to ensure further stability over time.

USES

Shea butter melts at body temperature and is most effective at "cell regeneration", meaning it is most efficient at combatting the ravages of the ageing process as well as softening,and moisturising the skin.

Shea butter is often added to massage and moisturising creams as well as make up ; adding shine to lipstick.