Shea Nut Oil is an expeller-pressed, fractionated oil obtained from the seeds of African karite trees. Rich in oleic and stearic essential fatty acids, shea nut oil is a superior personal care oil that’s ideal for nourishing and moisturizing your hair, scalp, and skin. This luxurious oil absorbs quickly, so you’ll enjoy youthful, radiant skin and healthy, lustrous hair without any greasy residue.  Solutions products are not tested on animals. Clear bottle contains UV light protectant.

Shea Nut Carrier Oil is a natural by-product of the Shea Butter extraction process. Once dried, Shea nuts undergo expeller pressing, releasing not only the rich, thick nut butter but also a less viscous but highly nourishing nut oil. This oil can be separated (fractionated) through gentle heating. Unlike Shea Butter, which has a high proportion of saturated Stearic Acid that renders it a waxy solid at room temperature, Shea Nut Carrier Oil contains higher amounts of unsaturated Oleic and Linoleic acids. This makes the oil relatively more fluid-like in its consistency, offering greater ease of use for formulators alongside a more appealing sensory profile. Upon contact with the skin, Shea Nut Carrier Oil is also easily absorbed, leaving it looking radiant without being greasy. It retains most of the skin-enriching benefits of raw, unrefined Shea Butter.

Shea nut oil is the white-colored fat compressed from the nuts of the Shea tree named Vitellaria paradoxa. Mostly it is used as a salve, moisturizer, and lotion in cosmetics. It is also used for food preparation. Optionally, it is used as a substitute for cocoa butter but the taste is somehow different from it. It melts at body temperature. It serves as a perfect emollient for people with dry skins. It provides great relief from the pain related to itching and tightness. Due to its emollient, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties, it is used as a base for medicinal ointments. In Africa as well as other countries, it is used for enhancing the health of hair and skin. It has been used for treating various skin problems such as wrinkles, blemishes, stretch marks, dermatitis, and muscle fatigue. It has a high content of oleic, stearic acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. The shea nut oil is extracted by using cold-pressed methods without adding preservatives and chemicals.

History

The history of Shea nut oil is traced back to Ancient Egypt. It is used to prevent skin and hair from sun and dry winds. In the 1300s, it was recorded by European explorers and was used by African cultures. In Africa, it was considered sacred and the caskets made from Shea tree wood were used to bury respected leaders. It was considered to be sacred due to the healing properties found in it.

Varieties/Types

1. Raw Shea Butter

It is Shea nut oil that is not filtered yet. It might have some impurities. It is in the form of paste in a tub or jar. This type of shea butter will always come as a paste (usually in a jar or tub). As it cannot be molded, it will not get shaped. It is deep yellow in color but might be greenish as well.

2. Unrefined Shea Butter

The filtering in unrefined shea butter is so long that it does not have an effect on it qualities. It is filtered with the use of a cheesecloth. It could be found in sticks or bars as it could be poured into molds.

3. Refined Shea Butter

This Shea butter has been processed to eliminate its odor or to change its properties. It is smooth and usually white in color. The refinement process eradicates some nutrients in it.

4. Ultra-Refined Shea Butter

This Shea butter has gone through two filtering systems which help to change the composition. It is used for cosmetics. It is white in color. It is the least healthy as it loses nutrients in the refinement process.

Nutritional value

One cup measuring 218 g (Shea nut oil) offers 1927 calories and 218 g of lipid fat. We could also get 101.588 g of total saturated fats, 0.436 g of caprylic acid, 0.436 g of capric acid, 2.834 g of lauric acid, 0.218 g of myristic acid, 9.592 g of palmitic acid, 84.584 g of stearic acid, 95.92 g of total monounsaturated fats, 0.218 g of palmitoleic acid, 94.83 g of oleic acid, 11.336 g of total polyunsaturated fats, 10.682 g of linoleic acid, 0.654 g of linolenic acid and 778 mg of phytosterols.

Chemical Ingredients Benefits

The main components of Shea Nut Oil are Oleic Acid (about 54%), Linoleic Acid (about 8%), Stearic Acid (about 30%, while Shea Butter can consist of up to 50% of this saturated fatty acid), Triterpenes, and Tocopherol/Vitamin E.

OLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 9) are known to:

• Contribute to the skin’s suppleness and moisture levels
• Exhibit antioxidant properties, helping to fend off the impact of free radicals
• Reduce the appearance of aging, such as age spots, premature wrinkles, and fine lines
• Relieve symptoms of dry skin, redness, or irritation
• Promote shinier and healthier-looking hair while taming frizz

LINOLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 6) are known to:

• Be an effective emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic formulations
• Boost moisture and moisture retention in skin and hair
• Exhibit antioxidant properties that protect and rejuvenate the appearance of skin
• Exhibit topical anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties

STEARIC ACID is known to:

• Have cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin
• Be an ideal emulsifying agent that binds water and oil
• Help products remain potent when stored for long periods of time
• Condition and protect hair from damage without diminishing shine and luster

TRITERPENES are known to:

• Be natural alcohols present in plants and plant oils
• Manifest as acetyl esters and cinnamoyl esters in Shea Nut Oil
• Be highly anti-inflammatory as well as help fortify and strengthen the skin’s barrier
• Contribute to collagen synthesis, thereby supporting the skin’s elasticity
• Possibly facilitate the healing of wounds

TOCOPHEROL/VITAMIN E is known to:

• Have strong antioxidant properties that slow the look of aging
• Promote the repair and restoration of scarred, burned, or blemished skin
• Slow down moisture loss from skin and hair
• Exhibit topical anti-inflammatory properties and relieve symptoms of dry, scaly, or inflamed skin
• Enhance overall immune function
• Enhance the growth of healthy nails

Used on the skin, scalp, and hair, Shea Nut Oil effectively moisturizes, softens, and soothes, improving the appearance and feel of dry, parched textures. It also absorbs quickly, leaving a non-greasy yet satiny finish to the skin.

Lipids	Amount	% DV
Fatty acids, total saturated	101.588 g	N/D
Caprylic acid 8:00 (octanoic acid)	0.436 g	N/D
capric acid 10:00 (decanoic acid)	0.436 g	N/D
Lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) 12:00	2.834 g	N/D
Myristic acid  14:00(Tetradecanoic acid)	0.218 g	N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid)	9.592 g	N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid)	84.584 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	95.92 g	N/D
Palmitoleic acid 16:1 (hexadecenoic acid)	0.218 g	N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid)	94.83 g	N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	11.336 g	N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid)	10.682 g	N/D
Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid)	0.654 g	N/D
Phytosterols	778 mg	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health Benefits of Shea nut oil

In the West, Shea nut oil is gaining more popularity in skin care uses. It is loaded with minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids that help to hydrate and rejuvenate skin and hair. It could be used to heal wounds, treat damaged skin and use a whole-body treatment. It has a soft and pliable texture, a pleasant nutty scent, and is in cream color.

1. Antioxidant

It is possessed with antioxidants such as Vitamin E and A. It is packed with an adequate amount of catechins. It prevents the skin from UV rays, environmental damages, and free radicals. It has cinnamic acid that assists skin when exposed to sunlight for a long period of time.

2. Hair health

Shea nut oil is used in various hair care products. It is effective for conditioning the scalp, defining curls, sealing moisture, decreasing dreaded frizz, and eliminating dandruff. The application of Shea nut oil to the roots helps to add volume to the hair while styling hair.

3. Prevent wrinkles

Shea nut oil is highly applicable to lower the wrinkle appearance if used for four to six weeks. The research shows that the use of Shea nut oil results in lowering wrinkles and a brighter complexion.

4. Soothe inflammation

As it contains anti-inflammatory properties including cinnamic acid, it helps to soothe the inflammation on the body parts.

5. Stretch marks

Shea nut oil is able to lighten the appearance of stretch marks due to the high concentration of vitamins as well as healing properties.

6. Helpful for acne

Acne and eczema are skin ailments that require delicate treatments not to worsen the existing condition. Due to the unique properties of Shea nut oil, it might be helpful for treating these skin conditions.

7. Cracked heels

Shea nut oil is effective to treat painful cracked heels and dry cuticles. It should be applied before bed and use cotton socks for the night.

8. Treat insect bites

Shea nut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe swelling caused by insect bites.

9. Nasal congestion

The study shows that Shea nut oil helps to treat nasal congestion effectively. The study shows that the application of 2 to 4 grams of Shea nut oil to the interior of the nostril helps to clear the airways within 30-50 seconds of application.

Shea nut oil benefits

• Consistency – Due to its fatty acid composition, Shea oil is a lighter weight than Shea butter. This makes it easier to apply and it also absorbs into the skin faster.
• Highly moisturizing – The higher oleic acid content means that despite its lighter consistency and softer texture, shea oil is just as (arguably even more) rich in moisturizing power as the heavier butter version.
• Usability – Shea butter is solid at warm temperatures, which can make it challenging to use. In contrast, Shea oil stays in the liquid form up to 20° C.
• Fragrance – The nutty aroma of Shea butter isn’t to everyone’s taste. Shea oil has a lighter fragrance. Due to the cold-pressing process, this more subtle scent is created without the addition of chemicals.
• Shea nut oil comedogenic rating – It’s impossible to give you 100% certainty about how your skin will react to any oil, but the fact that the shea nut oil comedogenic rating is two or less suggests it’s unlikely to clog pores.
• Shea nut oil for skin  – This super-hydrating oil can be applied directly to your skin as a moisturizer. As pure shea oil is non-comedogenic, you can use it as a face or body oil moisturizer. It’s also an effective emollient, so it can be particularly good for very dry skin on elbows, feet, and knees.
• Shea nut oil for hair – If your locks are looking a little parched, a treatment including shea oil could help rejuvenate your distressed mane. Consider using shea nut oil as a pre-shampoo (often referred to as a pre-poo.) Shampooing can strip moisture from your hair, so a dose of the oil before you wash adds a protective layer to your tresses. This is a technique often used by people with curly hair types. Simply apply the oil to dry hair and leave it for as long as you can before shampooing. Aim for 30 minutes but consider using it as an overnight treatment too. This locks in moisture, which will help to restore the suppleness of dry and damaged hair. One proviso though – if you have fine hair avoid applying it to your roots as it can cause an oily appearance. Apply oil to the ends only.
• Nail conditioning treatment – Look out for shea oil in the ingredients list for your cuticle and nail treatments. It can be an effective way to soften dry and brittle cuticles. Or maybe make your own shea-infused nail oil.
• Carrier oil for essential oil blends – Olive oil is commonly used to dilute essential oils before use. But shea nut oil could be a great alternative, particularly as it doesn’t have a strong scent. You could try using Shea nut oil when making a simple lavender oil.

Traditional uses

• It is used to treat arthritis.
• It prevents the pain related to itching and tightness.
• In Nigeria, it is used to provide relief from nasal congestion and manage sinusitis.
• It is used to eradicate scars, wrinkles, and burns.
• It promotes hair growth and moisturizes the dry scalp.
• It is an aid for blemishes, chapped lips, skin discoloration, and stretch marks.
• It provides relief from irritation.
• It cures skin rash, skin peeling, small skin wounds, skin cracks, frost bites, insect bites, shaving cream, cold weather, muscle fatigue and skin allergies.
• To moisturize the lips deeply, use it as a lip balm.
• To calm itchy and dry skin, it could be used as a sun soother.
• It is used as a massage balm for treating fatigued joints and muscles.
• It could be applied to shaved legs in order to make it soft.
• The application of Shea nut oil to the belly helps to prevent stretch marks.
• It could be used on cuticles and nails for getting shiny, strong, and healthy nails.
• It is used on eyelashes instead of mascara.
• For a shiny and bright smile, apply it on teeth.
• Apply on feet to keep them hydrated.
• It is used as hydrating mask or night moisturizer for the face.                                                                                              
• People allergic to tree nuts should avoid the use of Shea nut oil.
• When the condition worsens, consult a doctor.

How to Eat         

It is used as a substitute for cocoa butter.

Other Facts        

• In Africa, it is called women’s gold.
• It is used in skin and hair products such as lip gloss, emulsions, skin moisturizer creams, and hair conditioners.
• It is also used to make soaps.
• In Benin, it is used for hairdressing, waterproofing wax and candle making.
• It is used as an ingredient in organic broth.
• Shea butter is used as sunblock.
• It is used to hold the hairstyle.
• It is used as a base for makeup application.

Common Questions

Where can I buy shea butter?

Shea butter products are found in many cosmetic and beauty stores. You’ll also find products containing shea butter online. These products may include lip gloss, skin creams, hair conditioners, and soap. To find shea butter for cooking you may have to visit a specialty store or buy it online.

What’s the difference between refined and unrefined shea butter?

The technical difference between refined and unrefined shea butter is the method in which is it produced. Unrefined shea butter involves removing fat from the seeds of the shea fruit by hand. No chemicals are used to make the finished product. Refined shea butter is produced in factories with the use of chemicals and machinery.

According to the American Shea Butter Institute, refining is used to remove color, odor, and other undesirable qualities in the unrefined version. Unrefined shea butter may have a yellowish or creamy color, while refined shea butter is usually white and odorless. However, according to the Institute, the refining process also removes some of the bioactive nutrients, making it less desirable to many consumers.

Is all shea butter edible?

Pure shea butter can be used for cooking. However, beauty products that contain shea butter may include ingredients that are not edible.

What is some common beauty uses for shea butter?

Shea butter is often used to reduce stretch marks,3 reduce redness under the nose during a cold or the flu, reduce the appearance of under-the-eye bags and wrinkles, soften hands, improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and improve the appearance of your lips.4

But remember that not all of these uses are documented by scientific studies. That doesn’t mean that the treatments don’t work. It simply means that the benefits are not backed by research.

How do I store shea butter?

Shea butter (particularly unrefined shea butter) should be stored with care. Place it in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a cool dry place. If you are using it for cooking, store it in a cabinet away from the stove. When stored properly, it should keep for 18 to 24 months. If your shea butter has a smoky or rancid smell, it has gone bad and it is no longer safe or effective to use.

Recipes and Preparation Tips

You won’t find a lot of recipes that call for shea butter unless you do a lot of African cooking. But some cooks replace other fat and oils with shea butter in the kitchen.

For example, you can use shea butter in stir fry recipes. You can also add it to smoothies in the same way that you might add coconut oil to give the drink a creamy texture. Also, since shea butter comes from seeds, not from dairy, shea butter is vegan. So you can use it in recipes for baked goods and grain dishes that call for butter.

Allergies and Interventions

If you have a tree nut allergy, you should avoid eating or using shea butter on the skin. The shea nut is distantly related to Brazil nut. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), however, just because you are allergic to one tree nut doesn’t necessarily mean that you are allergic to another.

The American Shea Butter Institute reports that no clinical studies have been done on the use of unrefined shea butter by those with nut allergies. For that reason, they recommend that people with nut allergies avoid shea butter.

However, in a post for Allergic Living, allergist Dr. Scott Sicherer writes that “although an allergy to these (shea nut) products is theoretically possible … information suggests that the minimal available protein in these products makes an allergy to them, including for those with nut allergies, very unlikely.”

However, those with a nut allergy may want to exercise caution. The AAAAI advises that symptoms of a tree nut reaction may be severe. They advise that those with a known tree nut allergy carry epinephrine at all times.

References

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