Make Up by J.: What the heck is... Shea Butter?!

Cosmetic Ingredients De-Mystified...

So, J.- What is Shea butter, why should I use it, and in what products can I find it?

First & Foremost,

Shea Butter a.k.a Karite Butter is a butter that comes from the nut of the karite tree, whose home resides in Central in West Africa. Often used in the cosmetics industry and for dermalogic reasons, Shea butter proves effective for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and hyperpigmentation (the darkening of skin caused by blemishes, sun spots, age & pregnancy). You can also cook with it and it's an excellent all natural SPF to boot! This butter is high in vitamins A & E. You can find it with certified, organic, refined, un-refined, fair trade, bulk, pure & African in the names of most Shea products.

Shea is also an underground beauty treatment for new moms as it clears up stretch marks, pregnancy spots on the face, diaper rash and any minor skin irritations baby may get.

Learn more about Uses & Benefits Here...

Also, often more times than not, you'll find it mixed in the U.S. as it has a high melting temp. It needs to be mixed with other ingredients to not go back to its solid butter state.

But, I say buy it pure.
Especially if you're using it as a treatment rather than a humectant, give me the highest concentration pronto, STAT, ASAP, a hora, whatever you call it in my opinion. Call me maybe? Call me for sure!

Melting it is fairly easy as your own hand's body temp will cause it to melt. I've also been known to melt it in the microwave in a glass measuring cup. Purchasing one with a lid is the best idea for easy storage.