Shea butter is a natural product that comes from the nut of the shea tree, which grows in Africa. It has been used for centuries for its moisturizing and healing properties, as well as for cooking and hair care.
Shea butter can be found in two forms: refined and unrefined.
But do you know what are the differences between them, and which one is better for your skin and health?
Refined vs Unrefined Shea Butter
Refined shea butter is the result of a process that uses high levels of heat and sometimes chemicals to extract the butter from the nuts. This process removes the natural color, smell, and texture of the shea butter, making it white, odorless, and smooth. OTI has found out that, in the Western countries, refined shea butter is easier to work with and has a longer shelf life, which is why it is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products, unlike in the MEA region, where clients prefer patronizing the raw shea butter. The refining process of shea butter strips away many of the nutrients and beneficial compounds that make raw shea butter so great for the skin. Up to 75% of the bioactive ingredients are lost during the refining process.
It's important to know that, at Organic Trade and Invesmtents (OTI), we do not use chemicals to refine the butter to obtain the refined shea butter. Our refined shea butter is obtained by over heating the raw shea butter.
Converserly, unrefined shea butter is the purest form of shea butter and it is extracted using traditional methods that do not involve high heat or chemicals. Unrefined shea butter retains its natural color, which can vary from ivory to yellow or green, depending on the region and season of harvest. It also has a distinctive nutty and smoky smell, which some people love and others dislike. Unrefined shea butter has a thick and chunky texture. This makes the butter harder to spread and apply than refined shea butter. Nontheless, unrefined shea butter preserves all of its vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents, which give it its amazing moisturizing and healing properties.
Usage in the Industry
Both refined and unrefined shea butter are used in various industries, such as beauty, food, and medicine. Refined shea butter is more popular in the beauty industry, as it can be easily incorporated into different products, such as lotions, creams, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, and more. Refined shea butter is also preferred by some consumers who do not like the smell or color of unrefined shea butter. However, refined shea butter does not offer the same benefits as unrefined shea butter, and it may also contain traces of chemicals or additives that can be harmful to the skin or health.
Unrefined shea butter is also used in the beauty industry, especially by natural and organic brands that value the quality and purity of their ingredients. Unrefined shea butter can be used by itself or mixed with other oils, essential oils, or herbs to create homemade skincare products, such as body butters, face masks, scrubs, salves, and more. Moroever, unrefined shea butter is used in the food industry, as it is edible and can be used as a cooking oil, a butter substitute, or a chocolate ingredient. Unrefined shea butter is also used in the medicine industry, as it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and it can help treat various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, burns, wounds, insect bites, and more.
Health Benefits or Risks
Both refined and unrefined shea butter have some health benefits and risks, depending on how they are used and by whom. Refined shea butter can be beneficial for the skin, as it can provide hydration, softness, and protection. However, refined shea butter can also be risky, as it can cause allergic reactions, irritation, or inflammation, especially for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Refined shea butter can also be contaminated with chemicals or additives that can be harmful to the skin or health, such as hexane, bleach, or preservatives. Therefore, it is important to check the label and ingredients of any product that contains refined shea butter, and to do a patch test before using it.
Unrefined shea butter can be beneficial for both the skin and the health, as it can provide nourishment, healing, and regeneration. Unrefined shea butter can help moisturize, soothe, repair, and protect the skin, as well as reduce inflammation, redness, itching, and pain. Unrefined shea butter can also help boost the immune system, fight infections, lower cholesterol, and improve blood circulation. Unrefined shea butter can also be risky, as it can also cause allergic reactions, irritation, or inflammation, especially for people with nut allergies or latex sensitivity. Unrefined shea butter can also be affected by the quality and freshness of the nuts, the storage and handling conditions, and the exposure to light, heat, or air. Therefore, it is important to buy unrefined shea butter from a reputable source, and to store it in a cool, dark, and dry place.
What you need to take away:
Shea butter is a wonderful natural product that can offer many benefits for the skin and health but you need to know that not all shea butter is created equal, and there are significant differences between refined and unrefined shea butter.
Refined shea butter is white, odorless, and smooth, but it has lost most of its nutrients and beneficial compounds during the refining process, while;
Unrefined shea butter is colorful, fragrant, and chunky, but it has preserved all of its vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose the type of shea butter that suits you best, and enjoy its amazing properties.
