Shea butter organic deodo. COS

Production

Harvest

The shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) naturally grows in the dry and wild savannas of West Africa, covering a vast area stretching from Senegal to Sudan, and reaching the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands. It is present in 19 African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zaire, and Guinea.
This robust tree generally reaches a height of 15 meters, with a dense crown and thick, waxy bark that is deeply cracked, effectively protecting it from fires.
The tree begins to produce its first fruits, resembling large plums, at the age of 20. It reaches its full production capacity around 45 years old and can produce nuts for nearly 200 years after reaching maturity.

Manufacturing

Shea butter, also known as shea nut butter, is obtained from the fruits of the tree Vitellaria paradoxa through a traditional process combining crushing of the nuts followed by boiling. This vegetable butter, with a smooth texture and a color ranging from ivory to pale yellow, is renowned for its richness in natural components with varied uses.

Its lipid composition makes it a particularly interesting raw material: stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1, omega-9) alone account for over 70% of the fatty acid profile.

Typical fatty acid distribution:

• Palmitic (C16:0): 1.5 to 7.0%
• Stearic (C18:0): 33 to 47%
• Oleic (C18:1): 38 to 52%
• Linoleic (C18:2): 2 to 12%

In addition to its fatty acids, shea butter contains about 4% unsaponifiable fractions, which concentrate valuable compounds for cosmetic and dermopharmaceutical applications:

• Triterpenic alcohols (about 65%): α- and β-amyrine, butyrospermol, lupeol.
• Phytosterols (about 8%): campesterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, delta-5-avenasterol.

Phytosterol distribution:

• Cholesterols: 0 to 3%

• Campesterols: 6 to 11.2%

• Stigmasterols: 11.4 to 15.6%

• Beta-sitosterols: 32.6 to 50.7%

The unsaponifiable fraction also contains about 27% hydrocarbons, with a large proportion of karitene, a lipophilic compound often valued in nourishing and protective skincare products.

Application

Shea butter is recognized for its remarkable nourishing and protective properties. A true ally for dry or sensitive skin, it helps to preserve skin hydration while enhancing the skin's natural elasticity.

Main properties:

Moisturizing: it deeply nourishes and helps maintain a good water content in the epidermis.
Soothing: it is appreciated for its calming effect on reactive or weakened skin.
Emollient: it softens tissues and provides an immediate sense of comfort.
Protective: it forms a light lipid film that helps limit water loss and protects against external aggressions.

Common applications:

Shea butter is incorporated into many formulations: Face and body care for dry, sensitive, or atopic skin.
Nourishing hair products, especially for dry, curly, or damaged hair.
After-sun balms, restorative treatments, or aftershave products for their soothing effect.
Lower-quality butters are used in soap making, often blended with coconut soap to improve their consistency and lather.

Technical and regulatory

Usage tips

Manual:

Ingredient for cosmetic preparation, do not ingest.

Consult our guides: storage and preservation methods and precautions for use