what is shea butter?
Shea butter is the natural fat extracted from the fruit/nut of the shea tree. The product, the solid fat (stearin) and the liquid (olien) is ideal for many uses among others the healing properties. Shea butter is high in non saponifiable fats, making it great for healing many skin conditions. Stigmasterol in shea butter helps relieve muscle tension/aches, arthritis & rheumatism.
Shea butter contains vitamin A,E & F. High levels of vitamin A help promote cell regeneration. Vitamin E a powerful natural anti free radical agent helps prevent the formation of wrinkles hence prevents premature aging. Shea butter provides natural spf of about 5 although variable.  
Shea butter is effective in healing  these skin conditions: Eczema, Extremely dry skin, Psoriasis irritation and inflammation, Dry elbows, feet, knees and rough spots, Minor burns, Small wounds, Dry hair and scalp, Chapped lips, Skin rash, Diaper rash, Insect bites, Itchy skin, Dermatitis, Skin allergies, Fungal and bacterial infections, Scrapes and bruises, Reduce and prevent stretch marks, Reduce and prevent wrinkles, Remove Scars, Cuticle repair
Great as a moisturizer for all skin types and ages. Shea butter has been used as diaper rash cream for centuries in Africa 
Shea butter has a natural aroma and its natural color borders ivory, gray, greenish, tan, pale yellow. You might have seen bright yellow shea butter on sale - this contains a root extract that changes it to this color (we do not recommend). On the same token you might have seen pure white shea butter (especially on high end markets) and also shea butter with no aroma/scent. This is shea butter that has been refined. To remove the natural aroma and color, most companies use a chemical called hexane. This depletes the natural healing properties not to mention that a harmful chemical has been added. We do not recommend this. It is not necessary to take off the shea butter aroma and color as Shea butter is non greasy and will not clog your pores. It is quickly absorbed  into your skin within minutes, leaving it non greasy and the earthy aroma disappears soon as it is absorbed by the skin.
Where does shea butter come from?
Shea butter is the natural fat extracted from the fruit/nut of the shea tree. The Shea tree grows naturally in the wild on the Savannah belt across the African continent from West Africa to East Africa. It produces its first fruit (which resemble large plums) when it is about 20 years old and reaches its full production when about 45 years old. It produces nuts for up to 200 years after reaching maturity. The shea tree is known as karite in the west and moo-yaoo in east. Shea butter has been utilized for centuries for its amazing ability to renew, repair and protect the skin. Shea Butter is also edible and is used as a cooking oil. The name Karite means the Tree of life, due to the many important uses that Shea Butter provides for the people of this region.
There are two species of shea butter: vitellaria paradoxa accounts for 99% of the shea butter on the market mainly from West Africa while vitellaria nilotica grows in a small region of East Africa. We carry both types of shea butter.
What are the differences between West African shea butter(vitellaria paradoxa) and East African shea butter(vitellaria nilotica)?