Shea Nuts

In Africa, there are two dominant species of shea nuts the Vitellaria paradoxa and Vitellaria nilotica. Vitellaria paradoxa is dominant and found in West African countries Such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and some other countries. Vitellaria Nilotica is found mainly in Uganda. The West African type has better consistency, works well in most formulations and is not too soft. It also has a higher melting point, greater concentration of sterol and Vitamin A, and a lower concentration of oleic acid when compared with the East African shea butter.

Grade A: This is the highest quality of shea butter produced form high quality nuts, it has smooth texture, yellow in colour and mild nutty fragrance.

Grade B: This is produced form lower quality shea nuts and has a grainy texture and a darker colour.

Unrefined: This is the purest form of shea butter, extracted with no chemicals or preservatives.

Refined: This is processed to remove impurities and other substances hence it is smoother in texture and lighter in colour.

Ultra Refined: this is the most processed shea butter which is stripped of all natural nutrients and compounds.