From shelf life to usage warnings. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about Shea Butter so that you can be an informed consumer!

If you're like most people and heard all the hype, you probably think of shea butter as a miracle ingredient that can help with everything from dry skin to wrinkles. And while it's true that Shea Butter does have some amazing benefits, there's a lot more to this product than meets the eye.

For example, did you know that there's such a thing as Shea Butter usage warnings, or that there's a specific way to store your shea butter to prolong shelf life? In this blog post, we'll be discussing everything from the shelf life of shea butter, to how to store it properly, and even a few shea butter warnings. So, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone!

How to Make Sure You're Buying Quality Shea Butter

Shea Butter has to be one of the most versatile natural ingredients out there, from top to toe, there is no part of your body that shea butter won't benefit. But with its growing popularity, there has been an influx of low-quality products hitting the market. So, how can you be sure you're buying quality shea butter?

The first thing to look for is the ingredient list. If buying pure, unrefined shea butter, ideally the label should only say "unrefined shea butter" and nothing else. Any other ingredients are likely to be added fillers that will not only dilute the potency of the Shea Butter but could cause harmful side effects.

If buying beauty products containing Shea Butter, the rest of the ingredients should also be natural and help to boost Shea Butter’s healing properties. Think of regenerative ingredients such as Aloe Vera or high-quality essential oils. A great example of complementary ingredients that help speed up the results of natural Shea Butter is our very own Whipped Shea Butter which includes ingredients such as Aloe Vera juice extract and jojoba oil to help penetrate the skin and lock in moisture.

The second thing to look for is the country of origin. The best Shea Butter comes from Western Africa, specifically from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. These countries have been producing Shea Butter for centuries and have perfected the process. All of our Shea Butter is sourced directly from Ghana.

As you can see, it's important to make sure that you're buying quality Shea Butter, otherwise, you may not get the results you're looking for. Here are a few other things to look out for:

1. Shea butter should be smooth and creamy, without any lumps or bumps.
2. It should be a pale yellow colour and have a slightly nutty smell. If you're buying unrefined shea butter, it may feel hard at room temperature and have a slightly greenish tint. This is normal and doesn't affect the quality of the product.
3. The texture of unrefined Shea Butter should be soft and pliable, but not runny.
4. When buying whipped Shea Butter or when shea butter is included in other products, make sure the ingredient list is natural, pure, and free from cheap fillers.

How to Store Your shea Butter Properly

Once you've got your hands on some quality Shea Butter, it's important to know how to store it properly in order to maintain its potency and shelf life. Shea butter should be stored in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer in an airtight container. It does not need to be refrigerated, but if you live in a warm climate, storing it in the fridge may prolong its shelf life.

Pure unrefined Shea Butter has a shelf life of around 12 months, while refined shea butter can have an expiry date up to 2 years or longer. However, these are just guidelines and Shea Butter can often last much longer if stored correctly. However, if your Shea Butter starts smelling rancid or develops a strange color, it's best to discard it to be on the safe side.

Shea Butter Warnings

While Shea Butter is generally considered to be safe for most people, there are a few warnings you should be aware of. If you have nut allergies, it's best to avoid Shea Butter as it can cause an allergic reaction. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and new to the world of Shea Butter, it's also best to check with your doctor before adding it to your skincare routine.

Additionally, some people may experience contact dermatitis after using Shea Butter. If you notice any redness, swelling, or itchiness after using Shea Butter, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.

Although Shea Butter is a natural ingredient, it's always important to do a patch test before using it on your skin. To do a patch test, apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction. If you experience any irritation, do not use the product.

Shea Butter Benefits

Shea butter comes with many benefits including deep hydration, protection, and anti-aging properties. Making it one of our favourite natural skincare ingredients. We believe that with consistent use and correct storage, Shea Butter can help improve the overall look and health of your skin and hair, making it a great addition to your beauty routine.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post on Shea Butter and that it was helpful in guiding your purchase and usage decisions. To summarise, remember to always look for quality ingredients, do a patch test, store your shea butter in a cool and dark place, and enjoy all the benefits this natural product has to offer!

And there you have it! Everything you need to know about Shea Butter. We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We're always happy to help!