What Is the Difference between Refined and Unrefined Shea Butter?

Shea butter is widely popular for its usage in beauty products. But many people are still unaware of the difference between its refined and unrefined form. Are you one of them? Well, as a user of Shea butter products, you must learn about it. So, keep on reading this blog.

Refined Vs Unrefined Shea Butter

Refined Shea butter is extracted during the process that utilizes a high level of heat. In this method, the addition of a chemical, such as hexane plays an important role. The heat is actually used to refine the fat. And when the Shea fat is exposed to a high temperature, it loses most of the benefits of raw Shea butter. As experts remove the colour during the process, this type of fat is white. 

On the flip, raw Shea butter is a substance extracted from Shea nut that is native to Africa. It’s formed either the usage of mechanical process or the traditional hand using method. And both of these methods don’t need to use chemical products. It has a vast amount of vitamin A, vitamin E, fatty acids, and other essential elements for the skin. 

Refined Shea butter has no odour. But the scent of raw Shea butter is earthy. Its consistency is thick. But it may change after being used in skincare products.

One can identify unrefined Shea butter by its light yellow or cream colour. It has a nutty scent. It has an average shelf life of 24 months. Contrarily, refined Shea butter has a longer shelf life. But it doesn’t provide skin regenerating benefits. 

So, from the above discussion, it’s clear that using unrefined Shea butter is the best option for your skin.

Conclusion

We, African Fair Trade Society, offer pure Shea butter at an affordable price. Read our other blogs to know about our other products.