1 2

Essentially Natural

Essentially Natural Shea Oil - Refined

Essentially Natural Shea Oil - Refined

R 50.15
R 59.00 R 50.15
15% OFF Sold out

10 in stock

Essentially Natural Shea Oil is a refined shea olein, the liquid fraction of shea butter, produced by fractionating shea butter and refining the liquid portion. It is used primarily as a rich emollient oil in skincare and haircare formulations where softness, cushion, and a light protective oil film are desired, and it may appear slightly cloudy at room temperature but becomes clear when gently warmed. This version is Fair For Life (Fair Trade) certified, with traceability built into the supply chain and Fair Trade development funds that support local communities.

This product is certified: Vegan and Beauty Without Cruelty.

Need detailed info? COAs and SDSs are available — just send us the product name and batch number, and we’ll gladly share them with you.
  • INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (may also be listed as Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil / Butter Extract)
  • Type: Refined Shea Olein (Liquid Shea)
  • Certification: Fair For Life (Fair Trade)
  • Suitable For: Food And Cosmetic Use
  • Appearance: Turbid liquid at room temperature, clear when warmed, slight odour
  • Solubility: Oil Soluble (Not Water Soluble)
  • Typical Usage Rate: Up To 20% In O/W Emulsions
  • Specification Highlights: Relative Density (20°C) 0.922–0.928; Acid Value Max 1.0 mg KOH/g; Iodine Value 62–72; Peroxide Value Max 10.0 meq O₂/kg; Unsaponifiables Min 6.0%; Water Content Max 0.1%
  • Storage: Store Tightly Sealed, Away From Light, Ideally Below 23°C
  • Shelf Life: 24 Months From Date Of Manufacture
  • Size Options: 50ml, 100ml, 200ml, 300ml, 500ml, 1L, 5L or 10L

    This product is commonly used to:

  • Add rich emolliency and a cushioning skin feel to creams, lotions, serums, balms, and body oils
  • Create barrier-style formulations by providing a light protective oil film that helps reduce moisture loss
  • Support hair feel in hair oils, masks, conditioners, and leave-on serums, especially on lengths and ends
  • Build higher “shea-rich” formulas with a more fluid, pourable oil phase than solid shea butter alone

    This product is suitable for:

  • Formulators who want shea benefits in a pourable format that is easier to weigh, blend, and scale than solid butter
  • Makers who want shea richness with a smoother, less waxy application feel than many butter-heavy formulas
  • Brands that want a clear ethical sourcing story with Fair For Life certification and traceability

    • This product is not:

  • An essential oil
  • Water soluble (you will need an emulsifier for stable water-based products)
  • A finished cosmetic product (it is a raw material ingredient)
  • As a Body Oil: Use neat, or blend with other carrier oils for a richer skin feel.
  • As an Emollient In Emulsions: Add to the oil phase of creams and lotions, then formulate to your desired texture.
  • As a Hair Oil Or Serum: Apply sparingly to lengths and ends, or include in the oil phase of conditioners and masks.
  • Processing Tip: Warm gently (around 35–40°C) with stirring if needed to obtain a clear, homogeneous oil before batching.
  • Patch test before first use, especially on sensitive skin
  • Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs
  • Use clean, dry utensils to avoid introducing contamination into the container
  • Store tightly sealed as directed to maintain quality

    Q: Why choose shea oil instead of shea butter?
    A: Shea oil is the liquid fraction, so it is pourable and easier to weigh and blend, and it can give shea-style richness with a smoother, more fluid feel than solid butter-heavy formulas.

    Q: Can I replace shea butter with shea oil in a formula?
    A: Often, yes, but the texture will change. Shea oil increases slip and spreadability, while shea butter adds more structure and a firmer, more occlusive finish.

    Q: Why is it cloudy at room temperature but clear when warmed?
    A: This is typical of shea olein. It can look slightly cloudy at cooler temperatures and become clear when gently warmed

For Your Safety

This natural product is for external use only. Please exercise caution and do not ingest or take internally. Store away from children, animals, sunlight and heat. If pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your medical care-giver before use.

View full details