Essentially Natural Shea Oil - Refined
Essentially Natural Shea Oil - Refined
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Essentially Natural Shea Oil - Refined is the smooth, pourable liquid fraction of shea butter, also known as refined shea olein. It brings the cushioning softness and rich emollient feel associated with shea to body oils, creams, lotions and haircare without the firmness of a solid butter. Its fluid form is easy to weigh, blend and scale, while Fair For Life certification adds a meaningful traceability and Fair Trade benefit.
♡ Why we love it: We choose to offer Shea Oil because it gives makers classic shea-style richness in a much easier-to-handle format. It is particularly useful when softness, nourishment and a protective oil feel are wanted without adding too much structure to the finished product.
Key properties
- INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
- Type: Refined shea olein
- Form: Pourable oil
- Appearance: Slightly turbid at cooler room temperatures and clear when gently warmed
- Aroma: Slight natural odour
- Solubility: Oil soluble, not water soluble
- Typical Usage Rate: Up to 20% in oil-in-water emulsions
- Fair For Life (Fair Trade)
- Suitable For: Skincare, haircare and cosmetic formulation
- Food Safety Note: Suitable for personal food use, not confirmed food grade
- Storage: Store tightly sealed away from light, ideally below 23°C
What it's used for
- Rich body oils
- Creams, lotions and emulsified serums
- Balms and salves
- Soft, cushioning skincare
- Hair oils, masks and conditioners
- Leave-on products for dry-feeling lengths and ends
- Suitable personal food applications
- Blending with other carrier oils and oil-soluble ingredients
Who it's for
- Formulators wanting shea richness in a pourable form
- Makers who find solid shea butter difficult to weigh or process
- Skincare requiring softness and emolliency
- Haircare for dry-feeling lengths and ends
- Brands valuing Fair For Life certification
- Water-based formulas without an emulsifier
- Products requiring the firmness of solid shea butter
- Formulas needing a very light, dry oil finish
- Products requiring a completely clear oil at cool temperatures
This Product Is For:
This Product Is Not For:
How to use
- As a Body Oil: Apply a small amount directly or blend with other carrier oils.
- As an Emollient: Add to the oil phase of creams, lotions and emulsified serums.
- In Balms: Combine with compatible butters and waxes to adjust softness and spreadability.
- As a Hair Oil: Apply sparingly to the lengths and ends.
- In Haircare: Add to conditioners, masks and leave-on products.
- In Personal Food Use: Incorporate appropriately into a suitable personal food application.
- Processing Tip: Warm gently to approximately 35-40°C with stirring where a clear, uniform oil is required.
- Formulation Tip: Replacing solid shea butter with shea oil will generally create a softer finished texture.
Safety instructions
- Use appropriately for the intended cosmetic or personal food application
- Patch test before first topical use
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Use clean, dry utensils
- Discontinue topical use if irritation occurs
- Store tightly sealed away from heat and direct sunlight
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
Faqs
Q: Is Shea Oil the same as melted shea butter?
A: No. It is the naturally more liquid olein fraction separated from shea butter and then refined.
Q: When would I choose Shea Oil instead of shea butter?
A: Choose the oil when you want shea richness in a fluid format with less structure and easier processing.
Q: Why can it appear cloudy?
A: Natural shea fractions can become slightly turbid at cooler temperatures and generally clear with gentle warming.
Q: What does Fair For Life mean?
A: It is a Fair Trade certification supporting traceability and community-development initiatives within the supply chain.
