Shea Butter

Shea butter, Empowering Women in Ghana

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) product of Ghana

Shea butter, Empowering Women in Ghana

Each year, Africa exports around 150,000 tons of shea butter to Europe and the U.S., with Northern Ghana alone contributing about 50,000 tons. Yet, most of the 3 million women who produce this shea butter face extreme poverty, with many struggling to feed their families.

Northshea is committed to changing this by providing women in rural Ghana with reliable ways to earn a living. Our body butter is made in Charlottesville, Virginia, using the high-quality shea butter handcrafted by these hardworking women—turning their skill and dedication into a product you can enjoy every day.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) product of Ghana

Differences Between Yellow and White Shea Butter

The main distinction between yellow and white shea butter lies in their color and nutrient content. White shea butter is naturally ivory or off-white, unrefined, and rich in its original vitamins and minerals. Yellow shea butter, often called Borututu shea, gets its golden hue from the addition of Borututu root extract, which can enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

While both types are highly effective moisturizers, yellow shea butter provides added skin benefits and a visually appealing color, whereas white shea butter remains completely natural and pure. Note that refined white shea butter may have a smoother texture but often loses some of its nutrients in the process.

Yellow Shea Butter (Borututu)

• Color: Naturally golden yellow, colored by infusing Borututu root during processing.
• Processing: Can be unrefined or lightly refined; the hue comes from the natural root addition.
• Benefits: Combines the moisturizing and nourishing qualities of shea butter with extra antioxidants and cleansing effects from the Borututu root.
• Texture: Generally softer and easier to spread than raw white shea butter.
• Note: Some products may include other natural colorants like turmeric, so always check labels to ensure pure Borututu infusion.

White Shea Butter (Unrefined)

• Color: Naturally ranges from ivory to soft pale yellow.
• Processing: Maintained in its pure, unprocessed form.
• Benefits: Packed with vitamins, deeply hydrates the skin, has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and is suitable for all skin types.
• Texture: May have a slightly grainy feel but melts smoothly upon contact with the skin.

Key Points:

• Purest and most natural: Opt for unrefined white (ivory) shea butter.
• Extra antioxidants and soothing effects: Go with yellow (Borututu) shea butter.
• Smoother feel and milder scent: Refined white shea butter works well, but it may lose some of its natural nutrients.