How to Use Raw Shea Butter

Shea butter, a natural fat made from extracting the nut oil of the shea or Karite tree, has been used for a number of purposes for centuries, most traditionally in Africa where it originated. It is recently seeing a surge in popularity, particularly for its moisturizing effects.

Shea butter has been used for centuries to serve a number of purposes. It is used to treat skin burns, ulcerated skin, stretch marks and even for cooking. Most recently, though, the highly emollient nature of shea butter has made it highly prized as a skin moisturizer. Shea butter is often used as an ingredient in a number of cosmetics and lotions, but it can also be used in its raw form, with minimal processing and no added ingredients.

Raw, or unrefined, shea butter is different than other shea butters since it has not undergone a process of heating and chemical processing. Most commercial or manufactured shea butters have had chemicals added to it and have been heated to such a high temperature that much of its nutrients have been eliminated. This all but destroys all of the original healing properties of the nut. Because raw shea is natural and pure, it has retained most of these healing properties. It is particularly helpful for people with very dry and sensitive skin. Raw shea butter should be yellow or beige, creamy in texture and nutty in smell. If it is not, is most likely refined or processed.

There are a number of beneficial ways to use raw shea butter:

• Use it as a lotion, for its highly effective moisturizing properties. Shea butter absorbs into the skin quickly and easily, leaving skin moisturized but not greasy.


• Use it as a skin ointment, for its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties.


• Use it as an anti-aging cream.


• Massage it onto the skin to treat a number of other skin-related conditions: eczema, rashes, peeling, chapped lips, rough skin and cracked skin.


• Use it as a deep conditioner for your scalp. Massage into your scalp and allow to sit for ten minutes. Afterwards, rinse it out then shampoo and condition your hair as usual.


• Use it as cooking oil or as an ingredient in some chocolate fillings.