What is refined shea butter?

Shea butter is a natural fat obtained from the seeds of the Vitellaria paradoxa (shea) tree, native to West Africa. The nuts are harvested, cracked, roasted, and ground to release the butter, which is then extracted and filtered.

Refined shea butter undergoes additional processing to remove its strong nutty aroma and yellow-beige colour. The result is a pale, odourless butter that blends seamlessly into cosmetic formulas without overpowering scent or colour—while retaining many of the emollient properties that make shea butter such a sought-after skincare ingredient.

What are the benefits of refined shea butter in skincare and balms?

Shea butter is widely used in balms, creams, and body butters for its intense moisturising power and skin-conditioning benefits. It acts as both an occlusive and an emollient, meaning it helps lock in moisture and smooth the skin’s surface.

• Moisturising and protective: Its high content of stearic and oleic acids helps restore lipids and protect against transepidermal water loss.
• Softens and smooths: Ideal for treating rough patches, dry lips, or flaky skin, shea butter leaves skin feeling supple and cared for.
• Soothes sensitivity: It has a calming effect on irritated or reactive skin, and is well suited for delicate areas like the lips.
• Gives balms their body: Shea butter helps provide a rich, creamy texture to balm formulations, improving application and consistency.
• Mild and non-comedogenic: Despite its richness, shea butter generally doesn’t clog pores and is tolerated by most skin types.

From tree to texture

Shea trees grow wild across the African savannah and have been used for centuries in food, medicine and skincare. While unrefined shea retains its full aroma and colour, refined shea is often preferred in cosmetic formulations for its neutrality and stability.

Though the refining process removes some of the naturally occurring vitamins, it allows for better control over scent, shelf life, and consistency—making it a reliable choice in multi-ingredient balms and skincare products.