Shea Butter is a natural plant-derived cosmetic ingredient obtained from the kernels of the shea tree, primarily species of the Vitellaria genus. It is a semi-solid vegetable fat widely used in skincare, hair-care and personal-care formulations because of its emollient and skin-conditioning properties.
Shea Butter is composed mainly of triglycerides containing fatty acids such as stearic acid and oleic acid, together with smaller amounts of other fatty acids and unsaponifiable components. Because it is a naturally derived material, its exact fatty-acid profile and physical characteristics can vary according to origin, processing method and grade.
Shea Butter is commonly supplied as a cream-colored, ivory, off-white or pale yellow semi-solid butter. Its consistency can vary with temperature and processing.
In cosmetic formulation development, Shea Butter can be used as an emollient, skin-conditioning ingredient, hair-conditioning ingredient and formulation-supporting lipid.
Potential applications include facial creams, body butters, moisturizers, lotions, lip-care products, hair conditioners, hair masks, cleansing products and specialty personal-care formulations.
Shea Butter is a natural vegetable fat obtained from shea tree kernels. It is widely used as a cosmetic raw material in formulations designed to provide emollient and conditioning characteristics.
The major fatty-acid components are generally:
The proportions of these fatty acids can vary depending on the botanical source, geographical origin, extraction process and refining method.
Important technical information includes:
Because Shea Butter is a natural mixture rather than a single pure chemical compound, it does not have one fixed molecular formula or molecular weight like a defined small molecule.
Shea Butter is widely used as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient in skincare and personal-care formulations.
Potential applications include:
Its emollient properties make it suitable for formulations designed to improve the sensory characteristics and conditioning profile of finished cosmetic products.
Shea Butter can be incorporated into a variety of skincare formulations.
Potential applications include:
It can contribute to the oil phase of emulsions and anhydrous formulations. Formulators should evaluate the required concentration, texture, spreading properties and compatibility with other oils and structuring ingredients.
Shea Butter can also be evaluated in hair-care formulations where emollient and conditioning properties are required.
Potential applications include:
The appropriate concentration should be selected based on the desired texture, hair feel, formulation type and compatibility with other ingredients.
Shea Butter is commonly evaluated in anhydrous lip-care formulations.
Potential applications include:
It can be combined with other vegetable oils, waxes and cosmetic butters to achieve the required consistency, melting behavior and application characteristics.
Important formulation considerations include:
Shea Butter should be stored in suitable conditions that minimize excessive heat, moisture, light and oxidation.
Shea Butter Cosmetic Raw Material Manufacturer in India is a relevant B2B search phrase for cosmetic manufacturers and personal-care formulators.
Before procurement, buyers should evaluate:
Shea Butter Supplier in India is a relevant commercial keyword for businesses sourcing Shea Butter for cosmetic and personal-care formulation development.
Supplier evaluation may include:
Shea Butter Manufacturer and Supplier in India is a relevant B2B search phrase for businesses sourcing Shea Butter as a natural cosmetic raw material.
Potential formulation categories include:
Shea Butter Bulk Supplier India is relevant for businesses requiring larger quantities for cosmetic manufacturing.
Bulk procurement should specify:
What is Shea Butter?
Shea Butter is a natural vegetable butter obtained from the kernels of shea trees and widely used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
What is the INCI Name of Shea Butter?
The INCI name is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter.
What is the CAS Number of Shea Butter?
A commonly assigned CAS Number for Shea Butter is 194043-92-0.
Does Shea Butter have a molecular formula?
Shea Butter is a natural mixture of triglycerides and other components, so it does not have one fixed molecular formula or molecular weight.
Is Shea Butter soluble in water?
No. Shea Butter is essentially insoluble in water and is incorporated primarily into the oil phase or anhydrous phase of suitable formulations.
What is Shea Butter used for in cosmetics?
It is commonly used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient in creams, lotions, body butters, lip-care products and hair-care formulations.
Can Shea Butter be used in hair-care products?
Yes. It can be evaluated in conditioners, hair masks, hair creams, leave-in products and other suitable hair-care formulations.
What is the typical melting range of Shea Butter?
Shea Butter commonly has a melting range around 30–40°C, although the exact range depends on its composition, origin and grade.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |