Shea Butter Refined (Responsibly Grown)

Formulation Reference

• Solubility: Soluble in: vegetable oils, mineral oil, cosmetic esters; melts into oil phase with heat Dispersible in: anhydrous oil-based systems and oil-in-water emulsions with appropriate emulsifier
• Processing Temperature: Add at: heated oil phase, 167–185°F (75–85°C) for full melt and crystal reset
• Heat tolerance: stable up to ~212°F (100°C) for short hold times. Avoid: prolonged exposure above 195°F (90°C) and slow uncontrolled cooling, which encourages beta-crystal graininess
• Melting Point: Softens at 88–95°F (31–35°C); fully liquid at 100–104°F (38–40°C). Polymorphic: flash-chill the melt to set fine, stable crystals and prevent graininess in the finished product
• Recommended Phase: Oil phase (heated). May also be used in anhydrous balms, sticks, and whipped butters
• Recommended pH: Not applicable - Anhydrous

Option 1: Rich Body Butter & Anhydrous Balm

1. Weigh out the desired percentage of refined shea butter (typically 20–100% for anhydrous formats; 5–20% for whipped butters with co-butters and oils) and add to a clean melt vessel.
2. Heat to 167–185°F (75–85°C) until fully clear and liquid to reset the crystal structure, then add any additional butters, oils, or waxes and combine until uniform.
3. Pour into containers and flash-chill — move to a cold environment near 41°F (5°C) with brief gentle stirring. The shea butter contributes a creamy, cushioned skin feel and helps build body and structure in balms, body butters, and stick formats.

Option 2: Lotion & Cream Emulsion (Heated Oil Phase)

1. Combine refined shea butter with your chosen emulsifier system and the rest of the oil phase, dosing the shea at 3–10% of the total formula for a lotion or 5–15% for a richer cream.
2. Heat both oil and water phases to 167–185°F (75–85°C), then slowly add the water phase to the oil phase while mixing under high shear until a uniform emulsion forms.
3. Cool with continuous gentle stirring to room temperature, adding heat-sensitive ingredients (preservative, fragrance, actives) below 104°F (40°C). The shea butter supports a smooth, conditioned after-feel and helps improve the appearance of dry, rough skin.

Option 3: Hair Conditioner, Mask & Lip Care

1. Melt refined shea butter into the oil phase of your hair conditioner, hair mask, or lip product alongside conditioning oils, fatty alcohols, and any cationic conditioning agents (for hair) or waxes (for lip products) at 1–10% for rinse-off conditioners, 3–15% for masks and leave-ins, or 10–40% for lip balms and butters.
2. Combine with the heated water phase (for emulsified conditioners and masks) and mix until a uniform, creamy emulsion forms; for anhydrous lip products, blend the melted oil phase until homogeneous and pour at 140–150°F (60–66°C).
3. Cool to room temperature with gentle stirring. The shea butter contributes a smooth, detangling feel in haircare and a cushioned, conditioned wear in lip care.

INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Warning Statements

For external use in cosmetic and personal care formulations only. Not for ingestion. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Handle using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coat. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Follow all applicable GMP guidelines when formulating and conducting stability and microbial testing.

Technical Specs 

• Appearance: ivory/white to pale cream soft solid  
• Aroma: mild/neutral/faint characteristic odor 
• Suggested Usage Rate: 1–100% (commonly 3–20% in lotions and creams; up to 100% in anhydrous balms, body butters, and sticks) 
• Functions: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Occlusive, Viscosity Controlling (Non-Aqueous), Hair Conditioning, Bodying Agent 
• CAS Number: 91080-23-8  
• Preserved With: Not applicable - Anhydrous