Shea Butter/Shea Essentials Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Question:  

What is Shea Butter?

Answer:  

Natural shea butter is extracted from the pit of a fruit that grows only on the *karite tree in Central, Eastern and Western Africa. Pure shea butter is a fat made from the seeds of the shea tree. Shea butter is so non-toxic and beneficial that it is used in foods and cooking as well as soaps and beauty products. Shea butter is an emollient that is extremely therapeutic, helping to heal cracked, aged and damaged skin. Shea butter chemical constituents help to heal bruising and soreness, and penetrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth.

 Shea butter products are popularly used by people all over the world. Soaps, lotions, moisturizers and other products made from pure shea butter offer the soothing, protecting and healing properties of this natural product. Shea butter has been used by the Africans to heal ailments of the skin and scalp. Traditionally, shea butter is used to treat dry skin, discoloration on the skin and to relieve pain and swelling of arthritis.

*The name karite means "life-giving". The Shea nut tree was given this name because of the multitude of benefits it provides.

Question:  

What makes Shea Essentials different from other shea butter products?

Answer:  

Other skincare companies may use shea butter that has been "refined" by bleaching and deodorizing it; neutralizing it with lye; and over-heating it to very high temperatures thereby decreasing shea butter's healing factors. Some may even use shea butter that has been extracted using the toxic and dangerous petrochemical hexane. Shea Essentials guarantees that you will receive the finest and purest unrefined shea butter available in all of our products. Our 100% pure unrefined shea butter has been extracted using traditional methods and remains in its nutrient rich, natural unrefined state, and remaining rich in vitamins, phytonutrients, UV absorbing factors and maintaining a higher healing fraction than any other cosmetic oil, including refined shea butter.

But more importantly, US!! We take great care and pride in making our products.  Each handmade creation is prepared and packaged with love and good intentions.   We use only the best ingredients to ensure that we provide you with the best skincare experience possible.   If it can’t be excellent- we won’t do it, we will never compromise quality.

Question:  

What other ingredients can be found in Shea Essentials products?

Answer:  

Shea Essentials strives to provide our customers with the finest quality of all natural bath and body products. We include natural herbs, botanicals, essential oils, butters, vitamins and nutrients. Every ingredient in Shea Essentials products are added to promote skin health, repair and resilience.

Question:  

What ingredients WON'T be found in Shea Essentials products?

Answer:  

Shea essentials will never use animal tested products and all items, except our goatmilk & shea cleansers are 100% vegan. Our goal is to provide you a line of products that contain:

• NO Petroleum By-Products (i.e. mineral oil, propylene glycol, etc.)

• NO Artificial Colors

• NO Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfates

• NO Parabens 

• NO Formaldehydes or Urea

• NO Fillers (every ingredient is beneficial to the skin)

• NO Chemical Preservatives

Question:  

What is the shelf-life of your products?

Answer:  

All of our products are preserved with only natural ingredients. Still, we guarantee a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year, depending on the particular product (check the product labeling for specific freshness dates).

Question:  

Are your products safe to use on children and pregnant women?

Answer:  

Yes! In fact 100% Pure Unrefined Shea Butter has been used for centuries to condition newborn babies' skin in the dry African heat. It has also been a favorite of pregnant women everywhere due to its ability to prevent and eliminate stretch marks. All of our vegan products are plant based and synthetic/chemical free and are therefore considered safe for all ages. Please consult a healing professional for more detailed information about a specific disease or disorder.

Question:  

Are you products suitable for those with sensitive skin? What about oily and combination skin?

Answer:  

Shea Essentials products are suitable for use on sensitive skin. Only the finest natural ingredients are used in our product line. Please read each product ingredient listing very carefully before use. Everyone needs to moisturize their skin daily regardless if their skin is dry, oily or combination. Since 100% Pure Unrefined Shea Butter has been noted as the best emollient and moisturizer available, it can be used on all skin types. For oily and combination skin types, always start with a very small amount (about half the size of a dime).

Question:  

Why should I use Shea Butter?

Answer:  

100% pure Shea Butter is a superior moisturizer. Unrefined Shea Butter has the largest healing fractions and contains special natural ingredients that are ideal for healthier skin. Shea Butter contains natural anti-inflammatory agents and a minor sunscreen agent.

Question:  

What are uses for Shea Butter?

Answer:  

 Shea Butter can improve each of the following skin conditions:

• Dry skin

• Itching skin

• Skin rash

• Skin peeling

• Blemishes and wrinkles

• Sunburn

• Small skin wounds

• Cracking skin

• Tough or rough skin (especially on the feet)

• Cold weather

• Stretch mark prevention or reversal

• Insect bites

• Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak, eczema or dermatitis

• Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems, etc.).

As you use this multi-purpose emollient, you are likely to discover additional uses. The amount of time required for optimum results with various conditions may vary with each condition. Wrinkles, for example, may require 4 to 6 weeks of daily use.

Question:  

How do I store my Shea Essentials products?

Answer:  

Shea Essentials products do not contain artificial preservatives; therefore they should be handled with exceptional care.  The best way to store your shea butter based Shea Essentials products is in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place 70 degrees or cooler.

Question:  

Can I use your products if I have a nut allergy?

Answer:  

Shea butter is a nut product.  Also, many of the oils we use are nut derived.  Please use exceptional care when using Shea Essentials products if you have a nut allergy.  Test a very small (dime sized) section of your skin away with a small amount of product before continuing use.  If a reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately, wash area well with soap and water and consult the advice of a physician.

Question:  

My cloud has melted, what should I do?

Answer:  

Cloud is very susceptible to warm weather. It liquefies at body temperature. If your cloud has melted, it will retain all of the nutrients and beneficial characteristics. You can still use it as you would in its solid state. It can be refrigerated to return it to a solid state, however, because the air has been removed, it will look yellowish in color and not fill the jar.  Also, occasionally when Shea Butter is melted, it takes on a gritty feel and appearance (it will look like buttered grits).  The cloud is still usable, just not as pretty.  To prevent melting, store cloud in a cool dry place, preferably 70 degrees or cooler.