Premium Refined Shea Butter
Butyrospermum Parkii, Cosmetic Grade
CAS 194043-92-0 · Refined · Deodorized · Northern Ghana · COSMOS Approved
Premium Refined Shea Butter is one of the most versatile and widely used cosmetic emollients in formulation. Ethically sourced from a women's cooperative in northern Ghana, this refined, deodorized grade delivers consistent performance across a wide range of skin and hair care applications.
Its high unsaponifiable content — containing sterols, tocopherols, and triterpene alcohols — is responsible for its well-documented anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties.
| INCI Name | CAS | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter | 194043-92-0 | Refined, Deodorized |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Solid / pasty wax — white to off-white |
| Odour | Neutral — suitable for all fragranced products |
| Melting point | 30–38°C |
| Processing | Refined, fractionated and deodorized |
| Origin | Northern Ghana — women's cooperative |
| Unsaponifiables | Relatively high — sterols, tocopherols, triterpene alcohols |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water · soluble in oils, esters, and waxes |
| Shelf life | 24 months (store below 20°C, dark and dry) |
| Certifications | COSMOS approved · NATRUE approved · Halal · Vegan |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Lotions and creams | 2–15% |
| Body butters | 10–60% |
| Lip balms and lip care | 5–20% |
| Balms and salves | 10–40% |
| Hair conditioners and masks | 2–10% |
| Bar soaps (cold process) | 5–15% |
- Melt at 60–70°C before incorporating into emulsions
- In body butters, whip after partial cooling (~35–40°C) for a fluffy texture
- Pair with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT) to lighten the skin feel
- Add T-70 Tocopherol (0.5–1%) to extend shelf life
- Store below 20°C in a dark, dry place — replace headspace with nitrogen before resealing
- Supports skin barrier — ideal for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone formulations
Sourced through a women's cooperative in northern Ghana. Women are trained in nut selection and shea butter manufacturing with a focus on premium quality and increased yield. By choosing this ingredient, you are supporting sustainable livelihoods and community empowerment.
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Premium Refined Shea Butter (INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter · CAS 194043-92-0) is a COSMOS approved, ethically sourced plant butter from a women's cooperative in Northern Ghana. Refined and deodorized — neutral odour, white to off-white solid, melting point 30–38°C. One of the most versatile emollients in cosmetic formulation.
- Body butters — 10–60% as the primary emollient and structuring agent
- Creams and lotions — 2–15% for deep moisturization and a rich, creamy texture
- Lip balms and lip care — 5–20% for conditioning and smooth application
- Balms and salves — 10–40% for healing and protective skin applications
- Hair conditioners and masks — 2–10% to improve moisture and manageability
- Cold process soap — 5–15% for a conditioning, smooth bar
- Neutral odour — will not interfere with added fragrance in finished formulations
- COSMOS approved · ethically sourced · women's cooperative · Northern Ghana
| What is Premium Refined Shea Butter used for?An emollient and structuring agent used in body butters, creams, lotions, lip balms, hair conditioners, and bar soaps. Deeply moisturizes, softens skin, and provides rich creamy texture. |
| What is the difference between refined and unrefined shea butter?Refined shea is processed to remove its natural scent and color, producing a white to off-white product with a neutral odour — ideal for fragranced formulations where the natural nutty scent would interfere. |
| Is this COSMOS approved?Yes — COSMOS approved and ethically sourced from a women's cooperative in Northern Ghana. |
| What is the recommended usage rate?10–60% in body butters · 2–15% in creams and lotions · 5–20% in lip balms · 10–40% in balms · 2–10% in hair care. |
| How should it be stored?Store below 20°C in a cool, dark, dry place. Shelf life 24 months from date of manufacture. |
Note: Premium Refined Shea Butter pairs exceptionally well with INCI VAULT's Kokum Butter in lip balm and body butter formulations — Shea adds creaminess, slip, and deep moisturization while Kokum provides firm structure and a dry velvety finish, creating a perfectly balanced texture that is neither too soft nor too heavy.
