Superior Shea Butter
Anti-Graining, Stable
CAS 194043-92-0 · Refined · Climate-Compensated · Cosmetic Grade
A refined, climate-compensated shea butter processed to stabilize its crystalline structure during cooling. Unlike standard shea butter, this grade undergoes controlled crystallization to promote uniform fat crystal formation — dramatically reducing the risk of graininess (bloom) that can ruin a finished body butter or balm.
It's more than just an ingredient; it's peace of mind in a jar.
| INCI Name | CAS | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter | 194043-92-0 | Refined, Cosmetic |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Cream to pale yellow solid |
| Odour | Characteristic — neutral, suitable for fragranced products |
| Melting point | 31–35°C |
| Processing | Refined |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water · compatible with oils, esters, waxes, emulsifiers |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Lotions and creams | 1–10% |
| Body butters | 10–50% |
| Lip balms and lip care | 2–10% |
| Balms and salves | 5–30% |
- Allow melted butter to cool slowly and undisturbed to maximize the anti-graining benefits
- Store away from heat — temperatures above 30°C (86°F) will melt the butter
- In body butters, cool to 40°C before whipping to maintain texture stability
- Combine with Kokum Butter (5–10%) for added hardness and structure in bar products
- Add Tocopherol (0.5–1%) to support oxidative stability in long-shelf formulations
By choosing this ingredient, you are helping to empower women, improve livelihoods, and secure the future of shea. Our shea is climate-compensated and sourced with full supply chain transparency.
- 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.
Superior Shea Butter (INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter · CAS 194043-92-0) is a refined, crystallization-optimized plant butter used as a primary emollient and structuring agent in body butters, creams, lotions, lip balms, balms, hair conditioners, and bar soaps. Processed to reduce graininess — producing smoother, creamier finished products with better long-term texture stability. Neutral odour. Low comedogenic rating. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and dry skin.
- Body butters and balms — 10–50% as the primary emollient and structuring base
- Creams and lotions — 1–10% for deep moisturization and a rich, creamy skin feel
- Lip balms and lip care — 2–10% for conditioning, smooth application, and long-lasting moisture
- Balms and salves — 5–20% for healing, protective, and barrier-supporting formulations
- Hair conditioners and masks — 2–10% to improve moisture, reduce frizz, and add shine
- Cold process soap — 5–15% for a conditioning, skin-softening bar
- Neutral odour — will not interfere with added fragrance or essential oils
- Low comedogenic rating (0–2) — suitable for sensitive skin and facial formulations at lower use levels
- High unsaponifiable content — natural tocopherols and phytosterols provide antioxidant support
| What is Superior Shea Butter used for?A refined, crystallization-optimized emollient and structuring agent used in body butters, creams, lotions, lip balms, balms, hair conditioners, and soap. Formulated to reduce the graininess commonly associated with standard shea butter. |
| What causes graininess in shea butter?Graininess occurs when triglycerides recrystallize into larger, unstable polymorphic forms during cooling or temperature fluctuation. Superior Shea Butter is processed to encourage uniform, stable crystal formation — producing a smoother finished texture. |
| What is the recommended usage rate?10–50% in body butters · 1–10% in creams and lotions · 2–10% in lip balms · 5–20% in balms and salves · 2–10% in hair conditioners. |
| Is it safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin?Yes — low comedogenic rating of 0–2. High unsaponifiable content provides anti-inflammatory and skin barrier supporting properties. Widely used in formulations for dry skin, eczema-prone skin, and sensitive skin care. |
| What are the key fatty acids in Shea Butter?Oleic acid 40–60% · Stearic acid 20–50% · Linoleic acid 3–11% · Palmitic acid 2–9%. High unsaponifiable fraction contains triterpene alcohols, tocopherols, and phytosterols. |
| Can it be used in hair care?Yes — 2–10% in conditioners, masks, and leave-in treatments. Improves moisture retention, reduces frizz, adds shine, and protects hair from heat and environmental damage. |
| How should it be stored?Store below 20°C in a cool, dark, dry place. If melted, allow to cool slowly and undisturbed. Shelf life 24 months. Add 0.5–1% Tocopherol for additional oxidative stability. |
Note: Superior 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. For extended oxidative stability, add 0.5–1% of INCI VAULT's T-70 Tocopherol — the natural mixed tocopherols protect both the butter and the finished formulation from oxidative degradation.
