Shea butter is an extracted fat from the nuts of the shea tree. It is solid at room temperature and has an off-white or ivory color. The shea tree is found in eastern and western tropical Africa.
Shea butter comes from two oily kernels within the shea tree seed. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve, or lotion. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in some African countries.
Shea is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it perfect for collagen production and ultraviolet protection. Its buttery texture contains 60% fat, which makes it ideal for penetrating the skin. Plus, the natural moisturizers in shea butter are analogous to the sebaceous glands of our skin. All this together makes shea butter a moisturizing miracle for skin.
USES OF SHEA BUTTER
Shea butter is used as a fat for cooking.
Shea butter is used in cosmetic products.
It helps to soften or smooth dry skin.
Shea butter is used on the skin for acne, burns, dandruff, dry skin, eczema, and many other conditions.
BENEFITS OF SHEA BUTTER
Relieves dry skin
Eases irritation
Prevents cell damage
Improves eczema
Provides sun protection.
HOW TO USE SHEA BUTTER
- As A Moisturize
Shea butter can transform dry and cracked skin into healthy, moisturized skin. Once you apply it, shea butter delivers an oil-like texture to your skin, which your skin almost instantly absorbs. Immediately absorbing the product restores the lost moisture and eases skin tightness.
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- To Soothe Chapped Lips
Chapped lips are an everlasting issue. Shea butter lip balm can help your lips look supple and soft. Dab a dash of shea butter on your lips to make sure your chapped lips or skin remain smooth and soft.
- To Fight Irritation and Dandruff
Especially if you experience a dry scalp, shea butter’s soothing qualities help calm your scalp. Section your hair, take a small amount of shea butter, and massage it onto your scalp in a circular motion. Use it repeatedly, and you’ll notice the difference in a few days.
- A Smoothening Cream for Frizzy Hair
You can use shea butter to combat issues like dull, dry, and frizzy hair. Whenever you feel your hair is dry or unmanageable, touch up the problem spots with shea butter. Alternatively, you can comb it through your hair and leave it on for an hour before shampooing.
- For Softer Hands
If your hands are dry from daily wear and tear, they need a good dose of shea butter hand cream. One of the primary benefits of shea butter is restoring moisture and hydrating the skin. Smother your hands with shea butter and wake up to hands as soft as silk.
TYPES OF SHEA BUTTER PRODUCTION BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA
Traditional production: This involves the manual extraction of shea butter by women in rural communities using traditional methods such as crushing, roasting, and pounding the shea nuts.
Semi-mechanized production:This involves the use of machines and equipment such as mills, grinders, and pressers, to assist in the extraction of shea butter.
Industrial production:This involves large-scale production of shea butter using modern machinery and techniques. This type of production is mostly found in commercial and industrial settings.
Organic production:This involves the production of shea butter using only natural and organic methods. This type of production is gaining popularity due to the increasing demand for organic and natural products.
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Cooperative production:This involves the pooling of resources and efforts by a group of farmers or producers to produce shea butter. This type of production helps to improve the livelihoods of small-scale producers and promotes community development.
Private label production:This involves the production of shea butter for private label brands or companies. This type of production is a popular way for small-scale producers to enter the market and build their brand.
TYPES OF SHEA BUTTERS IN NIGERIA
Grade A Shea Butter:This is the highest quality of shea butter produced from high-quality shea nuts. It is known for its smooth texture, yellow color, and mild nutty fragrance. It is preferred for use in cosmetic and skincare products.
Grade B Shea Butter:This type of shea butter is produced from lower-quality shea nuts and has a grainy texture and a darker color. It is used mainly for industrial purposes.
Unrefined Shea Butter:This is the purest form of shea butter, which is extracted without the use of chemicals or preservatives. It retains all the natural vitamins and minerals present in the shea nut, making it the best for skincare and hair care products.
Refined Shea Butter:This type of shea butter is processed to remove impurities and other substances, resulting in a smoother texture and a lighter color. It is mostly used in the food and cosmetic industries.
Ultra-Refined Shea Butter:This is the most processed form of shea butter, which is stripped of all natural nutrients and compounds. It is used in the cosmetic industry for its soft texture and neutral scent.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
The return on investment of shea nuts is estimated between 10% and 15%, while for shea butter, it is between 25% and 30%. 1 metric ton of shea nut is N 800,000, while shea butter is # 2,000,000 per metric ton.
To produce 1 kg of shea butter, you need 2.5 kg of shea nuts; therefore, 50 tons of shea nuts would yield 20 tons of shea butter, which could be further refined to satisfy the needs of the market. Shea cake is another derivative of shea butter processing with economic benefits. It is also demanded by foreign buyers.
