The shea tree grows wild in Africa. It is relatively stocky and its gnarled trunk rarely exceeds 10 to 15 metres in height. It flowers after 20 years, but does not reach full production until it is 50 years old, which lasts for over 100 years. At the beginning of flowering, its sap is milky and its leaves are leathery. Its nuts, similar to green plums, turn brown as they ripen. Their diameter can reach 4 cm. With a fat content of more than 50 %, the shea nut is a much sought-after source of lipids in Africa. Shea butter, extracted from the kernel, is currently enjoying a worldwide popularity.
African savannahs, Sahelo-Sudanian and SudanoGuinean regions; clay soil of Niger and Upper Nile.
Constituents
Shea butter: unsaturated fatty acids with a high content of unsaponifiable triglycerides, oleic acid, triterpene alcohols, vitamin E, provitamin A, allantoin.
Fatty acid composition - Gas chromatography of batch 19HV0085 :
- Polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (PUFAs or EFAs) or vitamin F: linoleic acid (omega-6) (7.94%)
- Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) : oleic acid (omega-9) (52.73%)
- Saturated fatty acids (SFA): palmitic acid (4.00%), stearic acid (34.29%),arichidic acid (0.99%)
Oleic acid comes from the Latin oleum and means oil. This lipid is a member of the omega-9 family. It is the most abundant long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid in our bodies. It is very nourishing for the skin, making it suppler and softer, but also more radiant.
Other active components :
Unsaponifiables (about 10%) of which :
- Phytosterols (karisterols: alpha-spinasterol, delta-7-stigmasterol) : healing and repairing action. They also reduce inflammation.
- Latex (source of karitene) : soothing and calming action on irritations, protection of the skin (very strong absorption of UV rays)
- Vitamin E : natural antioxidant
- Carotenoids: anti-free radical action : protect tissues from degeneration.
- It soothes skin prone to redness and irritation.
- It participates in the protection of the skin against external aggressions (cold, wind, pollution...).
- Repairerit calms sensitive and flaky skin
- SoftenerIt offers a silky touch to the skin.
- ProtectorIt prevents skin dehydration.
- It acts to prevent the signs of premature ageing.
- Its fluid and dry touch allows to make emulsions with a non-greasy feel.
Indications
- All skin types, especially aggressive and sensitive skin
- Dehydrated, rough, flaky skin
- Skins exposed to extreme conditions
- Protective and soothing care for sensitive and damaged skin
Uses
Use as an ingredient in your preparations:
- Creams and balms for sensitive skin
- After-sun lotions to soothe sun-prone skin
- Nourishing creams for dry and dehydrated skin
- Prevents dehydration hair.
- Revitalizes and gives back glow and strength to damaged hair.
- Protects the hair colours and extends their shine.
Indications
- Dry, rough, frizzy, brittle, split hair
- Frizzy, afros, curly hair
- Coloured hair
Uses
Use as an ingredient in your preparations:
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Hair care balms for dry hair
- Colour protection creams or masks
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