Shea Butter (Karité)

Natural shea butter from West Africa, preserving its maximum beneficial properties.

Why is it called "women's gold" in africa?

The harvesting and processing of shea nuts are traditionally handled by women.

Shea butter sales supports local communities and families

Every shea butter purchase helps strengthen village economies.

Shea butter, also known as karité butter, is obtained from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, which grows in the savannah regions of West Africa. These trees can live for up to 300 years and begin bearing fruit only after 20 years of growth. Hence, shea butter is considered a product that cannot be mass-industrialised without respecting its natural cycle. Historically, shea butter was used by African women for skin and hair care. It protected the skin against the intense sun, supported wound healing, preserved skin elasticity and maintained the natural shine of the hair.

Europe became aware of karité butter in the 18th century, and since then it has become an essential ingredient in premium cosmetics.

The harvesting and processing of shea nuts are traditionally handled by women.

Shea butter sales supports local communities and families

Every shea butter purchase helps strengthen village economies.

Europe became aware of karité butter in the 18th century, and since then it has become an essential ingredient in premium cosmetics.

Shea butter is valued for its unique balance of fatty acids and active compounds:

Oleic acid (40–55%)

Deeply nourishes and softens the skin.

Stearic acid (35–45%)

Forms a protective barrier and helps retain moisture.

Linoleic acid (3–8%)
Restores the lipid barrier and helps relieve dryness.

Palmitic acid (3–7%)

Helps strengthen the skin and hair.

Arachidic and other fatty acids (1–2%)

Contribute to firmness and structural integrity.

In addition, the oil contains:

Vitamin A

Stimulates cell renewal.

Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals.

Phytosterols

Help reduce inflammation and support skin healing.

Catechins

Help reduce inflammation and support skin healing.

For Skin

Hydration: restores moisture balance and relieves dryness.
Protection: acts as a natural SPF (approximately SPF 4–6).
Healing support: helps with eczema, dermatitis, burns and insect bites.
Anti-ageing: helps slow the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin elasticity.
Barrier support: strengthens the skin’s protective function in cold and windy conditions.

For Cosmetics

Unrefined shea butter — the perfect ingredient for cosmetics

Homemade skincare products,
Organic creams, balms, masks and scrubs,
Lip, hair, body and facial care.

For Lips and Targeted Care Areas

Protects lips from chapping.
Softens rough elbows, knees and heels.
Helps improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

For Skin

Shea butter is valued worldwide for its versatility and effectiveness. It works gently yet deeply, nourishing the skin and hair with natural vitamins and fatty acids.

Characteristics of the Oil

Fragrance:

Nutty

Appearance:

Ivory colour / Grainy texture

Melting point:

32–38 °C

Absorption rate:

Very high

Whippability:

Yes

Shelf life:

12–18 months

Unsaponifiable matter:

Up to 19%

Free fatty acids:

Up to 8%

Peroxide value:

Not more than 10 meq/kg

Moisture content:

Maximum 0.0%

Flash point:

N/A

Argemone oil test:

Negative

Why it’s beneficial to buy shea butter from ITH

Direct supply from Africa

The harvesting and processing of shea nuts are traditionally handled by women in rural African communities.

Guaranteed quality

Each batch undergoes strict control: organoleptic assessment, chemical analysis and certification.

Flexible packaging options

Minimum order from 100 g (for samples and laboratories).

Fast delivery

Own warehouses and well-established logistics.

Ethical and sustainable

We support fair trade and environmentally responsible processing methods.

Complementary Products

Essential oil AMBER

Warm, comforting, and subtly spicy.

Essential oil ARGAN CARRIER

Soft, neutral, and nourishing.

Essential oil CHAMOMILE

Light, soothing, and herbal.

Essential oil ROSE

Delicate, floral, and romantic.

Essential oil NEROLI

Fresh, citrus-floral, and invigorating.

Essential oil LAVENDER

Clean, relaxing, and floral.

Essential oil YLANG-YLANG

Exotic, sweet, and floral.

Essential oil SANDALWOOD

Deep, woody, and warm.

Essential oil LEMONGRASS

Bright, citrusy, and fresh.

CENTELLA ASIATICA

Green, herbal, and fresh.

Essential oil AMBER

A warm, comforting fragrance with amber depth, creating a sense of inner calm and gentle radiance.

Adds sensuality and a refined finish to skincare rituals, helping the skin appear well cared for and luminous. Suitable for massage, oil burners and blending with carrier oils.

Benefits: soothes, relaxes and brings warmth to aromatic compositions.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oilARGAN CARRIER

A warm, comforting fragrance with amber depth, creating a sense of inner calm and gentle radiance.

Enhances skincare rituals with sensuality and a refined finish, helping the skin appear well cared for and luminous. Suitable for massage, oil burners and blending with carrier oils.

Benefits: calming, relaxing and adds warmth to aromatic compositions.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oil CHAMOMILE

A light, honeyed-herbal fragrance that fills the space with a sense of calm.

Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps the skin recover from irritation. Ideal for sensitive skin and for aromatherapy before bedtime.

Benefits: soothes, supports skin healing and improves skin tone.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oil ROSE

A delicate, sensual fragrance symbolising purity and femininity.

Suitable for dry and mature skin — it helps maintain firmness, evens out skin tone and enhances a natural glow. Used in cosmetics, aromatherapy and massage oils.

Benefits: promotes a sense of harmony, cares for the skin and lifts the mood.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oil NEROLI

A fresh, citrus-floral fragrance that is uplifting and refreshing.

Tones the skin, supports microcirculation and helps relieve stress and fatigue. Ideal for daytime skincare and for fragrancing living spaces.

Benefits: invigorates, refreshes and enhances skin tone.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oil LAVENDER

A clean, relaxing fragrance known for its balancing properties.

Helps the body recover after stress, improves sleep quality and supports the skin after sun exposure or fatigue. Used in body care, aromatic baths and diffusers.

Benefits: versatile, suitable for all skin types and has antiseptic properties.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oil YLANG-YLANG

An exotic, sweet and rich fragrance that creates an atmosphere of comfort and sensuality.

Softens the skin, promotes relaxation and helps restore emotional balance. Ideal for evening skincare and aromatic blends.

Benefits: relaxing, leaves the skin feeling soft and enhances the aroma of other oils in a blend.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oilSANDALWOOD

A refined woody fragrance with velvety warmth and subtle resinous notes.

Ideal for meditative skincare rituals and deep skin restoration. It soothes, nourishes and leaves the skin feeling soft.

Benefits: grounding, enhances skin smoothness and creates a sense of calm.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Essential oil LEMONGRASS

A fresh, vibrant fragrance with a subtle spicy tang.

Tones and refreshes, helping you awaken and feel energised. Ideal for morning skincare and for fragrancing indoor spaces.

Benefits: invigorates, purifies the air and enhances skin tone.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

CENTELLA ASIATICA

A green, herbal fragrance evoking freshness and purity.

Known as an active skincare ingredient, it supports skin regeneration, improves firmness and helps reduce redness. Suitable for daily use and as an additive in masks and creams.

Benefits: restorative, strengthens capillaries and suitable for sensitive skin.

Available size:

10 ml

30 ml

50 ml

100 ml

500 ml

1000 ml

Would you like to test the quality?

We offer samples starting from 100g.

Phone: +234 916 793 8002

Email: info@karitegold.ng