Raw Unrefined Shea Butter – Natural Cosmetic Butter for Skin & Hair
Leela Shea Butter – Raw Unrefined

Uses, Benefits, Suggested Ingredients & Shelf Life
1. Product Description
Leela Raw Unrefined Shea Butter is a natural plant-derived butter extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Unlike refined shea butter, unrefined shea butter undergoes less processing and generally retains its characteristic natural colour, aroma and naturally occurring unsaponifiable components.
It has a rich, firm texture and is widely used in skincare, haircare, handmade soaps, body butters, lip balms and other cosmetic formulations. It is a popular raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skincare makers and beauty brands.

2. Uses of Raw Unrefined Shea Butter
Body Moisturisers Use in body butters, creams and lotions to condition dry skin and improve softness.
Dry Skin Care Suitable for formulations intended for elbows, knees, heels, hands and other dry areas.
Lip Balms & Body Balms Adds a rich, firm butter component to lip balms and moisturising balms.
Hair Care Incorporate into hair butters, conditioning masks and hair-end treatments to improve softness and manageability.
Soap Making Use in suitable soap formulations as a cosmetic fat ingredient.
DIY Cosmetic Formulations Suitable for body butter, massage bars, hand creams and other oil-based cosmetic products.
3. Benefits of Raw Unrefined Shea Butter
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Rich Emollient: Helps soften and condition dry, rough-feeling skin.
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Moisture Protection: Forms an emollient layer that helps reduce moisture loss.
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Natural Butter Character: Retains its characteristic natural aroma and colour, which can vary by source and processing.
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Skin Conditioning: Helps leave skin feeling smooth, supple and comfortable.
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Hair Conditioning: Can help improve the feel and manageability of dry hair.
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Versatile Cosmetic Raw Material: Useful in balms, body butters, creams, lotions and soaps.
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Less-Refined Ingredient: Generally undergoes less processing than refined shea butter.
These are cosmetic benefits, not medical claims. Do not claim that shea butter cures eczema, heals wounds or treats skin diseases.
4. How to Melt Raw Unrefined Shea Butter Before Using
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Cut the required quantity into small pieces.
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Place the pieces in a heat-safe glass or stainless-steel bowl.
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Set the bowl over a saucepan of hot water.
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Heat gently on low flame until the butter melts completely.
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Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding other cosmetic ingredients.
Important: Do not place shea butter directly on a gas flame or overheat it. Use a double boiler.
5. How to Make Shea Body Butter – DIY Example
|
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|---|---|
|
Raw Unrefined Shea Butter |
60 g |
|
Coconut Oil |
15 g |
|
Sweet Almond Oil |
23.5 g |
|
Vitamin E Oil |
0.5 g |
|
Cosmetic-grade fragrance (optional) |
1 g |
|
Total |
100 g |
Preparation method
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Melt shea butter gently using a double boiler.
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Add coconut oil and stir until combined.
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Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
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Add almond oil and vitamin E.
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Add cosmetic-grade fragrance, if desired and permitted at the recommended usage level.
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Allow the mixture to cool until it begins to thicken.
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Whip with a hand mixer until light and creamy.
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Transfer into a clean, completely dry airtight jar.
This is an illustrative DIY starting formula, not a validated commercial recipe. Check fragrance limits, ingredient compatibility and stability before selling.
6. Suggested Ingredients
For a pure raw unrefined shea butter product:
|
Ingredient information |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Ingredient |
100% Raw Unrefined Shea Butter |
|
INCI Name |
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter |
|
Botanical Name |
Vitellaria paradoxa |
|
Source |
Shea tree nuts |
|
Appearance |
Cream, ivory or pale yellow – batch dependent |
|
Fragrance |
Characteristic natural nutty aroma |
If your product is pure shea butter, do not add coconut oil, fragrance or vitamin E to the ingredient declaration unless they are actually present.
7. Shelf Life & Storage
|
Product Information |
Suggested Guidance |
|---|---|
|
Unopened shelf life |
12–24 months as a development estimate |
|
After opening |
Keep tightly closed; follow validated guidance |
|
Storage |
Cool and dry place |
|
Sunlight |
Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat |
|
Packaging |
Airtight, moisture-resistant container |
8. Product Specifications
|
Specification |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Brand |
Leela Organic Herbal |
|
Product Name |
Shea Butter Raw – Unrefined |
|
Category |
Natural Cosmetic Raw Material |
|
Botanical Name |
Vitellaria paradoxa |
|
INCI Name |
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter |
|
Form |
Solid butter |
|
Colour |
Natural cream / ivory / pale yellow |
|
Aroma |
Characteristic nutty aroma |
|
Processing |
Raw / unrefined – subject to supplier confirmation |
|
Application |
Skin, hair and cosmetic formulations |
|
Usage |
External cosmetic use |
|
Packaging |
As per available pack sizes |