Shea Butter, often called “Women’s Gold”, is one of Africa’s most valuable natural products. Extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, which grows abundantly across West Africa, Shea Butter is a rich, ivory-colored fat highly valued globally for its cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food applications.
What It Is
Shea Butter is a natural plant-based fat derived from the kernel of the Shea fruit. Traditionally, it is hand-processed and has been used for centuries in Africa for skin protection, healing, and nourishment.
Export Importance
Nigeria is one of the largest producers and exporters of Shea Butter, supplying both raw and refined forms to markets in Europe, Asia, and North America. The growing global demand is driven by the rising need for natural, chemical-free ingredients in cosmetics, personal care, and food industries.
Uses of Shea Butter
-
Cosmetic Industry: Ingredient in lotions, creams, lip balms, hair conditioners, and soaps due to its moisturizing and healing properties.
-
Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in ointments for eczema, burns, and skin irritations.
-
Food Industry: Serves as a substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate, margarine, and baked goods.
-
Industrial Use: In lubricants, candle-making, and as a base for medicinal formulations.
Export Specifications
-
Product Form: Raw or Refined Shea Butter
-
Color: Ivory, off-white, or yellowish (depending on processing)
-
Free Fatty Acid (FFA): ≤ 5%
-
Moisture Content: ≤ 0.05%
-
Impurities: ≤ 0.1%
-
Peroxide Value: ≤ 10 meq/kg
-
Shelf Life: 18–24 months under proper storage conditions
-
Packaging Options:
-
25kg or 50kg food-grade plastic containers
-
180kg iron drums
-
Custom packaging available on request
-
Export Forms
-
Raw Shea Butter (unrefined, for cosmetic/food industries preferring natural state)
-
Refined Shea Butter (odorless, creamy white, widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals)
Market Demand
-
EU & UK: High demand in natural cosmetics and skin-care products.
-
USA: Fast-growing use in organic beauty and food industries.
-
Asia (Japan, China, Korea): Increasing adoption in wellness and cosmetic formulations.
Why Choose Our Shea Butter?
-
100% pure and natural – sourced directly from local Shea communities.
-
Strict quality control in processing, packaging, and handling.
-
Competitive edge with bulk supply capabilities and custom packaging.
