Shea Butter

How to buy wholesale shea butter

Customers will come to you when you have the most powerful skin healing solution on earth. Stocking bulk organic shea butter is a smart business move and a great addition to your product offerings.

Buying wholesale shea butter also lets you create high-quality products. WIth it, you also position your business as a reliable source of high-demand skincare.

Let your customers experience the moisturizing benefits of shea butter.

Why should you choose Africa Imports?

Africa Imports is your trusted source for high-quality wholesale shea butter. Each shea butter product delivers quality that you and your customers can rely on.

Plus, our commitment to exceptional service, competitive pricing, and fast shipping makes it easier than ever to grow your business with the finest shea butter available.

Fill your shelves with the best wholesale shea butter. Come back regularly to see new products that we've got in stock.

What is shea butter?

Shea butter is a rich, creamy fat. It comes from the nuts of the African shea tree. For hundreds of years, Africans have used shea butter for moisturizing, healing, and protection. Because it's so versatile, shea butter is a popular ingredient in skincare, hair care, and natural remedies.

Shea butter also comes in different forms. There's raw butter, unrefined butter, refined butter, and derivatives like shea oil and powder.

The Health and Beauty Benefits of Shea Butter

Shea butter has multiple health and beauty applications. It has a gentle, natural formulation that makes it suitable for all skin types. Its most popular benefits are:

• Deep Hydration: Shea butter penetrates the skin and hair shaft to deliver long-lasting moisture and prevent dryness.
• Skin Healing: Shea butter carries anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It's good for treating minor wounds, eczema, psoriasis, and irritation.
• Anti-Aging Properties: Rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and E, shea butter helps reduce wrinkles, boost collagen production, and improve skin elasticity.
• UV Protection: Shea butter offers a natural SPF of approximately 3-4. It provides mild sun protection.
• Scalp and Hair Care: Shea butter soothes a dry scalp, reduces dandruff, and strengthens hair. It also reduces breakage and promotes healthy growth.
• Stretch Mark Reduction: Regular use can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. This makes shea butter popular for pregnant individuals and those with skin blemishes.
• Improves Skin Tone: It helps even out skin tone by reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Types of African Shea Butter Available for Wholesale

Africa Imports has a wide selection of shea butter products that suit your customers' needs. If your customers prefer raw butter, refined forms, or other types, we have them on our shelves.

1. Shea Butter

African shea butter comes in two forms: unrefined and refined.

Unrefined or raw shea butter is minimally processed. It maintains its nutty aroma and maximum nutrients. It's great for DIY skincare products or as a lone moisturizer.

Refined shea butter is neutral in scent and color. It's perfect for those who want a more polished, versatile product for cosmetics and formulations.

• 100% Natural African Shea Butter: Perfect for everyday skin and hair care. Made with care from the finest Shea nuts found in Ghana, this butter is your go-to for natural hydration and comfort. It's packed with natural vitamins that your hair and skin will love.
• Raw Nilotica Muyao Shea Butter: An East African shea butter known for its softer texture and higher oleic acid content. Some customers achieve better results with this variety, especially for sensitive or dry skin. Offering both West and East African shea butter gives you the best opportunities for more sales.
• Raw Mango-Shea Butter: Combines the numerous benefits of both mango butter and shea butter. Mango butter is nourishing and moisturizing, and full of vitamin C and A. Shea butter is a great remedy for dry skin.
• Whipped Shea Butter: Made from the African Shea tree nut. The butter has been whipped to a creamy texture for easy application. It nourishes and guards against harsh weather and sun and it also works as a hair conditioner.
• Unrefined Shea Butter: 100% natural and unrefined shea butter that can be used as a body lotion. Its rich, thick texture instantly softens skin and is great for people with sensitive skin, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

2. Shea Nut Oil

Extracted from shea butter, this lightweight oil is perfect for those who want the benefits of shea without the heavier consistency. It's excellent for hair treatments, body oils, and massage blends.

• Whipped Shea Butter - Black Coconut: An exquisite blend that combines the moisturizing properties of Shea butter with the exotic, deep scent of Black Coconut. Its lightweight formulation is designed for long-lasting hydration. It leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth.
• Whipped Shea Butter - Black Castor Oil: Combines the hydrating properties of shea butter with the strengthening and growth-promoting benefits of black castor oil. This whipped butter is beneficial for those with dry, damaged, or brittle hair and skin.
• Shea Nut Oil: Extracted directly from the nuts of the shea tree, this oil gives you the same benefits listed for the shea butter; however it can be easier to use as a deep cleaning conditioner and hot oil treatment.

How to Use Shea Butter for Skin

Shea butter is a powerhouse ingredient for skincare routines. It absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It's perfect for daily use. Here's how it can be used effectively:

• As a Moisturizer: Apply a small amount directly to dry skin for intense hydration.
• As a Lip Balm: Dab a little shea butter on chapped lips to restore softness.
• In DIY Skincare: Blend shea butter with essential oils or natural ingredients to create custom creams, body butters, or lotions.
• For Soothing Irritation: Use shea butter to calm rashes, sunburns, or allergic reactions on the skin.
• For Stretch Marks: Massage shea butter into affected areas daily to improve skin elasticity and minimize scars.

How to Use Shea Butter for Hair

Shea butter's nourishing properties extend to hair care. It's suitable for all African American hair types. It is especially useful for curly, coily, or textured hair, which requires extra hydration. Shea butter also offers multiple benefits in different forms:

• Deep Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of shea butter to damp hair. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing to have soft, manageable locks.
• Scalp Treatment: Massage shea butter into the scalp to reduce dryness, itchiness, and flaking.
• Heat Protectant: Use a small amount to coat hair before styling to protect it from heat damage.
• Hair Growth Aid: Regular scalp massages with shea butter stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.
• Frizz Control: Rub a tiny amount between your palms and smooth it over dry or damp hair to tame flyaways and add shine.

How to Choose High-quality Wholesale Shea Butter

When choosing wholesale shea butter to sell for your business, the quality and authenticity of the product is important for customer satisfaction. There are some things that you need to consider to make the best choice.

1. Source of Shea Butter

Most of the world’s shea butter comes from West Africa. West African Shea butter is the most popular, and most of the shea butter from Africa Imports is harvested in Ghana, West Africa.

Africa Imports works with local cooperatives in West African countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. Here, the shea nuts are hand-harvested by women artisans. This helps ensure that the sourcing is done responsibly, promotes fair wages and community empowerment.

2. Unrefined vs. Refined

There are two primary types of shea butter available for wholesale: unrefined and refined. Each type has different characteristics. The choice depends on your business needs and what your customers prefer.

Unrefined shea butter is raw, pure shea butter extracted using minimal processing methods. It keeps its natural color, scent, and the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals. Unrefined shea butter has a rich, earthy aroma and is often used in high-end skincare formulations.

On the other hand, refined shea butter goes through a refining process that removes the scent and sometimes color. The result is a milder product. Refined shea butter has a smoother, more uniform texture. It's ideal for cosmetic and beauty products where a neutral scent and appearance are preferred.

3. Certifications

Certifications help verify the quality and ethical standards of the shea butter you're buying. Check for organic certifications, fair trade certifications, or non-GMO certifications. You want shea butter that's free from harmful pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals because it's safer for use on the skin and hair.

4. Customer Reviews

Before choosing a supplier, research reviews and testimonials from other businesses that have worked with them. Customer feedback can give you an insight into the quality of the shea butter and the reliability of the supplier.

A good supplier will have transparent communication and offer help when needed. Suppliers with a high number of repeat customers or long-standing clients are a good indication of consistent product quality and service.

5. Pricing and Minimum Order Quantities

Price should never compromise quality, but it's important to consider it when choosing shea butter wholesalers.

Make sure the supplier's MOQ lines up with your business needs.You need a supplier with flexible order quantities and will help you manage inventory efficiently. Think of the overall cost when factoring in shipping and other fees.

Final Thoughts

Shea butter is a timeless natural ingredient that continues to be popular in the beauty and wellness community. Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, or health-conscious buyer, stocking wholesale shea butter offers endless possibilities.

With Africa Imports, you're investing in premium shea butter that's ethically sourced. Partner with us today to give your customers skincare that they will love.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions. We'd be glad to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between white and yellow shea butter?

White shea butter is the natural color of shea butter after it has been processed. It appears as an off-white shade rather than pure white. Yellow shea butter, on the other hand, is created by mixing white shea butter with an African bark known as borututu. This process gives it a yellow color, along with its own distinct scent. Yellow shea butter is particularly valued for its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Both white and yellow shea butter are excellent for skincare. However, it’s important to be cautious when purchasing yellow shea butter. Some sellers may use additives like turmeric to achieve the yellow color instead of the traditional borututu. To ensure authenticity, always check the ingredients carefully. Learn more about the difference between white and yellow shea butter.

Can I mix shea butter with other ingredients for my products?

Yes, you can mix shea butter with other ingredients to create customized skincare, haircare, and wellness products.

• For Skincare: Shea butter blends well with oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. This combination enhances its moisturizing properties. You can also mix it with essential oils for aromatherapy or to target specific skin concerns. Adding natural additives like aloe vera or vitamin E oil can boost its soothing and anti-aging effects.
• For Haircare: Shea butter can be combined with castor oil, argan oil, or other nourishing oils to create hair masks or leave-in conditioners. These blends help strengthen and hydrate hair.
• For Wellness Products: In DIY formulations, organic shea butter can be mixed with beeswax, cocoa butter, or herbal extracts to make lip balms, shea body butter, or healing salves.

When you're creating shea butter products, make sure to use proper mixing techniques and follow safe guidelines for ingredient ratios.

Is shea butter safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, shea butter is generally safe for sensitive skin. It's natural, gentle, and free of harsh chemicals or artificial additives. It soothes irritated skin and its rich fatty acid content, so it helps restore the skin's natural moisture barrier.

However, it's still important to perform a patch test before using shea butter to check for allergic reactions.

Can shea butter be used for sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis?

Yes! Raw African shea butter is often recommended for sensitive skin conditions. It has natural healing and hydrating properties.

• For Eczema: Shea butter helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. It deeply moisturizes the skin. It also prevents the dryness and cracking that often come with eczema.
• For Psoriasis: Shea butter can soothe the discomfort associated with psoriasis flare-ups by softening scales, reducing inflammation, and improving overall skin texture. Its anti-inflammatory properties provide relief from irritation and help calm the skin.

Are there any potential side effects when using wholesale shea butter?

Shea butter is generally safe and well-tolerated. People with nut allergies may occasionally experience sensitivity to shea butter. It's rare but possible.

Shea butter also doesn't clog the pores. But for those with very oily or acne-prone skin, its rich consistency could clog pores if used in excess.

Improper storage of shea butter can also lead to contamination by bacteria, mold, or other impurities. It also causes skin irritation.

To minimize risks, always use high-quality, pure shea butter and store it properly.

How do I know if the wholesale shea butter is pure?

Pure unrefined shea butter should be ivory, pale yellow, or slightly greenish (depending on its origin). It should have a smooth, creamy texture without lumps or gritty particles.

Authentic unrefined shea butter also has a natural nutty or earthy aroma. Refined shea butter may have a neutral scent, but if the butter smells overly perfumed, it might have artificial additives.

And to determine the authenticity of the shea butter you're going to use, check labels indicating that the shea butter is raw, unrefined, or organic.

What is the shelf life of wholesale shea butter?

• Unrefined shea butter usually lasts 12-24 months if stored properly in a cool, dry place, away from heat and sunlight. The natural antioxidants in them help prolong its shelf life.
• Refined shea butter may have a slightly longer shelf life (up to 36 months) because of the removal of natural components that could spoil over time.

To extend its shelf life:

• Store shea butter in airtight containers to prevent oxidation.
• Keep it at a consistent temperature, ideally below 75°F (24°C).
• Avoid introducing moisture or contaminants into the container.

Do you ship wholesale shea butter internationally?

Yes, we do! International orders are subject to shipping charges on all orders regardless of dollar amount. If your order is over $500, Africa Imports can offer a discounted shipping cost on your order.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for wholesale shea butter?

If you are purchasing wholesale, there is a minimum first time order of $100. The next following orders are $50.