Yellow Shea Butter Vs White Shea Butter: What Is The Difference?

If you’re a skincare enthusiast, you have probably heard of shea butter before. It’s used almost everywhere in the beauty world.

Shea butter is a natural ingredient that is beloved for its rich moisturizing and healing properties. It comes from the nuts of the African shea tree — Vitellaria paradoxa. For hundreds of years, shea butter has been used in traditional African skincare and medicine.

Shea butter is a very versatile ingredient. People have used it for many things — from hydrating dry skin to speeding up wound healing.

If you’re thinking of adding shea butter to your skincare routine, you’ll run into two types: yellow shea butter and white shea butter. Both types have incredible benefits. But because they look different, feel different, and are made differently, people want to know which one is right for them.

In this article, we’ll talk about the key differences between white and yellow shea butter, and help you decide which is better for your skin or hair.

Yellow Shea Butter vs White Shea Butter

When comparing yellow vs white shea butter, you can spot differences in their color, the texture, the scent, and how they're made.

Shea butter’s color differences depend on which region in Africa it comes from. It also depends on the method of preparation. 

Yellow shea butter g’s not as popular for those who want the natural properties of raw shea butter; its golden color either from specific natural additives, like borututu root, or its traditional preparation methods in certain African regions.

Raw white shea butter, on the other hand, is not pure white but has a grayish-white tone. This slight color difference means it’s unrefined. It also doesn’t have any additives. 

There is also a refined version of white shea butter. It is processed and it comes out with a bright, pure white appearance.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

What’s in White and Yellow Shea Butter?

Both white shea butter and yellow shea butter come from the same shea nut, but they’re different because of their composition. The nutrients you find in them can also differ depending on how they were processed.

The main components in shea butter are:

• Vitamins A and E: These essential vitamins support skin repair and boost collagen production. They also act as antioxidants. They protect the skin from free radical damage.

• Fatty Acids: High levels of oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids help restore moisture and maintain the skin’s barrier.

• Phytosterols: These are plant-based compounds that lessen skin inflammation and help with skin healing.

• Allantoin: A natural compound known for its soothing and healing properties. This is what makes shea butter effective for irritated or damaged skin.

Yellow shea butter retains more nutrients because of its unrefined state and the addition of natural coloring agents, like the borututu root. It improves the anti-inflammatory and deeply moisturizing effects of the butter.

Raw (unrefined) white shea butter also preserves many nutrients. It has a slightly lighter color, notably grayish-white, because it doesn't have any additives that would change its color. It’s also highly effective for moisturizing and soothing skin.

Refined white shea butter loses some nutrients during processing. But some people might prefer refined white shea butter if they want shea butter with a neutral scent. It also has a smoother texture, and it’s more suitable for mass-market formulations.

Uses and Benefits of Yellow Shea Butter and White Shea Butter

Shea butter is famous for its versatility and effectiveness in addressing skin concerns. Pure shea butter is commonly used as a moisturizer. It hydrates dry and cracked skin. It also soothes skin irritation and redness caused by eczema and psoriasis.

The best shea butter for skin also helps heal minor cuts, burns, and insect bites. It’s also a good anti-aging solution.

For haircare, creamy shea butter restores moisture to dry hair and scalp. It also helps reduce frizz and split ends.

Yellow Shea Butter

• Rich in natural oils and nutrients, making it ideal for body butters and salves.

• Helps repair damaged skin, soothe sunburns, and fade scars.

• Moisturizes dry scalp and reduces flakiness and itchiness.

Raw (Unrefined) White Shea Butter

• Offers a lighter moisturizing effect, suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.

• Gentle on highly reactive or sensitive skin.

• Often used in DIY skincare products as a neutral base.

Yellow Shea Butter vs White Shea Butter: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between yellow and white shea butter depends on your skin type, hair concerns, and personal preferences. Here’s our side-by-side comparison to help you:

Final Thoughts

Yellow shea butter and white shea butter each have unique qualities that take care of different skincare and haircare needs. 

Choosing between the two comes down to what you need and what you prefer. Whether you’re looking for intense hydration, anti-aging benefits, or a versatile ingredient for DIY projects, both types of shea butter deliver great results.

If you want the best experience, consider using both in your skincare routine. Use yellow shea butter for deep treatments and white shea butter for everyday use. The best shea butter lets you enjoy its time-tested benefits. It's also great for improving your skincare routine.

At Africa Imports, we prioritize offering raw, unrefined shea butter in both yellow and white varieties. We want to ensure that you get the best quality, packed with time-tested benefits for your skincare and haircare routine.

Explore our lineup today and find the perfect shea butter for your needs.