Shea Butter

NaturalFRUITS, VEGETABLES & NUTSnutty · creamy · musky

BasePyramid

2/5Strength

—Tenacity

2Origins

Editorial noteWe own no rights to this material, its name or its trademark. This entry is independent editorial journalism, published under freedom of expression.

Specimen

Vitellaria paradoxa

Definition

Shea butter is a rich, creamy fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its moisturizing properties.

FLORAL SWEET GOURMAND WARM CREAMY NUTTY ROASTED

Karité, Butyrospermum parkii

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

2/5Strength

Low

odour strength

Producing countries

West Africa (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mali) East Africa (Uganda)

Scent

Shea butter has a warm, creamy scent that is subtly nutty and slightly sweet. Its aroma is similar to of roasted nuts, enveloping the senses in a comforting embrace. The scent is not overpowering but rather soft and inviting.

Scent Evolution

When incorporated into fragrances, shea butter can enhance the overall olfactory experience by supports richness. The buttery aroma melds beautifully with floral notes, adding a velvety texture, while also grounding sweeter gourmand elements, creating a balanced scent profile.

The Full Story

Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree, primarily found in West Africa. This rich ingredient has been used for centuries in various cultures for its skin and hair benefits. The shea tree, known scientifically as Vitellaria paradoxa, produces a fruit that contains seeds, which are processed to extract the rich butter. Traditionally, the extraction process involves sun-drying the nuts, roasting them, and then grinding them into a paste, which is mixed with water and churned to separate the fat.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, she a butter is a base for many fragrances and as a rich emollient. Its rich, creamy texture provides a smooth application and enhances the longevity of scents on the skin. Shea butter is known for its moisturizing properties and skin-soothing abilities.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

The significance of she a butter in perfumery extends beyond its functional benefits. It carries a subtle, nutty aroma that complements a variety of fragrance compositions. Its ability to works with both floral and gourmand notes makes it useful material in the creation of well-rounded fragrances. The sustainable sourcing of she a butter has made it a favorite among eco-conscious perfumers, further enhancing its appeal in the luxury fragrance market.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

Cold pressing and traditional processing

Formula: Complex mixture — major triglycerides of stearic (C₁₈H₃₆O₂) and oleic (C₁₈H₃₄O₂) acids
CAS: 91080-23-8
Botanical: Vitellaria paradoxa
Appearance: Ivory to yellowish soft solid (butter) at room temperature
Odour strength: Low
Synonyms: Karité, Butyrospermum parkii

IFRA status

See note

No IFRA Standard for the material itself (51st Amendment)

Physical properties

Melting point: 32 to 45 °C
Specific gravity: 0.890 to 0.920 @ 40 °C
Note: Cold-pressed or solvent-extracted from nuts of Vitellaria paradoxa

In Perfumery

In perfumery, she a butter is used as a base note because of its rich, creamy texture and moisturizing properties. It enhances the longevity of fragrances and helps to fix more volatile notes, allowing for a more balanced scent experience. Shea butter works with floral, woody, and gourmand notes, making it a useful material in creating complex fragrance profiles. Its ability to soften and smoothen the overall scent makes it a favorite among perfumers aiming for a rich finish.

Role in the formula

01fixative

02modifier

03blender

04volume builder

Available as

cold-pressed butter refined butter

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