| Brand | Unbranded |
| Manufacturer | Essentially Natural |
Essentially Natural Shea Oil is a refined shea olein, the liquid fraction of shea butter, produced by fractionating shea butter and refining the liquid portion. It is used primarily as a rich emollient oil in skincare and haircare formulations where softness, cushion, and a light protective oil film are desired, and it may appear slightly cloudy at room temperature but becomes clear when gently warmed.
This version is Fair For Life (Fair Trade) certified, with traceability built into the supply chain and Fair Trade development funds that support local communities. Key Properties INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (may also be listed as Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil / Butter Extract) Type: Refined Shea Olein (Liquid Shea) Certification: Fair For Life (Fair Trade) Suitable For: Food And Cosmetic Use Appearance: Turbid liquid at room temperature, clear when warmed, slight odour Solubility: Oil Soluble (Not Water Soluble) Typical Usage Rate: Up To 20% In O/W Emulsions Specification Highlights: Relative Density (20C) 0.9220.928; Acid Value Max 1.0 mg KOH/g; Iodine Value 6272; Peroxide Value Max 10.0 meq O/kg; Unsaponifiables Min 6.0%; Water Content Max 0.1% Storage: Store Tightly Sealed, Away From Light, Ideally Below 23C Shelf Life: 24 Months From Date Of Manufacture What Its Used For This product is commonly used to: Add rich emolliency and a cushioning skin feel to creams, lotions, serums, balms, and body oils Create barrier-style formulations by providing a light protective oil film that helps reduce moisture loss Support hair feel in hair oils, masks, conditioners, and leave-on serums, especially on lengths and ends Build higher shea-rich formulas with a more fluid, pourable oil phase than solid shea butter alone Who Its For This product is suitable for: Formulators who want shea benefits in a pourable format that is easier to weigh, blend, and scale than solid butter Makers who want shea richness with a smoother, less waxy application feel than many butter-heavy formulas Brands that want a clear ethical sourcing story with Fair For Life certification and traceability This product is not: An essential oil Water soluble (you will need an emulsifier for stable water-based products) A finished cosmetic product (it is a raw material ingredient) How To Use As a Body Oil: Use neat, or blend with other carrier oils for a richer skin feel.
As an Emollient In Emulsions: Add to the oil phase of creams and lotions, then formulate to your desired texture. As a Hair Oil Or Serum: Apply sparingly to lengths and ends, or include in the oil phase of conditioners and masks. Processing Tip: Warm gently (around 3540C) with stirring if needed to obtain a clear, homogeneous oil before batching.
Safety Instructions Patch test before first use, especially on sensitive skin Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs Use clean, dry utensils to avoid introducing contamination into the container Store tightly sealed as directed to maintain quality FAQs Q: Why choose shea oil instead of shea butter?
A: Shea oil is the liquid fraction, so it is pourable and easier to weigh and blend, and it can give shea-style richness with a smoother, more fluid feel than solid butter-heavy formulas. Q: Can I replace shea butter with shea oil in a formula? A: Often, yes, but the texture will change. Shea oil increases slip and spreadability, while shea butter adds more structure and a firmer, more occlusive finish.
Q: Why is it cloudy at room temperature but clear when warmed? A: This is typical of shea olein. It can look slightly cloudy at cooler temperatures and become clear when gently warmed
Loading similar products...
Stay informed about the best deals and price drops. Choose which notifications you'd like to receive from PriceCheck.
Free easy-to-follow course for anyone in South Africa who wants to learn how to start a digital business.