Shea Nut Carrier Oil Organic Information Page

Shea Nut Carrier Oil Organic

Butyrospermum parkii syn. Vitellaria paradoxa

Description

The Liquid Gold of Karité: Lightweight, Fast-Absorbing Barrier Therapy

Shea Nut Carrier Oil (also celebrated as Oléine de Karité or Liquid Shea Butter) is the silky, permanently fluid essence of the sacred African Karité tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Sustainably harvested in Ghana, this organic carrier oil is produced through the mechanical cold pressing of wild Shea nuts followed by a gentle, chemical-free thermal fractionation and physical sand filtration. This physical separation isolates the liquid olein fraction from the solid stearin waxes, capturing all the legendary restorative, anti-inflammatory, and nourishing virtues of raw Shea Butter in an ultra-smooth, serum-like liquid that stays effortlessly pourable at room temperature.

With a completely non-comedogenic rating of 0 and a remarkable unsaponifiable fraction of over 6%, Shea Nut Oil absorbs rapidly without the heavy, waxy drag or greasy residue associated with solid butters. It is exceptionally rich in Oleic acid (Omega-9), Stearic acid, and natural Alpha-Tocopherols (Vitamin E), making it a powerhouse for replenishing compromised lipid barriers, calming post-sun irritation, revitalizing dull hair lengths, and deeply conditioning dry hands, feet, and beards.

Key Specifications & Chemistry

  • Botanical Name: Butyrospermum parkii (syn. Vitellaria paradoxa)
  • INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
  • CAS Number: 91080-23-8
  • Extraction Method: Mechanical cold pressing of Shea nuts followed by gentle thermal dry fractionation and sand filtration (100% solvent-free and chemical-free process).
  • Part Used: Inner nut kernels.
  • Country of Origin: Ghana.
  • Synonyms & Common Names: Karité Oil, Oléine de Karité, Liquid Shea Butter, Shea Butter Olein, Fractionated Shea Nut Oil.
  • Appearance & Texture: Pale yellow to golden liquid with a smooth, serum-like consistency.
  • Aroma: Characteristic mild, subtle nutty aroma.
  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 (Non-Comedogenic – Will Not Clog Pores).
  • Absorption: Moderate to fast absorption; penetrates deep into the stratum corneum, leaving a satin, protective finish without a waxy film.
  • Fatty Acid Profile:
    • Oleic Acid (Omega-9): 53.80%
    • Stearic Acid (Saturated): 29.10%
    • Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): 8.60%
    • Palmitic Acid: 5.50%
    • Arachidonic Acid: 1.30%
    • Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA / Omega-3): 0.30%
  • Bioactive Nutrients: High unsaponifiable fraction (approx. 6.06%), rich in natural Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), phytosterols, and karitene.
  • Peroxide Value: Very low (<1.0 meq O2/kg, typically ~0.2), indicating exceptional fresh stability.

Temperature & Cloudiness Advisory

Natural Wax Behavior (<25°C)

Because Shea Nut Oil is produced via physical fractionation without chemical solvents, it naturally retains beneficial heavier fatty acids and trace botanical phytosterols.

  • At temperatures below 25°C, the oil may appear slightly cloudy or develop a white, waxy suspension / sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
  • This is completely normal and is a hallmark of authentic, unadulterated plant lipids.
  • To Re-Homogenize: Simply place the tightly capped bottle in a cup of warm water (35°C–40°C) for 5 to 10 minutes and shake gently before dispensing to restore crystal-clear fluidity.

Primary Benefits & Storefront Applications

  • Non-Comedogenic Barrier Shield (Rating 0): Delivers intense, deep-layer lipid restoration to reactive, compromised, and sensitive skin types without clogging facial pores or triggering breakouts.
  • Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory Action: Calms redness, flaking, and discomfort associated with atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, weather-chapped skin, and post-sun exposure.
  • Effortless Liquid Butter Usability: Provides all the deeply emollient, moisturizing power of traditional Shea Butter without the need for melting, whipping, or dealing with gritty recrystallization.
  • Hair & Beard Softening Therapy: Imparts instant slip and moisture to dry, coarse, curly, and coily hair patterns (Types 3 & 4), sealing split ends and eliminating frizz without weighing down styles.
  • Joint & Muscle Comfort Base: Ideal as a warm massage oil for soothing stiff joints, achy muscles, and tired limbs.

Targeted Synergy Recipes

1. Intensive Barrier-Repair & Well-Aging Face Serum

A velvety, non-comedogenic night elixir designed to restore lipid fullness, smooth fine lines, and calm redness.

  • Shea Nut Carrier Oil: 20 ml (approx. 4 teaspoons)
  • Rosehip Seed Oil: 7 ml (approx. 1.5 teaspoons)
  • Evening Primrose Oil: 3 ml (approx. 15–20 drops)
  • Frankincense Essential Oil: 3 drops
  • Rose Geranium Essential Oil: 2 drops
  • Directions: Combine in a 30 ml amber dropper bottle. Apply 3–4 drops onto freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin every evening, pressing gently into the face and neck.
2. Deep-Restoration Hot Oil Hair & Beard Elixir

A conditioning treatment to seal cuticle scales, eliminate frizz, and restore shine to coarse, brittle, or heat-styled hair.

  • Shea Nut Carrier Oil: 35 ml (approx. 7 teaspoons)
  • Argan Kernel Oil: 10 ml (approx. 2 teaspoons)
  • Castor Oil: 5 ml (approx. 1 teaspoon)
  • Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil: 3 drops
  • Rosemary Essential Oil: 3 drops
  • Directions: Mix in a bottle. Warm the blend gently in a warm water bath. Massage thoroughly into the scalp and throughout hair lengths. Wrap hair in a warm towel for 30–45 minutes (or leave overnight), then shampoo out thoroughly. For beards, smooth 2–3 drops daily through facial hair.
3. After-Sun & Barrier-Calming Body Glaze

A cooling, ultra-hydrating body oil to soothe overheated skin, relieve peeling, and prolong a golden tan.

  • Shea Nut Carrier Oil: 60 ml (approx. 4 tablespoons)
  • Calendula Macerated Oil: 25 ml (approx. 5 teaspoons)
  • Jojoba Carrier Oil: 15 ml (approx. 1 tablespoon)
  • Lavender Essential Oil: 6 drops
  • Roman Chamomile Essential Oil: 4 drops
  • Directions: Blend in a 100 ml bottle. Smooth generously over warm, towel-damp skin immediately after showering or sun exposure.
4. Ultra-Soothing Chapped Hand, Foot & Cuticle Salve

A fast-penetrating rescue treatment for cracked knuckles, rough heels, and brittle nails.

  • Shea Nut Carrier Oil: 20 ml (approx. 4 teaspoons)
  • Baobab Carrier Oil: 10 ml (approx. 2 teaspoons)
  • Helichrysum Italicum Essential Oil: 2 drops
  • Lemon Essential Oil: 2 drops
  • Directions: Massage a few drops directly into cuticles, nail beds, and rough patches morning and night.

Blending Guidelines & Usability

  • Direct Application: Safe to use 100% pure directly onto the face, body, scalp, and beard.
  • In Custom Cosmetic Formulations:
    • Light Body Lotions & Facial Serums: 5% to 15%
    • Rich Creams & After-Sun Balms: 15% to 30%
    • Massage & Body Oil Blends: 30% to 75%
    • Hair Conditioners & Pre-Shampoos: 5% to 20%
  • Essential Oil Dilution: Dilute 2–3 drops of pure essential oil per 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Shea Nut Oil for standard adult skin applications.

Safety, Storage & Shelf Life

  • Patch Test Advisory: Although hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, perform a standard 48-hour patch test on a small patch of skin prior to widespread use.
  • Tree Nut Sensitivity Notice: Derived from the kernels of the Karité tree; individuals with severe tree nut allergies should exercise caution.
  • Pregnancy & Nursing: Pure Shea Nut Oil is safe for topical daily use throughout pregnancy (excellent for stretch mark prevention). If blending with essential oils, follow professional dilution recommendations and avoid contraindicated essential oils during the first trimester.
  • Storage: Store in a tightly closed amber glass bottle in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Shelf Life: Highly resistant to oxidation due to low peroxide levels and natural Vitamin E content; shelf life is approximately 18 to 24 months when stored properly.