Shea Butter 101: Redefining Beauty, Naturally

At Sourced, beauty begins with simplicity—and few ingredients embody that better than shea butter. This golden, creamy staple has powered hair and skin rituals for centuries, and it’s at the heart of our story. But what is shea butter exactly, and why does it deserve a permanent spot in your skincare routine?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), native to West Africa. For generations, it’s been used to hydrate, protect, and nourish the skin—and with good reason. Rich and deeply moisturizing, shea butter is loaded with nutrients that support radiant, resilient skin.

Where Does Our Shea Butter Come From?

At Sourced, 75% of our ingredients—including our signature shea butter—come directly from Ghana. We partner with women-led cooperatives that preserve traditional extraction techniques passed down by aunties, cousins, and grandmothers. It’s more than sourcing—it’s about honoring heritage and creating meaningful impact.

What’s Inside Shea Butter?

Shea butter is nature’s own skincare cocktail, packed with:

• Antioxidants like vitamins A and E, which support cell turnover and fight free radicals
• Fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic) that strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture
• Cinnamic acid, known for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties

No additives. No fillers. Just what your skin actually needs.

White vs. Yellow Shea Butter—What’s the Difference?

Raw shea butter usually comes in two shades: ivory (white) and yellow. The difference typically lies in processing and regional variations. Ivory shea is unrefined and most common in West Africa. Yellow shea may contain added roots like borututu for color and added benefits.

At Sourced, we stick with clean, whipped ivory shea butter—preserving its pure texture and maximum potency.

Why Is Shea Butter So Good for You?

• Anti-aging: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, shea butter helps to boost collagen production and promote skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Anti-inflammatory: Its natural anti-inflammatory compounds can soothe irritated skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and even minor burns.
• Hydrating: Shea butter is an exceptional moisturizer, deeply hydrating the skin and creating a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
• Nourishing: Packed with vitamins A, E, and F, it nourishes the skin, promoting healing and overall skin health.
• Gentle: Its natural composition makes it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

How to Use Shea Butter

This multitasker works hard for your glow. A few favorite ways to use it:

For Skin:

• Daily moisturizer for face and body
• Overnight repair balm for dry patches
• Hand and cuticle treatment
• After-sun or post-shave soother
  
  

For Hair:

• Sealant for curls and coils
• Dry scalp relief
• Edge control with moisture
• Pre-shampoo treatment to soften strands

Shea butter is more than just a trendy ingredient; it's a time-honored gift from nature with profound beauty and skincare benefits. Its hydrating, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties make it a powerful ally in achieving healthy, radiant skin. At Sourced, we are proud to harness the natural magic of ethically sourced shea butter in our products, bringing you the power of tradition and nature in every application. Embrace the simplicity and unlock your natural glow with the incredible power of shea butter.