The Truth About Yellow Shea Butter | What's the Difference?

The Truth About Yellow Shea Butter

Shea butter is a popular natural product extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. While raw shea butter is ivory or off-white in color, people often see what is labeled as "yellow shea butter" for sale.

So what makes some shea butter yellow? And is yellow shea butter better than regular ivory shea butter? Let's find out.

What Gives Shea Butter Its Color

Naturally, shea butter derived directly from shea nuts ranges from off-white to ivory in color. The buttery oil itself does not contain pigments that lend it a yellow hue.

However, during processing, some producers add ingredients that give shea butter a deep golden or yellow color. Two of the most commonly used colorants are turmeric powder and a bark called Borututu.

The Role of Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular Indian spice that contains a compound called curcumin. Curcumin gives turmeric its distinctive golden color. Some unethical shea butter producers add turmeric powder to raw ivory shea butter to produce a more vibrant golden-yellow product.

The deep color is often perceived by consumers as an indicator of higher quality. And indeed, turmeric-infused shea butter may be marketed as "premium," "grade A," or "yellow grade" shea butter. However, the addition of turmeric is primarily cosmetic.

On its own, turmeric powder does have some benefits when applied topically. It contains antioxidants and has natural antiseptic qualities. However, the amounts added to shea butter are typically too small to provide substantial topical benefits.

The Traditional Use of Borututu Bark

Borututu bark has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine. Indigenous tribes in countries like Nigeria and Ghana have used Borututu bark powder to color shea butter yellow for cultural and spiritual purposes.

The bark is derived from the Borututu tree, known scientifically as Cochronia excelsa. It has been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and fever-reducing properties.

When added to raw ivory shea butter, Borututu bark powder gives the end product an authentic golden yellow color. More importantly, using this traditional natural colorant may also enhance the overall healing properties of shea butter.

Evaluating Quality

When you see "yellow shea butter" in a store or online, it can be hard to know if turmeric, Borututu bark, or another additive has been used to alter the color.

Reputable suppliers that use Borututu bark will indicate that on the label along with any other ingredients added. Transparency about colorants and other additives is an indication of an ethical, high-quality shea butter product.

Look for shea butter labeled as raw or unrefined. This means no chemicals have been used during processing. Raw shea will retain more of its natural moisturizing compounds like vitamins A and E.

Choosing the Best Option

Raw, unrefined ivory shea butter offers exceptional skin moisturization and healing without any extra ingredients. It allows you to experience the benefits of shea butter in its purest form.

Yellow shea butter colored with turmeric may provide some antioxidant advantages. But amounts tend to be insignificant unless turmeric content is specifically highlighted.

Of all the options, traditionally processed shea butter colored with Borututu bark represents a time-honored practice. It offers both authenticity and added botanical benefits over regular shea butter.

No single option is inherently better than the others. Rather, select shea butter based on your personal priorities around purity, ingredients, and cultural relevance.

Using Shea Butter

Shea butter is often used to moisturize dry skin patches, soften rough hands and feet, and soothe skin ailments like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Its compounds are rapidly absorbed by the top layers of human skin.

Here are some easy ways to start benefiting from versatile shea butter:

All-Over Body Moisturizer

After showering or bathing, apply a thin layer of shea butter while skin is still slightly damp. Massage over entire body, concentrating on dry areas like knees, elbows, and heels.

Overnight Lip Treatment

Smooth a small dab of shea butter onto lips before bedtime. Allow it to penetrate overnight for ultra-moisturized lips in the morning.

Cuticle and Nail Conditioner

Rub shea butter into each nail bed and cuticle to condition nails and stimulate growth.

Soothing Skin Salve

Target cracked heels, minor cuts, insect bites, eczema patches, and other irritated skin with concentrated applications of pure shea butter 1-2 times per day.

With regular use, high-quality shea butter can help improve numerous skin concerns to reveal your healthiest, most radiant complexion.