Shea butter is one of the most well-known butters in cosmetics for its beneficial properties on all skin types, especially mature or dry skin. It's one of Malí's favorite ingredients, choosing only top-quality, vegan-friendly ingredients for its products, like this prized butter. But where does shea butter come from and what are its benefits?

WHAT IS SHEA BUTTER AND WHERE IS IT GROWN?

Shea butter is a complex of fatty substances extracted from the seeds of the plant known as Butyrospermum parkii, a tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is a tall, woody plant that grows primarily in hot, arid areas such as the savannah. A curious fact about the shea tree is that it is also known as the "tree of youth," referring to the extraordinary nourishing and regenerative properties of its seeds.

HOW SHEA BUTTER IS PRODUCED

Traditionally, the shea tree's fruits are harvested between June and September. To produce butter, the seeds are collected and processed using special techniques. The traditional process involves toasting the seeds, drying them in the sun, and then crushing them to obtain a thick paste. Water is added, brought to a boil, and then filtered. More modern production techniques involve mechanically compressing the seeds or using solvents to facilitate the process.

THE PROPERTIES OF SHEA BUTTER

Shea butter is a 100% plant-based ingredient rich in active ingredients, particularly fatty acids such as oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. In addition to these components, shea butter is also rich in fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant effects, such as provitamin A and E, which are exceptional for the skin. Given its rich composition, shea butter has many qualities, especially in the cosmetics field.
But what are the properties of shea butter?

• Moisturizing properties
• Nutrient properties
• Emollient properties
• Regenerating properties
• Antioxidant properties

Its effectiveness as a regenerating and antioxidant element makes shea butter a highly appreciated product also in the field of anti-aging cosmetics.

HOW TO USE BODY BUTTER?

In a perfect body care routine, body butter is the final step. After cleansing and exfoliating with a scrub, this last step nourishes and restores skin's moisture. To soften the butter, simply warm a small amount between your hands and then spread it all over your body, massaging more intensively on areas with drier skin, such as the elbows. Malí body butters are enriched with organic and vegan ingredients and exceptional fragrances that will make daily hydration a pleasure for the senses.