Organic Shea Butter (Ecocert)

INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

CAS 194043-92-0
EINECS 293-515-7

Appearance, 25°C: Soft solid Visual
Color: Off-white to ivory Visual
Odor: Faint characteristic Olfactory

Melting point, °C: 28,0 – 34,0 ISO 6321
FFA (as oleic), %: 1,0 max. ISO 660
Iodine value, gI2/100g: 53 - 75 ISO 3961
Saponification value, mgKOH/g: 178 - 195 ISO 3657
Peroxide value, meqO2/kg: 5,0 max. ISO 3960
Unsaponifiable matter, %: 4,0 – 9,0 AOCS Ca6b-53

Storage: Store in original unopened containers in a cool dry place
Shelf life: 24 months in original unopened containers
Safety: Refer to SDS. Not considered hazardous

Properties and uses:

It is a natural emollient agent that protects skin and hair from solar radiation, provides a smooth and velvety texture to the skin and gives shine and softness to the hair. Extracting this shortening it may be performed by various methods, but in general, is made from bones released from the fruit flesh and left to dry in the sun for several months.

The traditional method is to boil water previously crushed bones; fats emerge and are recovered by cooling. With the application of this process, however, a low fat yield, is obtained and today a pressing process of the bones at controlled temperature is preferred.

The pre-cooked almond absolutely necessary and allows better performance in unsaponifiables. Shea butter is composed largely of triglycerides, however, it contains a higher proportion of the heterogeneous mixture of minor components constituting the unsaponifiable fraction.

The main constituents of the unsaponifiable fraction are the triterpene alcohols, unsaturated hydrocarbons, and phytosterols. Among the former, which they are between 65 and 70% of unsaponifiable, have been identified as major components lupeol, brasseol, alpha- and beta-amyrina, and parkeol. Regarding hydrocarbons, highlights a high proportion of kariteno, poliisoprénico solid hydrocarbon, (C5H8) n.

Shea butter, rich in unsaturated hydrocarbons, is very sensitive to oxidation, as containing natural tocopherols found in very small quantities. At its melting point and its high content of unsaponifiable (up 17%), shea butter should their traditional medicinal properties (skin protection against weather and the sun, skin irritations, burns, cuts, etc ...).

The main interest for application in these fields lies in its unsaponifiable fraction. Particularly in cosmetics, compared to the use of isolated unsaponifiable avocado and soybean oil, high price, high content of shea butter allows direct utilization of fat in the formulation. Moreover, their physical characteristics allow easy application and rapid absorption, also helping to improve the appearance of the skin.

Moreover, studies conducted at clinical level, show that shea butter is not only effective as a skin protectant to the action of external agents but stands out among its most characteristic properties a powerful healing action yielding faster results than the achieved so far with the use of corticosteroid ointments fats. Another advantage is its high content of triterpene esters of cinnamic acid, which act as an effective screen UV wavelength between 296-300 nm, which are the most active in the development of sunburn.

Dosage:
To 1 to 5% in products for dry and sensitive skin, solar products, lip products, and shampoos and conditioners for dry and dull hair.
1 - 20% as skin regenerator.
100% as massage balm, burns, or rheumatism.

Storage: in closed containers. PROTECT FROM LIGHT.