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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Shea Butter?
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Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Shea tree She"a tree` (Bot.) An African sapotaceous tree (Bassia, or butyrospermum, Parkii), from the seeds of which a substance resembling butter is obtained; the African butter tree.
Shea Butter is a fatty extract from the seed of the Shea Tree. The extract is known to contain a number of ingredients with biological activity. This biological activity includes moisturizing and healing skin ailments. In the USA, shea butter has already attracted the interest of several industries, including cosmetic, food, healthcare and applied science.
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What is Grade A Shea Butter?
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Unrefined Shea Butter may be divided into four grades based on quality. Grade A is the highest quality grade. Grades B and C are lower quality grades and should be reserved for moisturizing only. Grade F is an extremely poor quality Shea Butter and may be unworthy of use in many cases.
Premium Grade A is the best of the 100% pure Shea Butters. Premium Grade A is capable of addressing all the conditions mentioned in 21 reasons to use Shea Butter.
The grading scale has been established by the American Shea Butter Institute in an effort to provide uniformity in an industry heretofore lacking any means of quality control or standards. The scale is based on scientific evaluation of nonsoponifiables times the Vitamin A content divided by the percentage of free fatty acids times the peroxide count.
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What is Shea Butter used for?
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Dry skin
Skin rash
Skin peeling, after tanning
Blemishes and wrinkles
Itchy skin
Sunburn
Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave
Small skin wounds
Skin cracks
Tough or rough skin (on feet)
Cold weather
Frost bites
Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
Insect bites
Healthy skin
Muscle fatigue, aches and tension
Use before and after strenuous exercise
Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
Eczema
Dermatitis
Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems, etc.)
DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. We encourage you to consult your personal physician with any questions you may have.
Reprinted with permission from the ASBI.
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Where does Shea Butter come from?
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The Karite tree (Shea tree) grows only in Africa. This unique tree grows uncultivated in 19 contiguous nations. This region is referred to by some as the Shea Belt and spans some 3,000 miles from Senegal in the west into the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands in the east. This area lies between the Sahara desert to the north and the African rain forest to the south.
The Shea Belt includes some 19 sovereign nations: Benin, Ghana, Chad, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Cote D'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zaire and Guinea. (source: United Nations FOA)
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What is the American Shea Butter Institute?
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The American Shea Butter Institute is located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The Institute was organized in 2001 to meet the growing need for product education and to set quality standards for the industry. ASBI is the only known institution committed to establishing standards that insure the quality of Shea Butter entering the USA.
The American Shea Butter Institute provides consumer and industry education on Shea Butter: establishes voluntary standards on quality of Shea Butter entering the USA: engages in basic and applied research to identify Shea Butter ingredients or derivatives of its ingredients as new solutions for important problems in nutrition, health care and material science: promotes the benefits of Shea Butter in various US industries.
Shea Butter that conforms to a strict set of standards is awarded the ASBI Seal of Certification. ASBI certification means a given Shea Butter has successfully passed a number of laboratory tests on quality and is therefore distinguished by its classification for all to know of its inherent quality.
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What's the difference in refined and unrefined Shea Butter?
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Unrefined Shea Butter has not been chemically altered and retains the nonsaponifiable fractions necessary to provide the healing properties associated with Shea Butter. Refined Shea Butter has been chemically altered and or processed and will not have the nonsaponifiable fractions needed to heal. Both will have moisturizing properties; all oils will moisturize, all oils will NOT heal.
Refined vs. Unrefined
Refined Healing Properties Poor
Unrefined Healing Properties Excellent
Refined Moisturizing Properties Excellent
Unrefined Moisturizing Properties Excellent
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How can you tell when you have high quality Shea Butter?
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Always look for the ASBI logo. You must have Grade analysis done by the American Shea Butter Institute. All Shea Butters are not equal.
Only high quality Unrefined Premium Shea Butter can offer the health benefits associated with Shea Butter. Buying Certified Grade A Shea Butter is your only means of knowing the quality of Shea Butter you are buying.
If your Shea Butter has not been analyzed you just don't know. You may be buying quality Shea Butter or you may not. Can you risk throwing away your money on an expensive moisturizer with little or no healing properties?
The American Shea Butter Institute Seal assures you are buying High Quality Premium Shea Butter.
DON'T BE FOOLED!!!
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Is your Shea Butter organic?
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Our Shea Butter is harvested by women's cooperatives in West Africa. The Karite trees (Shea trees) grow wild without the use of herbicides, pesticides or other chemical contaminants. The USDA has not certified Shea Butter as organic according to US regulations. By buying Premium Grade A Shea Butter you are assured of the highest quality Shea Butter available. Our chemical analysis assures you no contaminants are present.
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What tests are performed in the grade analysis?
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Although we are not permitted to divulge all of the tests performed by the American Shea Butter Institute's proprietary testing process, we can tell you some of the things Certified Grade A Shea Butter has been tested for.
Certified Grade A Shea Butter has passed the American Shea Butter Institute's tests to determine levels of iron, mercury, lead and copper. Also, mold and bacteria contamination tests are performed. These are just a few of the tests that are performed on Grade A Shea Butter.
Knowing these tests are performed should give you a feeling of comfort. If the shea butter you are using has not been tested, how do you know if the butter does or does not contain these contaminants and whether you are absorbing them through the pores of your skin?
Always look for the ASBI logo. All Shea Butters are not equal.
Only high quality Unrefined Premium Shea Butter can offer the health benefits associated with Shea Butter. Buying Certified Grade A Shea Butter is your only means of knowing the quality of Shea Butter you are buying.
The American Shea Butter Institute Seal assures you are buying High Quality Premium Shea Butter
DON'T BE FOOLED!!!
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What is the difference between Grade A Shea Butter and the Shea Butter I've been using?
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Premium Grade A Shea Butter has been clinically analyzed and graded according to a scale established by the American Shea Butter Institute in an effort to provide uniformity in an industry heretofore lacking any means of quality control or standards. The scale is based on scientific evaluation of nonsoponifiables times the Vitamin A content divided by the percentage of free fatty acids times the peroxide count.
Premium Grade A is the best of the 100% pure Shea Butters. Premium Grade A is capable of addressing all the conditions mentioned in 21 reasons to use Shea Butter.
We only sell Premium Grade A Shea Butter. We have our Shea Butter tested by the American Shea Butter Institute before we take delivery of our bulk shipments. This is the only way we can assure you of the quality of our products. If your Shea Butter has not been clinically analyzed you don't know what you have. One purchase may be excellent quality Shea Butter and the next purchase may be poor quality Shea Butter. Consistency in purchasing a quality product is the difference.
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Does Shea Butter come in a liquid form?
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No. By definition butter is a solid.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
Butter But"ter (b[u^]t"t[-e]r), n. [OE. botere, butter, AS. butere, fr. L. butyrum, Gr. boy`tyron; either fr. boy`s ox, cow + tyro`s cheese; or, perhaps, of Scythian origin. Cf. Cow .]
1. An oily, unctuous substance obtained from cream or milk by churning.
2. Any substance resembling butter in degree of consistence, or other qualities, especially, in old chemistry, the chlorides, as butter of antimony, sesquichloride of antimony; also, certain concrete fat oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures, as butter of cacao, vegetable butter, shea butter.
We have seen products in stores claiming to be Liquid Shea Butter. The saturated fatty acid content of an oil vs the unsaturated fatty acid content of an oil is the determining factor in whether an oil is liquid or solid at room temperature. The saturated fatty acid content of Shea Butter mak s it a solid at "room temperature". Shea Butter will liquefy at about 32 degrees centigrade or about 90 degrees fahrenheit.
If the saturated fatty acid content were to be chemically altered, i.e. the saturated fatty acid was lowered chemically thereby increasing the ratio of unsaturated fatty acid in Shea Butter the result would be fractionated Shea Butter mixed with chemical residue used to change the original ratio.
Do you really want to put this on your skin?
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How does Shea Butter smell?
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Premium Grade A Shea Butter has a slightly nutty aroma. The oil is absorbed into the skin through the pores and the scent of Shea Butter dissipates in a few minutes.
Unlike most other oils, Premium Grade A Shea Butter is non-comedogenic (will not clog the pores).
We have found most people either like the nutty aroma of Natural Premium Grade A Shea Butter or will use their favorite perfume or cologne after applying Premium Grade A Shea Butter.
If you find the aroma of Shea Butter to be strong or really smells bad the Shea Butter is probably rancid or contaminated. Don't buy it.
Some companies will overpower the smell of Shea Butter with essential oils or fragrance oils. If the percentage of essential oils or fragrance oils is too great the medicinal benefits of Shea Butter will be lost.
We add a hint of organic essential oils or a fragrant oil to some of our products for those customers that do not care for the scent of Natural Premium Grade A Shea Butter. We carefully monitor the amounts of oils added making certain not to destroy the medicinal qualities of our Premium Grade A Shea Butter and maintaining our Premium Grade A Shea Butter rating.
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Can I use Shea Butter on my hair?
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Yes, Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter is a superb moisturizer and conditioner for your hair. With regular use Premium Grade A Shea Butter will repair and replenish dry, brittle hair and add new life and luster to dull damaged hair. Premium Grade A Shea Butter is fantastic for split ends and hair damaged from the excessive use of chemicals.
Simply rub a small amount of Grade A Shea Butter in a circular motion between the palms of your hands and apply to damaged hair or dry scalp. Your hair will love you.
Premium Grade A Shea Butter may also be used as a hot oil treatment.To prepare Premium Grade A Shea Butter for your hot oil treatment, boil two quarts of water. Place an appropriate amount of Premium Grade A Shea Butter in a water tight container or zip lock bag. Turn off the heat and place the container of Shea Butter in the water to melt. If the water becomes cool before the Shea Butter has completely melted add more boiling water. Do not allow water to get into your Shea Butter. Premium Grade A Shea Butter will melt at about 32 degrees centigrade or 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
As soon as your Shea Butter is melted remove and apply to freshly washed hair and scalp. Let dry and then rinse.
T he healing fraction of Premium Grade A Shea Butter may range from 6% to 12%. Because Premium Grade A Shea Butter has such a large nonsaponifiable fraction (also known as the healing fraction) regular use of Premium Grade A Shea Butter is helpful with many skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, blemishes, wrinkles, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, skin allergies, insect bites, frost bite and other skin conditions.
The healing fraction contains important nutrients, vitamins and other valuable phytonutrients required for healing. The larger the healing fraction, the more effective the Shea Butter for improving various conditions of the skin. While other seed oils may have a good to excellent moisturizing fraction, these oils contain little or no healing fraction.
The only way to know the healing fraction of your Shea Butter is by having your Shea Butter clinically analyzed. Buying Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter assures you of the best quality.
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Will Shea Butter cure Psoriasis?
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No. Shea Butter will not cure psoriasis. It will aid and assist with psoriasis by helping to relieve the itch associated with the condition.
The healing fraction of Premium Grade A Shea Butter may range from 6% to 12%. Because Premium Grade A Shea Butter has such a large nonsaponifiable fraction (also known as the healing fraction) regular use of Premium Grade A Shea Butter is helpful with many skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, blemishes, wrinkles, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, skin allergies, insect bites, frost bite and other skin conditions.
The healing fraction contains important nutrients, vitamins and other valuable phytonutrients required for healing. The larger the healing fraction, the more effective the Shea Butter for improving various conditions of the skin. While other seed oils may have a good to excellent moisturizing fraction, these oils contain little or no healing fraction.
The only way to know the healing fraction of your Shea Butter is by having your Shea Butter clinically analyzed. Buying Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter assures you of the best quality.
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Can Shea Butter be used on oily skin?
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Yes, Premium Grade A Shea Butter may be used on oily skin.
Shea Butter is non-comedegenic (will not clog pores) and is absorbed through the pores of the skin.
The healing fraction of Premium Grade A Shea Butter may range from 6% to 12%. Because Premium Grade A Shea Butter has such a large nonsaponifiable fraction (also known as the healing fraction) regular use of Premium Grade A Shea Butter is helpful with many skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, blemishes, wrinkles, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, skin allergies, insect bites, frost bite and other skin conditions.
The healing fraction contains important nutrients, vitamins and other valuable phytonutrients required for healing. The larger the healing fraction, the more effective the Shea Butter for improving various conditions of the skin. While other seed oils may have a good to excellent moisturizing fraction, these oils contain little or no healing fraction.
The only way to know the healing fraction of your Shea Butter is by having your Shea Butter clinically analyzed. Buying Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter assures you of the best quality.
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Will Shea Butter get rid of stretch marks?
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No, Premium Grade A Shea Butter will not get rid of stretch marks. It has been found that the regular use of Premium Grade A Shea Butter during pregnancy may help prevent stretch marks.
Shea Butter is non-comedegenic (will not clog pores) and is absorbed through the pores of the skin.
The healing fraction of Premium Grade A Shea Butter may range from 6% to 12%. Because Premium Grade A Shea Butter has such a large nonsaponifiable fraction (also known as the healing fraction) regular use of Premium Grade A Shea Butter is helpful with many skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, blemishes, wrinkles, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, skin allergies, insect bites, frost bite and other skin conditions.
The healing fraction contains important nutrients, vitamins and other valuable phytonutrients required for healing. The larger the healing fraction, the more effective the Shea Butter for improving various conditions of the skin. While other seed oils may have a good to excellent moisturizing fraction, these oils contain little or no healing fraction.
The only way to know the healing fraction of your Shea Butter is by having your Shea Butter clinically analyzed. Buying Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter assures you of the best quality.
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Will Shea Butter remove scars?
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It has been found that the regular use of Premium Grade A Shea Butter may lighten some scars over time.
Shea Butter is non-comedegenic (will not clog pores) and is absorbed through the pores of the skin.
The healing fraction of Premium Grade A Shea Butter may range from 6% to 12%. Because Premium Grade A Shea Butter has such a large nonsaponifiable fraction (also known as the healing fraction) regular use of Premium Grade A Shea Butter is helpful with many skin problems including eczema, psoriasis, blemishes, wrinkles, itching, sunburns, small skin wounds, skin allergies, insect bites, frost bite and other skin conditions.
The healing fraction contains important nutrients, vitamins and other valuable phytonutrients required for healing. The larger the healing fraction, the more effective the Shea Butter for improving various conditions of the skin. While other seed oils may have a good to excellent moisturizing fraction, these oils contain little or no healing fraction.
The only way to know the healing fraction of your Shea Butter is by having your Shea Butter clinically analyzed. Buying Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter assures you of the best quality.
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How do you buy Shea Butter?
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Always look for the ASBI logo.
Buying Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter assures you of the best quality.
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Can you blend Shea butter with other ingredients?
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Yes, Shea Butter may be blended with other ingredients, however, there is a give and take. By blending other ingredients with Shea Butter you may be lessening the nonsaponifiable fraction (aka healing fraction) of the Shea Butter or depending upon the method used in combining the ingredients, you may be destroying the healing fraction.
Shea Butter is found in many cosmetic formulas however the healing properties associated with these blends is usually non-existent. The moisturizing properties may still be present but even that fraction may be diluted to such an extent it becomes just an ingredient on a label.
The only oil we know of which can successfully be blended with Shea Butter without losing the healing properties associated with Premium Grade A Shea Butter is Argan oil. The Argan tree, sometimes called the cousin to the Karite tree (Shea tree), produces a seed from which Argan oil is extracted and has been used by the Berbers in the southwest region of Morocco for centuries.
Both oils have similar medicinal properties, however, the non-saturated fatty acid content of Argan oil is higher than Shea Butter and that factor makes Argan oil a liquid at "room temperature".
We have combined our Premium Grade A Shea Butter with our natural Organic Argan oil to make a fantastic hair moisturizer and conditioner as well as an incredible Anti-Aging Cream.
By combining the two oils we have created a creamier Shea Butter product with a lower melting point when applied on the skin. The result is simply incredible.
Both our Premium Grade A Shea Butter and natural organic Argan oil are non-comedogenic (will not clog the pores). The aroma is slightly nutty and dissipates in a few minutes.
We have added a hint of organic lavender essential oil to our Anti-Aging Cream for those customers that do not care for the natural scent of our Natural Anti-Aging Cream. Both are fantastic.
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Why haven't I heard of Shea Butter before now?
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The Karite tree (Shea tree) grows only in Africa. This unique tree grows uncultivated in 19 contiguous nations. This region is referred to by some as the Shea Belt and spans some 3,000 miles from Senegal in the west into the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands in the east. This area lies between the Sahara desert to the north and the African rain forest to the south.
The Shea Belt includes some 19 sovereign nations: Benin, Ghana, Chad, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Cote D'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Zaire and Guinea. (source: United Nations FOA)
Many attempts by Europeans trying to cultivate the Karite tree have failed. They found the trees would not produce the fruit from which the seed is extracted to produce Shea Butter. It takes anywhere from 20 to 50 years for the tree to bear fruit and even then about 1 in 3 trees will bear fruit during any given summer.
Since the trees cannot be commercially grown and controlled by multi-national corporations the marketing of Shea Butter has been practically non-existent. The African nations don't have the wherewithal to market the product on a large scale and the production of Shea Butter has remained mostly a cottage industry. Even though about 1 million tons of Shea nuts are harvested annually, it is estimated that the annual harvest is only about a third of the nuts produced each year. About 95% of the nuts are exported annually for the manufacture of chocolate as a cocoa butter substitute, a stabilizing ingredient.
Shea Butter is one of Africa's best kept secrets and treasures.
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What is Argan oil?
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Argan oil is an oil extracted from the almond (seed) of the fruit of the Argan tree. The fruit contains an ovate, hard-shelled nut, which encloses the fleshy albumen or Argan almond.
Argan oil is used for cooking, medicinal and personal care (hair and skin) purposes by the Berber population of Morocco. Found in the southwestern region of Morocco, Africa, the Argan tree is in the same family as the Karite tree (Shea Butter tree) and as such is the only oil that is comparable to Shea Butter for moisturizing. In fact, Argan oil is a better moisturizer than Shea Butter because of its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. This fact gives Argan oil a higher rate of absorption. Both Argan oil and Shea Butter are non-comedogenic (will not clog pores).
Argan oil has a lower nonsaponifiable (healing fraction) than Shea Butter. The chemical composition of the two oils is extremely close noting the aforementioned exceptions. Many people call these trees cousin trees.
One of the primary noticeable differences between Argan oil and Shea Butter is their consistency at "room temperature". Shea Butter is a solid and Argan oil is a liquid.
Our natural Certified Organic Argan oil is one of Morocco's best kept secrets and treasures.
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Where does Argan Oil come from?
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Argan oil is an oil extracted from the almond (seed) of the fruit of the Argan tree. The fruit contains an ovate, hard-shelled nut, which encloses the fleshy albumen or Argan almond.
The Argan tree is only found in one region of the world, the southwestern region of Morocco, Africa, at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Argan trees reach heights up to 30 meters and an age of 150 - 200 years. The trees don't produce fruit, from which the oil is derived, until nearly 30 - 50 years of age. The Argan tree is an uncultivated tree and as such the oil is limited by the number of trees in the Argan forest.
Trees yield fruit once a year and it takes one tree to produce 1 liter of Argan oil. Due to the limited supply of Argan oil and it's increasing demand in the culinary and cosmetic industries the price of Argan oil has markedly increased in the past few years.
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What is Argan Oil used for?
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Reduces visible scars left by acne or chicken pox
Moisturizes Dry Skin
Reduces blemishes and slows down the appearance of wrinkles
Promotes healthy skin
Helps protect skin elasticity
Helps prevent stretch marks
Hydrates the skin by restoring the cutaneous barrier and by neutralizing the free radicals
Restores the shine of dull, lifeless hair
Strengthens brittle nails
Care of the scalp to advance hair growth and prevent split ends
Chapped and cracked skin
Skin burns or scalding
Regenerates the skin by restarting vital functions of cells to prevent early skin aging due to external aggressions (Sun, bad weather, stress, tobacco, etc)
Reduces skin inflamation
Reduces skin irritation
Soothes rheumatism and arthritis pains
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How is Argan Oil used?
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Argan oil is used for cooking, medicinal and personal care (hair and skin).
Natural Argan Oil for Body Care
Natural Argan oil is rich in antioxidants which protect the skin from external aggressions like the sun, while neutralizing free radicals. Also rich in essential fatty acids, argan oil regenerates and activates the cell's vital functions, thus diminishing wrinkles.
Natural Argan oil is an organic product and highly recommended for use on all skin types.
Facial Application
Apply to a clean face and neck nightly, avoiding contact with eyes and eyelids.
Natural Argan oil is scientifically proven non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and hypoallergenic.
Skin Care
To prevent skin dehydration - apply to the entire body 45 minutes before bathing.
To stimulate and rejuvenate devitalized zones - apply liberally and massage evenly to allow adequate skin penetration until skin feels supple and soft to touch. Argan oil revitalizes, softens, moisturizes and protects the skin.
Nail Care
To fortify weak and brittle nails:
wash hands
dip fingertips in equal-parts mixture of lemon juice and Natural Argan oil for 15 minutes
repeat weekly
Traditional Uses:
To re-hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
To reduce the appearance of scarring
As a topical rub to relieve pain associated with rheumatism
As a treatment for juvenile acne and chicken pocks
Scar Care:
allow wound to close and begin to heal before application
apply as needed to affected areas
Our Argan oil is certified organic, unrefined and cold pressed without the use of chemicals, solvents, alcohols or preservatives.
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Is Argan Oil better than Shea Butter?
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The Argan tree and Karite tree (Shea Butter) are in the same family and as such are comparable in many respects. Both have fantastic qualities and one cannot be called better than the other.
Both are great moisturizing oils. Argan oil is a better moisturizer than Shea Butter because of its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. This fact gives Argan oil a higher rate of absorption. Both Argan oil and Shea Butter are non-comedogenic (will not clog pores).
Shea Butter has a higher nonsaponifiable (healing fraction) than Argan oil thus giving it an edge in this category. Many people call these trees cousin trees.
One of the primary noticeable differences between Argan oil and Shea Butter is their consistency at "room temperature". Shea Butter is a solid and Argan oil is a liquid.
The only oil we know of which can successfully be blended with Shea Butter without losing the healing properties associated with Premium Grade A Shea Butter is Argan oil.
Since both oils have similar medicinal properties and excellent moisturizing properties we have combined our Premium Grade A Shea Butter with our natural Organic Argan oil to make a fantastic hair moisturizer and conditioner as well as an incredible Anti-Aging Cream.
By combining the two oils we have created a creamier Shea Butter product with a lower melting point when applied on the skin. The result is simply incredible. The aroma is slightly nutty and dissipates in a few minutes.
We have added a hint of organic lavender essential oil to our Anti-Aging Cream for those customers that do not care for the natural scent of our Natural Anti-Aging Cream. Both are fantastic.
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Will Argan Oil remove scars?
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Argan Oil may not remove scars but in some cases, with regular use, may lighten scars and/or prevent scars from becoming highly noticeable.
Scar Care:
allow wound to close and begin to heal before application
apply as needed to affected areas
Regular application of our Anti-Aging cream during pregnancy may prevent stretch marks. Our Anti-Aging cream is a blend of Shea Butter and Argan Oil.
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Will Argan Oil clear acne?
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Argan Oil may not clear acne but may help with scarring from acne. Since Argan oil is non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and has a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids Argan Oil has a high absorption rate. This means it will not leave your skin oily because it is absorbed through the pores.
Argan Oil may not remove scars but in some cases, with regular use, may lighten scars and/or prevent scars from becoming highly noticeable.
Scar Care:
allow wound to close and begin to heal before application
apply as needed to affected areas
Our Anti-Aging cream is a blend of Shea Butter and Argan Oil and is fantastic for most skin types. If you have an allergic reaction to nuts you may need to check with your dermatologist or physician.
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Can Argan Oil be used on oily skin?
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Yes, Argan Oil may be used on oily skin.
Argan oil is non-comedogenic (will not clog pores) and has a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids, therefore Argan Oil has a high absorption rate. This means it will not leave your skin oily because it is absorbed through the pores.
Our Anti-Aging cream is a blend of Shea Butter and Argan Oil and is fantastic for most skin types.
If you have an allergic reaction to nuts you may need to check with your dermatologist or physician before applying.
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Can you blend Argan oil with other ingredients?
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Yes, Argan Oil may be blended with other ingredients, however, there is a give and take. By blending other ingredients with Argan Oil you may be lessening the absorption rate and altering the moisturizing and healing effects of Argan Oil.
The only oil we know of which can successfully be blended with Argan without losing the healing properties associated with our natural organic Argan Oil is Certified Premium Grade A Shea Butter. The Karite tree (Shea tree), sometimes called the cousin to the Argan tree , produces a seed from which Shea Butter is extracted and has been used for centuries by the people of many African nations.
Both oils have similar medicinal properties, however, the non-saturated fatty acid content of Argan oil is higher than Shea Butter and that factor makes Argan oil a liquid at "room temperature".
We have combined our natural Organic Argan oil with our Premium Grade A Shea Butter to make a fantastic hair moisturizer and conditioner as well as an incredible Anti-Aging Cream.
By combining the two oils we have created a creamier Shea Butter product with a lower melting point when applied on the skin. The result is simply incredible.
Both our Premium Grade A Shea Butter and natural organic Argan oil are non-comedogenic (will not clog the pores). The aroma is slightly nutty and dissipates in a few minutes.
We have added a hint of organic lavender essential oil to our Anti-Aging Cream for those customers that do not care for the natural scent of our Natural Anti-Aging Cream. Both are fantastic.
Because of Argan Oil's very high content of unsaturated fatty acids it is an excellent ingredient in other cosmetic formulations. Because of the high price of Argan Oil and its limited supply it would be a valuable ingredient in any moisturizer or soap.
If you have an allergic reaction to nuts you may need to check with your dermatologist or physician before applying.
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Does Argan Oil smell bad?
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Argan Oil has a slightly nutty aroma. The oil is absorbed into the skin through the pores and the scent of Argan Oil dissipates in a few minutes.
Unlike most other oils, Argan Oil is non-comedogenic (will not clog the pores). It has one of the highest absorption rates of any natural oil.
We have found most people either like the nutty aroma of our natural organic Argan Oil or will use their favorite perfume or cologne after applying our Argan Oil.
If you find the aroma of Argan Oil to be strong or really smells bad the Argan Oil is probably rancid or contaminated. Don't buy it.
We add a hint of organic essential lavender oil to one of our Anti-Aging cream products for those customers that do not care for the scent of our natural organic Argan Oil blended with our Natural Premium Grade A Shea Butter (Anti-Aging cream). We carefully monitor the amounts of oils added making certain not to destroy the medicinal qualities of our Anti-Aging cream.
If you have an allergic reaction to nuts you may need to check with your dermatologist or physician before applying.
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Why haven't I heard of Argan Oil before now?
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The Argan tree grows only in the southwest region of Morocco, Africa. This unique tree grows uncultivated. The Argan Forest is hidden in a remote region of Morocco hidden between the Atlas Mountains, the Western Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean. The Argan Forest supports more than 3 million Berbers, the original inhabitants of Morocco with wood for heating; feed for livestock; oil for cooking, medicinal and personal care (skin and hair).
Many attempts by Europeans trying to cultivate the Argan tree have failed. They found the trees would not produce the fruit from which the seed is extracted to produce the oil. It takes anywhere from 30 to 50 years for the tree to bear fruit and even then one (1) tree will yield only one (1) liter of oil. During severe drought years the trees will bear no fruit and go dormant. This period may last several years. When the tree senses moisture the leaves of the tree will reappear and the dormant period will end.
Since the trees cannot be commercially grown and controlled by multi-national corporations the marketing of Argan Oil has been practically non-existent. The resulting industry has remained a cottage industry with little mainstream recognition.
Argan Oil is one of Africa's best kept secrets and treasures.
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Why is Argan Oil so expensive?
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Argan Oil is very expensive because of its limited supply and increasing worldwide demand. Since it can be used in both the culinary and cosmetic industries and more knowledge of its tremendous benefits is available the price has escalated in the past few years. With the advent of the internet and globalization, Morocco's secret is spreading.
The Argan tree grows only in the southwest region of Morocco, Africa. This unique tree grows uncultivated. The Argan Forest is hidden in a remote region of Morocco hidden between the Atlas Mountains, the Western Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean. The Argan Forest supports more than 3 million Berbers, the original inhabitants of Morocco with wood for heating; feed for livestock; oil for cooking, medicinal and personal care (skin and hair).
Many attempts by Europeans trying to cultivate the Argan tree have failed. They found the trees would not produce the fruit from which the seed is extracted to produce the oil. It takes anywhere from 30 to 50 years for the tree to bear fruit and even then one (1) tree will yield only one (1) liter of oil. During severe drought years the trees will bear no fruit and go dormant. This period may last several years. When the tree senses moisture the leaves of the tree will reappear and the dormant period will end.
Since the trees cannot be commercially grown and controlled by multi-national corporations the marketing of Argan Oil has been practically non-existent. The resulting industry has remained a cottage industry with little mainstream recognition.
Argan Oil is one of Africa's best kept secrets and treasures.
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Is Argan Oil used in the food industry?
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Yes, Argan Oil is a highly valued oil within the culinary industry. Many high end chefs use Argan Oil in many dressings and sauces. With its naturally nutty flavor and health benefits, Argan Oil is becoming highly sought after.
Argan oil is rich in naturally occurring antioxidants such as flavonoids and tocopherols. Argan Oil is also high in Vitamin E, an essential component of the antioxidant network which limits tissue and cell damage caused by toxins and pollutants in the body.
Vitamin E has numerous benefits some of which are listed below:
helps prevent: free radical damage/ heart attack and stroke/ lipid peroxidation/ arteriosclerosis
helps block: oxidation of L cholesterol LD/ growth of cancer cells
increases the body's level of immunity
alleviates symptoms of arthritis
counteracts cataracts and other vision problems
Fatty acids (FA) are a group of organic acids classified as either saturated or unsaturated. According to the American Heart Association, clinical studies have demonstrated that consumption of trans fatty acids or saturated fat result in higher blood cholesterol levels than consumption of cis fatty acids or naturally occurring oils. Argan oil is more than 80% unsaturated, 60% monounsaturated and 40% polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Linoleic acid (omega-6), an essential fatty acid, comprises 34% of the total FA content of argan oil. The second essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (omega-3), can also be found in trace amounts (0.1%).
Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet. Linoleic acid deficiency symptoms can include arthritis-like conditions, heart and circulatory problems, susceptibility to infections, kidney and liver degenerations, eczema-like skin eruptions, sterility in males, and miscarriage in females. It is believed that 1-2% of total energy needs for healthy individuals must come from linoleic acid. One tablespoon (14g) of organic Toasted argan oil can satisfy the body's daily linoleic acid needs.
These are just a few of the reasons Argan Oil is peaking the interests of many health conscious individuals.
Argan Oil is one of Africa's best kept secrets and treasures.
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What is a Bath/Shampoo Bar?
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Our handmade Bath/Shampoo Bars look and feel like traditional soap bars but are made with ingredients which not only clean and refresh your skin but also clean and nourish your hair. Your skin and hair will enjoy the rich lather our bars provide. Each bar is made with our Premium Grade A Shea Butter and other quality oils and organic materials. Natural minerals color our bars, no synthetic or chemical dyes added here. We use organic materials whenever possible.
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What do you use to color your Bath/Shampoo Bars?
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Our handmade Bath/Shampoo Bars are colored with ultramarine (mineral colorant) for our blues and purples and titanium dioxide (mineral colorant) for our yellows. We use chlorophyll as a green colorant.
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Is your Shea Butter Bar good for acne?
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Soap is primarily a cleanser. Our Shea Butter Bath/Shampoo Bar is excellent for cleansing the skin which is essential in combating acne. The Shea Butter Bar will not cure acne but will help in combating acne. Many factors contribute to acne and these issues also need to be addressed, ie. diet, makeup, environment, etc. Our Root World Bath/Shampoo Bar is our best Bar for problem skin. Both of these bars are excellent for your skin.
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