HISTORY OF SHEA BUTTER

Origins

Shea Butter has been extracted from the nut of the Shea tree in West Africa and used as cosmetic and therapeutic skin care lotion for thousands of years. It’s origins go as far back as Cleopatra’s Egypt, where it was carried in large clay jars for cosmetic use. Not long after, the healing properties of Shea Butter were discovered and optimized for use throughout the West African wooded savannah.

Global trade of shea butter dates not only back to Cleopatra's Egypt, but was a very popular item of trade in the Middle Ages throughout West Africa and into the coastal regions. It was also traded heavily as an oil in European markets. As trade of Shea Butter spread throughout different regions of Africa in particular, it’s various uses began to diversify into things like soap and nasal decongestant. Shea Butter remains a popular substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate, though it still functions primarily as a skin care product as it has since the days of Cleopatra.

Shea Butter Today

Today, Our Shea Butter is handcrafted in the African country of Burkina Faso.There, Shea Butter is a commodity owned by women and the profits are a main source of income. As such, In Burkina Faso Shea Butter has been nicknamed “Women’s Gold!”

We’re passionate about supporting women and assisting the burgeoning economy in Burkina Faso. Through our strategic fair trade partnership with Empower Village we are able to gather and invest in three hundred women. The income from this project contributes to business development in the area and represents 75% of their annual income. We feel blessed to share that the purchases you make from us directly and indirectly benefit a population of 38,637 people!

Our name says a lot about us. 24K Shea refers to the color and benefits of Raw Shea Butter in its natural state. The color of Raw Shea Butter ranges from a light flax to a rich honey, traversing the spectrum of gold. Additionally, Raw Shea Butter has undeniable lavish and sumptuous qualities. When you use our Raw Shea Butter lotions, your skin will feel as shimmery and as luxurious as gold itself! Click here to find out more about what 24K Shea can do for you!