Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps

Occasionally someone asks us if we prefer refined shea butter over “raw” shea butter in our soaps and lotions.   Hands down, we feel it is a personal choice. 

Refined shea butter generally is white in color with no odor.  When desiring a product that has no hint of shea butter odor at all, refined shea butter is a good choice.  With our formulas, however, refined shea butter has a tendency to leave “grains” in the products.  Shea butter grains are not a bad thing, they do melt upon contact with skin.   To prevent shea butter grains in a product, when the shea butter is heated or melted, we suggest holding the shea butter at a temperature of 160-170 degrees before it is added to a product formula. 

Some raw shea butters have a stronger natural aroma than others.  Shea butter that has a very strong odor can indicate a lack of freshness.  A good shea butter, when packaged in an air tight container, in a cool environment, can remain fresh for nearly 2 years.  Shea butter exposed to extreme heat, and stored improperly, can develop a very strong odor and can discolor.

Poor quality ingredients, especially shea butter, can make a significant difference in the outcome of a product.   My advice:  shop around, find the shea butter that works for your products (refined or raw), and then stick with it!