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Shea Butter

Direct sourcing. Verified quality. Scalable supply for manufacturers.

Lafi Wholesale's organic and regular shea butter is versatile and high-quality. It can be used for cosmetics, skin and hair care, as well as in culinary creations like chocolates. Experience its excellence today.

We support manufacturers from product sampling to bulk supply (ton-scale capacity available). Each batch is tested and verified through independent laboratory analysis. Documentation available for all products.

Wooden bowl of raw Shea Butter

How Lafi's Shea Butter Aligns with Industry-Specific Quality Requirements

From cosmetic and skincare formulations to pharmaceutical and food applications, Lafi Wholesale's shea butter is evaluated against the quality parameters that matter most to manufacturers. The table below highlights key industry requirements and the specifications used to assess product suitability.

Industry
Lafi Advantage
Cosmetics
Rich texture and skin-conditioning properties
Skincare
Deep moisturization and barrier support
Pharmaceutical
Microbiologically tested and traceable
Food Manufacturing
Food-grade quality and contaminant testing
Soap Manufacturing
Saponification Index: 180 mg KOH/g
Natural & Organic Brands
Ethical sourcing and organic options
Contract Manufacturers
Bulk supply and export support
Distributors
Scalable sourcing and documentation

Key Characteristics

✓ Moisture: 0.33% ± 0.01%
✓ Peroxide Value: ≤ 10 meq/kg
✓ Saponification Index: 180 mg KOH/g
✓ Acidity: ≤ 3%
✓ Total Mesophilic Flora: < 1 cfu/g
✓ Salmonella Absent
✓ E. coli: < 1 cfu/g
✓ Yeast & Mold: < 1 cfu/g
✓ Aflatoxins: ≤ 4 µg/kg
✓ Lead: ≤ 0.1 mg/kg
✓ Codex-Compliant Pesticide Standards
✓ Ethically Sourced from Burkina Faso

Additional quality specifications, microbiological data, and technical documentation are available in the Technical Data Sheet (TDS).

Additional Testing Available Upon Request

Lafi Wholesale is committed to supporting the quality assurance and formulation needs of our customers. Additional laboratory analyses, including fatty acid profile testing (oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid composition), can be arranged upon request for qualified commercial buyers. Please note that additional lead times and laboratory fees may apply.

INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Shea Butter
Unrefined organic and non-organic shea butter​

  • Refined organic and non-organic shea butter

  • Cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical grade (as specified per order)

  • Supplied in bulk formats

  • Fair Trade certified where applicable and documented

  • Documentation including COA, specifications, microbiological data, and traceability is available upon request.

Description

Our shea butter is sourced from women-led fair-trade associations in Burkina Faso and across Burkina Faso, West Africa. We offer two grades of shea butter—organic unrefined, regular unrefined, organic refined and regular refined—both produced using the traditional barratage extraction method, preserving the butter’s natural properties and quality.
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The shea tree is native to Burkina Faso and West Africa. Shea butter is composed primarily of fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids. Its melting point typically ranges from 31.6 °C to 45 °C, making it well suited for a wide range of food, cosmetic, and industrial applications.

Benefits

Shea butter is widely used in the formulation of topical treatments, ointments, and personal care products due to its soothing and emollient properties. It is also incorporated into pet care formulations, where its gentle nature supports skin and coat health. Rich in vitamins A, E, and F, shea butter provides deep hydration, supports skin elasticity, and helps reduce dryness and inflammation. Shea butter is suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, due to its non-comedogenic profile. Its high concentration of fatty acids and naturally occurring vitamins supports skin nourishment, elasticity, and long-term hydration. Commonly used in anti-aging and body care formulations, shea butter helps improve the appearance of fine lines, stretch marks, and dry skin over time.

Application

Its rich, creamy texture and functional versatility make shea butter a valued ingredient across a wide range of applications, including skincare, haircare, cosmetics, foods, body care, and specialty formulations. It is commonly used in creams, lotions, balms, soaps, hair treatments, chocolates, and protective ointments, where it enhances texture, stability, and moisturization. Shea butter is also incorporated into specialty and therapeutic formulations that require a natural, emollient base with proven performance and consumer acceptance.

Sustainability

The environmental impact of our shea butter production is minimal, as shea trees grow naturally in the wild and do not require intensive agricultural inputs or deforestation. This natural growth cycle makes shea butter a sustainable choice for manufacturers seeking responsible, plant-based ingredients.
 
In addition, our sourcing supports women-led cooperatives and local communities across West Africa, creating stable economic opportunities while preserving traditional harvesting and processing methods passed down through generations.
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By choosing Lafi Wholesale's shea butter, partners invest in a high-quality raw material while contributing to environmental stewardship and community livelihoods. Our ethical sourcing approach ensures respect for both people and the planet throughout the supply chain.

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