Natural skin care · Yado Market Blog
Raw African Shea Butter: Uses for Skin, Face & Body
Rich, nutty and made by hand in West Africa, raw shea butter has been a beauty essential for generations. Here's what it is, how it's made, raw vs. refined vs. yellow, and the best ways to use it on your skin, face and body.
By the Yado African & Caribbean Market team · Updated September 2026 · 7 min read
The quick answer
Raw African shea butter is the natural fat pressed from the nuts of the shea tree, which grows across the savanna of West Africa. It's unrefined, so it keeps its ivory-to-beige color, nutty scent and more of its natural fatty acids and vitamins. People use it as a rich moisturizer for dry skin, elbows, heels, lips, hands and hair.
What Is Shea Butter Made From?
Shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). In countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria, it's traditionally made by women: the nuts are collected, dried, crushed, roasted and ground into a paste, then kneaded with water until the butter separates, and gently heated to clarify it. Buying raw shea butter supports a craft passed down for generations.
Raw, Refined or Yellow: What's the Difference?
Raw / unrefined
Ivory to light beige, with a nutty, smoky scent and a slightly grainy texture. Minimally processed, so it keeps more of its natural compounds. Our top pick for skin.
Refined
Filtered and deodorized, so it's white, smooth and scent-free. Popular in lotions and for people who dislike the natural smell, but more processed.
Yellow shea
Usually raw shea colored with added plant ingredients, most often borututu root. Loved in West Africa for skin and hair, and it can lightly tint fabric.
Uses
How to Use Raw Shea Butter
Shea butter is rich in natural fatty acids, like oleic and stearic acid, plus vitamins A and E. It works as an emollient, softening skin and helping it hold on to moisture. Scoop a small amount, warm it between your palms until it melts, then press it into skin.
Dry skin & body
Apply after a shower while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture, especially in dry Chicago winters.
Face
Use a pea-sized amount on dry areas at night. It's very rich, so if you're acne-prone, patch test first and use sparingly.
Lips
A tiny dab soothes dry, chapped lips. Keep a small jar in your bag.
Hands, heels & elbows
Massage generously into rough spots and cuticles. For cracked heels, apply at night and wear cotton socks.
Hair & scalp
A favorite for sealing moisture into natural hair and softening ends. See our full shea butter for hair guide.
DIY body butter
Whip raw shea with a little coconut or black seed oil for a lighter, fluffier cream you can scent yourself.
Good to know: shea comes from a tree nut, but allergic reactions to shea butter are rare. If you have a nut allergy or sensitive skin, patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Store shea in a cool, dry place, since it softens in heat and firms up in the cold.
Shop Yado Market
Where to Buy Raw African Shea Butter
We carry raw, yellow and whipped shea butter in several sizes at our Chicago store, 1651 E 87th St, and online with shipping anywhere in the U.S.
