09/10/2026
Q & A ABOUT OUR Jilima Coop SHEA
Q: Is it organic?
A: The trees grow wild in Ghana and the butter is processed without the use of chemicals or the addition of anything genetically modified. This is completely natural, unrefined shea butter. Although it can be called organic, it has not been certified as such. Most of the organic shea on the market go through a deodorising/refinement process. This is almost white in colour and does not have the characteristic nutty/smoky scent of pure unrefined shea butter.
Q: How can I use shea?
A: Our unrefined shea butter is very versatile. It can be used directly on the skin. Just take a small amount and melt in the palm of your hand before massaging on the skin/into the hair. Yes, it can be used in the hair as a daily moisturiser or even as a pre-wash treatment. It can also be used to moisturise the lips.
Q: What about hexane in the shea processing?
A: Unrefined shea butter handcrafted by our Jilima co-op and supplied by Sheabutter Cottage is processed using the traditional method. This does not involve the use of hexane which has been known to remove most of the natural healing properties of unrefined shea butter.
Q: Can shea butter grow mould?
A: Shea butter which has not been properly processed and kept in poor conditions develop mould which is a sign of presence of water. Mould produces poisonous substance (AFLATOXIN) which can be harmful to the skin.
We grade our shea nuts and reject those not needed (see image) to process our quality shea butter with minimal water retention - hence the long shelf life.
