Unrefined Shea Butter is the only moisturizer I use for my severely dry skin. It soaks right in, doesn\u2019t clog pores, and is free of synthetic preservatives. One of my children has very sensitive skin as well, so we use this as a lotion when he gets small little scaly patches of skin. Buying it at health food stores is expensive though (I\u2019m all about saving a buck!), and since we use so much of it I\u2019ve learned how to buy it raw and filter myself. Raw, unrefined shea butter is gluten and dairy free, making it perfect for the other kid that can\u2019t tolerate dairy.<\/p>\n
Things you\u2019ll need:
\n \u25a0Raw, 100% unrefined shea butter. I buy mine from Shea n More but you can find other suppliers online or on e-bay.
\n \u25a0A double boiler. I use two stainless steel pots but any double boiler method will work.
\n \u25a0A lid for the smaller (insert) pot.
\n \u25a0A thin mesh strainer. I use stainless steel because it\u2019s non-corrosive but you can use whatever you have on hand.
\n \u25a0If you want the Shea Butter completely free of particles, you\u2019ll need cheesecloth or a paper towel.<\/p>\n
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\nStainless steel mesh strainer
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\nAn extra container, anything to pour the melted Shea into. Just make sure the strainer is a good fit. Mine\u2019 s not, which is why I secured it with a pipe cleaner!<\/p>\n
\u25a0A stick blender. Walmart has them for around $10.
\n \u25a0Storage containers.
\n \u25a0I use Avery 8160 address labels.<\/p>\n
Tips & Warnings:
\n \u25a0If you let the shea pill, you might actually like this consistency. It is easier to get out of the container but a bit harder to get all the pills to melt during use. It certainly saves time because you can pour directly after melting!
\n \u25a0 If you are planning to sell your shea butter, your customers expect a creamy butter.
\n \u25a0Shea butter is quite hard at room temperature. Keep a popsicle stick nearby so you don\u2019t have to use your fingernails toget it out of the container. If you sell your butter, be sure to add a popsicle stick with the order, your customers willappreciate it.
\n \u25a0If you want your shea butter to be more of a creamy consistency and easier to use at room temperature, consider adding small amounts of 76 degree melt point Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, etc.
\n \u25a0If you don\u2019t like the sweet, campfire scent of Unrefined Shea Butter, consider adding essential oils (more natural and true aroma therapy oils) or fragrance oils (synthetically processed but less likely to cause allergic reactions in my family) that will compliment the existing scent. Just remember, if you start adding fragrances, you are also adding possible irritants so test small batches until you are sure you can tolerate the addition. Over time, you will probably grow to love the raw scent as much as I do!
\n \u25a0Shea butter has a long shelf life but if you don\u2019t know how long it has been since it was first processed, keep your extras in a cool place, or even in the refrigerator.You CAN remelt your butter, but after a few melts, it can get tired. It\u2019s best to melt and pour smaller batches, keeping your original raw butter cold until you need it.<\/p>\n