For thousands of years, humans have been using Shea Butter for many different purposes. Shea butter, in its raw form is a fat derived from the nut of the Vitellaria (Shea) tree which is indigenous to Africa. Early accounts of its use date back to Ancient Egypt where it was used to shield the indigenous peoples face and body from the blistering heat of the Middle East.
More recently, Shea butter is commonly used in the production of natural cosmetics, due to its deep moisturising and quick absorption capabilities. It is naturally high in vitamins A, E & F, which are all essential to the immune system and an important part of anti-oxidisation, fighting off bacteria and can help to encourage fresh skin cells to grow
Where do we get our Shea Butter?
Here at Sweet Cecily’s, we carefully select all the ingredients that help form our products from sustainable, fair trade suppliers. We are particularly keen to make sure the people employed to process and make the ingredients we purchase are treated fairly and paid a fair wage.
Our Shea Butter is picked from the Vitellaria trees and processed in a village called Pusu-Namogo, which is in upper east Ghana, by a cooperative that mainly employs vulnerable women. The unemployment rates in this village are high and poverty is rife.
The cooperative seeks to empower women, children and elderly of Pusu-Namogo to improve their quality of life by providing employment, training and even respite care for the elderly or infirm. They are currently working towards rebuilding the primary school with some of the funds that come from the export of the Shea butter that is processed and sold from the village.
We thought you might all like to watch this short video of Women in Ghana making Shea Butter.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u39HPhr-2JE[/embed]
Why is Shea Butter good for skin?
Being high in vitamins A and E, shea butter is good at soothing dry skin and acts as a great natural moisturiser.
Which of our products contain Shea Butter?
Due to its many qualities a whole range of our products contain raw and unrefined shea butter. Below is a list of our products that contain shea butter.
Almond and Avocado Face Cream
A light and almost fragrance free daily moisturiser. Avocado is naturally rich in vitamins A, D and E, as well as lecithin and potassium, making this cream deeply penetrating and nourishing.
Sea Buckthorn & Frankincense Night Cream
A luscious and rich night cream, crammed full of rejuvenating and nourishing fruits, butters and seed extracts. Sea Buckthorn Berry extract is a great anti oxidant which may help revive tired skin in need of a little love. Jojoba, Vitamin E and Evening Primrose will also moisturise and protect you from the elements. The added essential oils of Frankincense, Myrrh and Rose Geranium give this cream a luxurious smell, along with all the natural benefits of the plants.
Rose Body Butter
A deliciously rich and floral cream. This product was suggested by my dear friend Jo Guthrie, who wanted to find something with Rose essential oil and Shea Butter. I started with these two ingredients and expanded into using Rosehip oil, which is fantastic for skin due to its high levels of nutrients and fatty acids, and also St John’s wort oil which can help with inflammation and bruising.
Vanilla Body Butter
A luscious and nourishing body butter, made with rich Shea Butter and moisturising Almond and Apricot oils.
Coconut Body Butter
A luscious and nourishing body butter, made with rich Shea Butter and moisturising Almond and Apricot oils.
Citrus and Walnut Body Scrub
A fresh and fruity moisturising scrub. Deliciously rich Shea Butter nourishes the skin, whilst Castor oil acts as an emollient helping trap moisture in to the skin. The fine granules of walnut shell will gently exfoliate and cleanse.
All our 'Make Your Own' Lip Balm Kits
This kit is the perfect gift for both adults and children alike. Inside the fully recyclable box, you will receive everything you need to make 5 of your very own lip balms, along with blank labels to help you get creative.
These make the perfect little thank you gift, or just to impress your friends and family with your new found skill.
It is a great way to learn about what goes into making a lip balm, and also be sure you are only putting the most natural ingredients onto your body.
Everything you will need is ready measured out so you can be sure of perfect results every time.
All Our Lip Balms
Why not treat yourself or a friend to a selection of our best selling lip balms, all of which are themed around your favourite cocktails! This set of four handmade natural lip balms are available in a lidded gift box. The set includes 4 x 10ml lip balms – Gin & Tonic, Mojito, Pina Colada, and Espresso Martini Cocktail!
