Nilotica Butter, Unrefined

Nilotica Butter, Unrefined (Vitellaria paradoxa ssp nilotica, C.F.Gaertn)

Origin: Native to East Africa, primarily found across Uganda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and parts of Ethiopia and Kenya. Uganda is the most notable source. The butter is cold-pressed and traditionally hand-processed from the nuts (kernels) of the East African shea tree, which belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica is a distinct subspecies from West African shea (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa), which produces the more commonly available shea butter. Nilotica shea trees grow in the wild savannah regions of East Africa, with most production coming from community-based, women-led cooperatives. The butter has been used in East African skincare and cosmetic traditions for generations. Nilotica butter is considerably rarer and produced in much smaller quantities than West African shea butter, making it a more specialised and premium ingredient.

Texture and Appearance: Exceptionally soft, creamy, and smooth with a naturally silky, almost whipped consistency. Considerably softer and more easily spreadable than West African shea butter, with a lighter, less dense texture. Colour ranges from pale ivory to soft yellow in its unrefined state. Melts readily at body temperature. As an unrefined product, natural colour and texture may vary slightly between batches – this is normal and reflects the authentic, minimally processed nature of the butter.

Scent: Mild, subtle, and gently nutty with a soft, natural, slightly sweet character. Lighter and less pungent than West African shea butter, with a delicate, clean, almost neutral quality. Faintly earthy and creamy with a gentle, warm undertone. Considerably less strongly scented than its West African counterpart, making it particularly well suited as a base for scented products.

Uses:

• A luxurious base ingredient in artisan soap making, contributing a rich, creamy lather and smooth texture
• Used in candle making for its soft, creamy consistency
• A premium base for body butters, balms, and salves in artisan cosmetic formulation
• An excellent carrier for blending with essential oils in artisan body care products
• Popular in artisan lotion, cream, and moisturiser formulations
• A softer, creamier alternative to West African shea butter in any formulation where a lighter, silkier texture is desired
• Well suited as a base for scented products due to its mild, unobtrusive natural scent

Important Information:

• For External Use Only
• This is an unrefined, minimally processed product – natural colour, texture, and scent may vary slightly between batches
• Distinct from West African shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa) – ensure accurate subspecies and product labelling
• Contains tree nut-derived ingredients – individuals with known tree nut allergies should exercise caution
• Perform a patch test before use
• Consult a qualified professional before use if pregnant or nursing
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve freshness and consistency – Nilotica butter has a softer consistency than West African Shea and may become very soft or liquid in warm conditions

Available in 100g, 250g and 450g sizes

100g & 250g supplied in a white snap secure pot with tamper evident seal

450g supplied in a white tub with screw cap and tamper evident seal

Images are for display purposes only