
When I found out that Soul Purpose uses “wild crafted” Shea Butter in it’s products, I started looking up information on Shea Butter and I came across the website for The American Shea Butter Institute where the majority of this information came from. I have purchased and used shea butter in the past. The shea butter which came in a plastic container (and also didn’t have a great smell) but which I loved because of the moisturizing benefit I received for my dry skin was difficult to find. I had to travel almost an hour away from where I lived to purchase it but because of the distance stopped after a while. So now my curiosity about Shea butter was piqued and I wanted to know what it was exactly and where it came from and what wild crafted meant.
The American Shea Butter Institute (ASBI) is internationally recognized as a leader in the innovation and advancement of Shea Butter ingredients and/or derivatives… in the development of new commercial uses and products. They also establish VOLUNTARY standards on the quality of Shea Butter entering the USA. Analytical Testing and Grading are also provided by the ASBI.
Lab Analysis Includes:
Physical Assessment - Chemical Assessment -Moisture Content Toxin - Metal & Contaminant Testing - Microbiological Analysis - Pesticide Residue Testing - NMR & Melting Profile - Peroxide Values - Free Fatty Acid Profile - Fatty Acid Profile - Triglyceride Profile - Rancidity Values -Self Life Studies
Quality Grading:
During grade analysis a number of tests are performed to determine the level of bio-active ingredients and overall quality issues. Shea Butter comes in different Grades. Grade A, B,C, D or F. Grade is determined by the presence or absence of various nutrients. Grade A is the highest and best quality for cosmetics and personal industry. Grade D is the lowest (missing most of the valuable nutrients). Grade F is reserved for Shea Butter not fit for human use (may be contaminated by micro-organisms such as mold, yeast, bacteria or heavy metals such as lead or mercury).
So after all of the testing and grading is done - What exactly is Shea Butter? Shea Butter comes from seed of the Shea or Karite Tree. 100% Pure & Natural Shea Butter is an All Natural Vitamin A Cream! A superb moisturizer with exceptional healing properties for the skin - which sets it apart from other moisturizers. The Vitamin A in shea butter has proven to be important for improving several skin conditions such as blemishes, wrinkles, eczema, and dermatitis as well as many other skin conditions. It’s amazing moisturizing properties are due to several natural moisturizers present in the cream - the same moisturizers produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Shea butter also contains Vitamin E which is anti-aging, anti-free radical agent (aids in preventing damage from the effects of the sun and environmental exposure) and it increases micro-circulation (increases blood flow to and from the skin).
However, once shea butter ages, it loses its natural integrity and many of its wonderful benefits. Sometimes shea butter can be as much as 2 - 3 years old or older by the time it reaches the buyer. It is recommended that shea butter be used within 18 months from the date of extraction.

Shea Nuts - Green plum shaped fruits have a diameter of 3 - 6 cm and become brown when they ripen.

Characteristics:
According to the ASBI at room temperature premium shea butter is a soft, uniformly beige colored, creamy solid that readily melts in the hands and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Shea butter is NOT yellow, green, grey, dark brown or white. Shea products with these colors are modified substitutes, sometimes bearing the name 100% shea butter. [Please note: In the US shea butter can be altered in an attempt to give it a better fragrance and texture or may be altered for economic reasons. These alterations may disturb or possibly destroy the natural integrity of the product].
Another factor responsible for variations in shea butter quality is the method used to prepare it and the environmental conditions the butter is exposed to after preparation. For descriptions of the various methods of extracting the shea butter please visit http://sheabutter.com/nasabbnew/shea.htm. The ASBI suggests that for use on the skin, the best shea butter is prepared by cold press methods without the use of added chemicals or preservatives.
Wildcrafted means it is unrefined, and still retains 100% of it’s natural skin healing benefits.
Soul Purpose uses wild crafted shea butter in it’s Shea Butter Balm in a combination of shea, avocado butter and essential oils to keep skin moist, fresh and smooth for the entire day. It is available in 9 Fragrances: Brazilian Jackfruit, Zanzibar Girls Club, Hawaiian Tuberose, Haitian Vetivert Pepper, Caribbean Ginger, Hollywood Fresh, Austrailian Sandalwood, Tai Water Lilly, Coming Soon in Mango!
Word of Caution: If you are allergic to nuts or latex, you may experience a reaction to shea butter!.
For Soul Purpose product information, contact me,
Total Beauty Diva
www.totalbeautydiva.info
Beautymyway@gmail.com
American Shea Butter Institute: http://sheainstitute.com
Please also visit: www.agbangakarite.com for information regarding Fair Trade Shea Butter.







