East African Shea Butter versus West African Shea Butter

All pure, unrefined shea butter has remarkable moisturising and healing properties, but shea butter produced in East Africa is generally more desirable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use than West African shea butter.

The differences between the two begin with the trees from which the butter is harvested. The shea tree (also known as the karite tree and by many other local names) grows in the dry Savannah regions of Africa, stretching across the continent from Senegal in the west, to Sudan in the east. The main species is Vitellaria paradoxa and it is from this tree that West African shea butter is made. East African shea butter comes from a subspecies, Vitellaria nilotica that grows in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.

After the shea butter has been extracted from the nut-like seeds using traditional, labour intensive methods, other differences become noticeable.

The natural, nutty scent of East African shea butter is lighter and slightly sweeter than the West African variety. Once the butter is absorbed into the skin, the scent fades and is often undetectable.

East African shea butter is creamier and softer at room temperature so it is easier to apply and sinks into the skin more readily.

The unique fatty acid profile of East African shea butter helps the skin to retain its elasticity more efficiently.

The main problem with East African shea butter for suppliers and consumers is its scarcity. West African countries produce far more shea butter than East Africa, and past civil wars and unrest in the region drastically reduced both production and trade.

The final difference between the two types of shea butter is found in the price. Most people would expect to pay more for the scarcer, high quality East African product, but they might not realise how their money is distributed. In many West African countries, the shea butter price is decided by multinational companies, and after the middle men have taken their profits the women producers receive very little in return for all their hard work. In Uganda, the women work in small co-operatives that give them more control over the financial side of their business. On average, they receive over five times the amount paid to their West African counterparts.

If you want to experience the benefits of East African shea butter yourself, be sure to look for products labelled East African, Ugandan, or Nilotica Shea Butter - or be sure to buy Tausi Signature Shea Butter products!