FAQ

Shea butter: what is it?

Shea butter is an edible vegetable fat extracted from the kernels of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which grows in West Africa. At room temperature, it has a solid, creamy texture, hence its name ‘butter’. It is rich in vitamins A, E and F and essential fatty acids, making it highly valued for its moisturising, nourishing and repairing properties.

Why choose shea butter?

Shea butter is an exceptional natural ingredient for skin and hair. Rich in vitamins (A, E, F) and essential fatty acids, it is an excellent moisturiser, nourisher and protector. It is a versatile product that helps to:

· Moisturise and soften dry skin, chapped lips and rough elbows.

· Repair and revitalise dry, brittle hair.

· Soothe skin irritations such as sunburn or minor redness.

· Prevent premature ageing of the skin.

· Protect the skin from external aggressions (cold, wind).

What is the difference between unrefined and refined shea butter?

The main difference lies in how they are processed.

· Unrefined (or raw) shea butter is extracted and filtered manually or mechanically. It does not undergo any chemical processing. It therefore retains all its properties, its ivory to pale yellow colour, and its natural nutty smell. This is the purest and most nutrient-rich form.

· Refined shea butter is chemically processed at high temperatures to remove its scent and colour. This process makes it white and odourless, but it also destroys many of its vitamins and therapeutic properties.

For maximum effectiveness, it is best to choose unrefined shea butter.

Is shea butter only for black people?

No, that's a misconception! Shea butter is beneficial for all skin and hair types, regardless of ethnicity. Although its use is traditionally widespread in Africa, its moisturising and protective properties are universal. Whether your skin is fair, olive or dark, shea butter will help keep it supple, nourished and protected. It is ideal for the whole family.

What is unrefined shea butter?

Unrefined shea butter, also known as raw shea butter, is the purest form of the product. It is obtained directly from the kernels of the shea tree's fruit, without undergoing any chemical processing. Its main characteristics are:

· Colour: Pale yellow to ivory.

· Smell: A natural nutty scent, sometimes slightly smoky.

· Texture: Solid at room temperature, but melts easily on contact with the warmth of the skin.

· Composition: Rich in vitamins A, E, F, and fatty acids, it retains all its beneficial properties for the skin and hair.

Does shea butter make you fat if you use it on your skin?

No, absolutely not. Applying shea butter to your skin has no effect on your weight. It acts locally to nourish and protect the epidermis. Shea butter is used in cosmetics and is not absorbed by the body in the same way as food.

Can shea butter protect against the sun?

Shea butter has a low sun protection factor (approximately SPF 6). It should never be used as a substitute for sun cream! It can help nourish the skin after exposure to the sun, but it is not sufficient to protect it from UV rays.

Is shea butter edible?

Yes, shea butter is edible! In many parts of Africa, it is used in cooking as a frying oil or in the preparation of certain dishes, replacing other fats. However, the cosmetic version is often less refined and may contain impurities. Be sure to use a food-grade version if you wish to consume it.

Can I put shea butter on my hair?

Absolutely! Shea butter is an excellent ingredient for hair care. It deeply moisturises dry and damaged hair, repairs split ends and adds shine. It is particularly beneficial for curly, frizzy and kinky hair. It can be used as a mask before shampooing or in small amounts on the ends to nourish them.

What should I do if my shea butter becomes grainy?

This phenomenon is completely normal and does not affect the quality of the product. The granulation is due to the different melting temperatures of the fatty acids. To restore a smooth texture, simply melt it gently in a bain-marie, then leave it to cool at room temperature without stirring.

What to do with hardened oils?

The gentle method: The double boiler (Recommended)

This is the safest method for preserving the active ingredients in plants.

• Fill a basin or your sink with hot water (not boiling, around 104-122°F)

• Place the closed bottles in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Shake occasionally to homogenize the texture.

Avoid using the microwave:

The heat is too aggressive and uneven. This can create extreme hot spots that destroy the vitamins in the oil and may deform the plastic.

Good to know

The fact that these oils harden is proof of their purity. Oils that remain liquid despite the cold are often refined or mixed with solvents. If your oils harden, it means they are of good quality!

What are the main benefits of akpi oil?

Akpi is best known for its firming and volumising properties, particularly for the breasts and buttocks. Rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E, it also helps to make the skin smoother and silkier, and can be used in massage to soothe muscle pain.

How to use it on the chest and buttocks?

Apply the oil morning and evening, massaging the area with gentle circular movements for 5 to 10 minutes. It can be used on its own or mixed with shea butter.

What are the benefits of baobab oil?

This oil is highly nourishing, softening and regenerating. It is rich in phytosterols, tocopherols and vitamin E, giving it powerful anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. It helps restore skin suppleness, prevent stretch marks, and is recommended for dry, irritated or chapped skin.

Is it good for hair?

Yes, it is an excellent hair beautifier. It nourishes and protects dry, frizzy or damaged hair, and can be used as a mask to make it shiny and easy to style.

What is chebe oil used for?

Chebe oil is renowned for its benefits on hair strength and growth. It acts as an anti-breakage treatment, strengthens the hair fibre, seals in moisture and adds shine and elasticity. It is ideal for dry, brittle, thinning hair and can also soothe an irritated scalp.

How do I apply it?

Unlike chebe powder, the oil has a lighter texture. You can apply it to the lengths and scalp. How often you use it depends on your hair type (2-3 times a week for curly to frizzy hair, once a week for fine hair).

What is carapa procera oil?

It is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Carapa procera tree, known for its exceptional properties. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants.

What are its uses?

It is particularly prized for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing properties. It helps repair the epidermis and reduce skin lesions.

What are the benefits of fenugreek oil?

Fenugreek oil is mainly used for its firming and volumising effects on the breasts and buttocks. In hair care, it nourishes the ends and makes hair shinier and less prone to split ends.

Is it safe to use?

When used externally, it is generally well tolerated. As with any new product, it is recommended to test it on the inside of your elbow to ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children under 6 years of age.

What are the benefits of hibiscus oil for skin and hair?

Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, it nourishes, regenerates and combats ageing in the skin. It helps to fight skin ageing, smooth fine lines and reduce dark spots. It strengthens and nourishes the hair, making it easier to comb and giving it shine.

Is it comedogenic?

No, hibiscus oil is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores and is even suitable for oily skin types.

What is kigelia oil used for?

It is renowned for its plumping and firming properties, particularly for the chest and buttocks. It helps to tone skin tissue and restore volume. In hair care, it is excellent for sensitive scalps and stimulates hair growth.

How do I apply it?

To firm the breasts, massage every evening using circular movements from bottom to top for about 10 minutes.

What are the benefits of moringa oil?

It is an oil rich in nutrients (omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, antioxidants). It is non-comedogenic and ideal for nourishing dry, sensitive and mature skin. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve elasticity and can treat eczema, psoriasis and acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Is it effective against pollution?

Yes, clinical studies have shown that it protects the skin from pollution and helps eliminate microparticles.

Why use shea butter soap?

Shea butter soap is known for its intensely nourishing, moisturising and soothing properties. Rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E and F, it protects the skin, calms irritation and maintains its elasticity. It is often made using cold saponification to preserve the natural glycerine, which makes it ultra-rich and gentle on the skin.

Is it suitable for all skin types?

Yes, it is particularly suitable for sensitive, dry and atopic-prone skin thanks to its soothing properties.

What is black soap?

Black soap is a 100% natural and biodegradable skincare product, made using traditional methods. Unlike conventional solid soaps, it comes in the form of a smooth, dark paste with no grains.

Its composition is based on three essential ingredients:

Olive paste: Obtained from crushed and macerated black olives. It is rich in vitamin E and has unique moisturising and exfoliating properties.

Potash: This is the saponification agent (originally derived from vegetable ash) that transforms the oil into soap while maintaining its soft paste texture.

Salt: Used to stabilise the preparation and aid in the natural preservation of the product.

Why use this type of black soap?

It is an essential part of the Hammam ritual. Here are its main benefits:

1. Deep exfoliation: It prepares the skin for scrubbing by softening dead skin cells.

2. Purification: It cleanses without damaging the skin's hydrolipidic film.

3. Hydration: Thanks to olive oil, it leaves the skin extremely soft and satiny.

Did you know?

Unlike industrial scrubs, our black soap does not contain plastic microbeads. It is a natural mechanical exfoliation that respects both your body and the planet.

How to use it effectively?

For baby-soft skin, follow these simple steps:

• Prepare: Take a hot shower or bath to open the pores of your skin..

• Apply: Massage the black soap paste onto your damp body. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes..

• Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

• Exfoliate: Use an exfoliating glove (such as a Kessa glove) in circular motions to remove impurities.