Temperature is very important

When creating natural skincare, every small detail matters — especially temperature. Shea butter is one of the most nutrient-rich and delicate plant butters, and how you melt it determines the quality, texture, and benefits of your final product. One of the most important rules professional formulators follow is simple:

Never heat unrefined shea butter above 40°C.

Here’s the scientific explanation behind this essential step.

1. Heat destroys vitamins and antioxidants

Unrefined shea butter is naturally rich in vitamins A and E, plant sterols, and healing compounds. These sensitive nutrients begin to degrade when exposed to high heat.

🔥 Above 40°C, shea butter starts losing its biological activity, making your body butter less nourishing and less effective.

2. Overheating changes the crystalline structure

If shea butter is melted too quickly or at too high a temperature, the fat crystals become unstable.

This leads to:

– grainy texture

– sand-like particles

– instability in the final product

– uneven absorption

To keep your butter silky and smooth, low-temperature melting is essential.

3. High heat speeds up oxidation

Shea contains delicate fatty acids that oxidize when overheated.

Oxidation causes:

– shorter shelf life

– unpleasant smell

– decreased skin benefits

By keeping the temperature low, you protect your formula and extend its freshness naturally.

4. Shea loses its soothing and healing power

The compounds responsible for shea’s calming, anti-inflammatory effects are heat-sensitive.

Once destroyed, the butter becomes just a simple oil — not a skin-healing ingredient.

5. Professional standards recommend low heat

In cosmetic science, butters and oils must be processed gently to maintain purity and stability.

Following the <40°C rule ensures:

✔ smooth texture

✔ full benefits

✔ safety

✔ longer shelf life

✔ professional-quality results

So..

Heating shea butter over 40°C can cause:

❌ loss of vitamins

❌ texture issues

❌ faster spoilage

❌ weaker skincare properties

❌ lower product quality

This is why premium body butters — including the ones I make — are always crafted slowly, gently, and with strict temperature control.

#sheabutter #bodysheabutter #naturalcosmetics #homemadeproduct