5 Benefits of Shea Nilotica

Ever heard of Shea Nilotica? Shea Nilotica is a natural butter from the Karite tree and can be found in East Africa, Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda. It is so called because it grows along and draws nutrients from the Niles River. It is a softer, lighter butter that packs a nutrient punch that benefits most skin types, even the most sensitive ones.

Here are 5 Benefits of Shea Nilotica:

More Oleic Acid

Shea Nilotica contains 60 – 70% oleic acid, which is about 5-7% more than Shea Paradoxa (West African Shea Butter).

Oleic acid benefits:

• More moisturising – Oleic acid treats dry and flaky skin by preventing moisture loss and softening the skin.
• Anti-inflammatory – Oleic acid soothes and calms irritated skin by reducing inflammation. It can also help improve the skin’s integrity after injuries.
• Anti-ageing – Oleic acid fights free radicals that damage the skin’s DNA and lead to premature ageing.
• Skin barrier repair – Oleic acid strengthens the skin’s natural protective layer.
• Better absorption – Oleic acid helps maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, which can help other products absorb better and faster.
• Improved skin texture – Oleic acid nourishes the skin and replenishes lost lipids (water), resulting in smoother, softer skin

Softer, less comedogenic butter

Shea nilotica has less stearic acid (a waxy material naturally found in butters) making it softer and easier to apply to the skin. Due to this reduction of stearic acid, Shea Nilotica is less comedogenic and can be used on the face.

Fast absorption

Soft at room temperature, it melts into the skin easily and is fast absorbed into the lower layers of the dermis.

Rich in fatty acids

Like Shea Paradoxa, Shea Nilotica is high in Vitamins A, E, and K, a cocktail of healing and calming acids that work to repair and restore the skin. Vitamin A is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, making it very useful in the care of sensitive skin and conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne, as it soothes and calms the skin. Vitamin K reinforces the skin barrier, encouraging its healing and restoration. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that moisturises and soothes the skin, reducing dryness and fine lines.  

How we use Shea Nilotica: Bare Butter

We use Shea Nilotica in our Bare Butter, an unscented, cold-blend, whipped butter for sensitive skin. It is a nourishing and moisturising butter that combines both Shea Butter and Shea Nilotica to create a product that melts easily into the skin to soften, smooth and leave you with a natural, healthy glow.

How is it made:

Handcrafted in small batches we are meticulous about what goes in, what stays out and how the butter is made. We use the cold blend method (we do not directly heat the Shea or Nilotica butter) to retain their natural nutrients and maximise the benefits to your skin.

Who can use this butter?

Suitable for dry and acne-prone types alike, it is unscented and can be used by all generations within your family.

Ethically & Sustainably Sourced

One of the great things about Shea nilotica is that it is not mass-produced and most of the production and profits are controlled by small family-led businesses. Using shea nilotica, we directly support small farming communities along the Nile.  

Our Shea Nilotica is sourced from a small community group in Kenya and is wild-crafted.