Our East African Shea Butter Vitelliaria nilotica is cold pressed, unrefined and ORGANIC! It's unique fatty acid composition makes it a suitable emollient for many skin-care applications, such as baby-care products, massage creams, make-up, and similar products.
Suggested use at 5-10% in the oil phase although we use this at 100% all the time.
This Butter is Fair Trade
Our Shea Nilotica is purchased from an organization who supports and affirms Fair Trade, but the organization does not belong to the Fair Trade Federation because doing so would reduce significantly the funds they can pass directly to the women's cooperative with whom they work in Uganda. The nuts are sourced from organically grown trees and harvested by the 1600 member women's cooperative who are paid fair trade prices 25 - 50% above the rates women earn in the local markets. The shea butter nuts are cold-pressed without any chemicals, and the butter is filtered and packaged into sterile containers for shipment to us. We repackage it in our warehouse without further processing.
Our Organic Nilotica Shea Butter (Vitellaria nilotica), is a highly nourishing ingredient that is remarkably effective in healing dry and cracked skin, eczema, psoriasis and sun damaged skin. Its high content of non-saponifiables and unique fatty acid profile gives it the ability to replenish lipds and retain the elasticity of the skin. Organic Nilotica Shea Butter helps combat the signs of aging and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It moisturizes the lips and repairs brittle, damaged hair. Organic Nilotica Shea Butter may also help to protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun while repairing cellular degeneration.
Organic Nilotica Shea Butter is a noteworthy anti-inflammatory and is a beneficial ingredient in formulations intended to reduce swelling and ease muscular aches and pains. Organic Nilotica Shea Butter (Vitellaria nilotica) is produced in Northern Uganda. It is far superior in texture, nutritive value and aroma than shea butter produced in West Africa. Nilotica Shea offers a significantly higher content of olein, a glyceride of oleic acid. Organic Nilotica Shea Butter is softer and creamier than West African Shea Butter, and it is more readily absorbed into the skin and hair. This butter also possesses a lighter, more pleasant aroma than West African Shea Butter.
Our Organic Nilotica Shea Butter (Vitellaria nilotica) is 100% natural and certified NOP organic. It is produced in a manner that uses newly developed technology to carefully process the butter without the use of chemicals. We ensure that our procurement methods do not harm the environment or the valuable shea trees. Important Notes: Because Nilotica Shea Butter is a soft butter, it is more sensitive to temperature changes during transit. It may melt and re-harden. If it re-hardens, you may notice an inconsistent or gritty texture. Simply remelt and cool the butter as explained below: Like West African Shea Butter, Nilotica Shea Butter can crystallize and seem grainy if it is not properly melted and then quickly cooled. To melt shea butter, heat it at 175° F for 20 minutes using a double boiler. Then, pour it into your desired packaging and allow it to cool in the refrigerator. It may not solidify properly if allowed to cool at room temperature.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
I wanted to find an alternative to lotion for my hands, and this shea butter is amazing! I never bought any type of shea butter/oil before, so when I first put this one on, I couldn’t believe how smooth and creamy it felt. It absorbs within seconds! I’ve tried a few oils for my hands before and most of them just felt a bit too greasy, but this shea butter is nothing like that at all. I kind of regret buying a sample size - I have a feeling it’ll be gone very soon! Can’t wait to get a bigger jar of this stuff :)
Mary,
Beautifully written! This butter is so soft, supple and as you mentioned
it absorbs like you wouldn't expect a butter to do.
Wait until you try the East Shea oil we offer. ;-)
Thank you for the wonderful review.
Markey
s
samantha
the best for dry/chapped skin
This stuff saves my skin during the winter! I put it on my hands before bed and on my lips/nose as needed. Highly recommend if you have dry skin!
We really appreciate you taking the time to do this review! This is a customer fave!
L
Linda
Wonderful shea butter
I am really loving this east shea butter. It's incredibly smooth and moisturizing. There is no graininess at all. I love using this as a body moisturizer or any spots like the elbows/feet that need a little loving
This is a staff fave too! Markey and Jen especially like it :) Thank you!!
F
Florence M Anderson
Soft and Smooth
The East Africa Shea Butter is so soft and creamy . . . such a nice texture. It isn't grainy like the West Africa Shea that I've encountered. It's a do-it-all butter that absorbs well enough but does leave a textural film on the skin surface if you are generous with the amount you use.
This is one of my (Jen's) favorite butters to suggest! So glad you are loving it :) Thank you!
This product has become a required staple in my skincare routine. I use it everyday on my very sensitive skin that is prone to redness and dryness. Not only is it extremely calming and soothing, but it also makes my skin look more plump and moisturized. I never want to be without this product; it has shot to the top of my "best skincare products of all time" list, next to the gentle cleansing gel. I highly recommend trying this if you have sensitive or aging skin that needs a boost of rejuvenation.
Repair and Recovery Facial Mist – Botanical Relief for Stressed, Sensitive Skin
Amanda
Great to have on hand if you use a lot of actives!
Sometimes, you just need a great soothing moisturizer, and this one is my new favorite! I recently graduated from using retinol to tretinoin and whoaaaaa boy. All my other creams had actives that were only making the tret burn worse. This was perfect for helping soothe my skin, and now I use it to buffer the tret!
Classic Chamomile Face Cream with Emu Oil
Cheryl Linville
Great have used it for years and the only products I use
Great have used it for years and the only products I use. I have had Doctors even compliment my skin
Aging with Wisdom Conditioning Oil Blend
Anonymous
Calming and refreshing
Calming and refreshing. I love spritzing this hydrosol after my cleansing routine or midday. My skin loves both this and the rose hydrosol. The scents are also very lovely.
Cornflower Hydrosol Organic
Elayne Keith Feller
My Favorite!
I love this ReNew Cream!
It has been my favorite go to for years. It is one of the few products that doesn't irritate my skin. It hydrates and makes my skin feel so much better. I can't wait for it to be in stock again!
Thank you to all of the amazing people at GOW!
ReNew Cream with Renovage
Anne G.
Lavender Spritz
I adore a good lavender scented product! A natural botanical even more! I use this spritzer as a bottom layer to smooth and evenly distribute some of my other outstanding GOW products. It’s a great starter and makes me smile in the mornings.
Lavender Blossom Hydrosol Organic
Nicole Kruszka
Love everything!
Every single product is top tier with clean ingredients! Definitely my favorite skincare company right now!
Pea and Pearl Protein Hair Conditioner
Anonymous
This is a great product
This is a great product. My hair is 3 feet long and was recently destroyed when negligent doctors soaked my hair in saline solution for 4 long hours during my surgery which caused all my hair to break off. I'm devastated. I've been using this product because the ingredients are so good particularly the pea sprout peptide. I believe it's helping with the damage my hair sustainedy
Follicle Stimulator Serum - Peptides for Your Hair
Anne G.
Gratitude to Garden of Wisdom!
The dedicated team at GOW have collaborated with me to develop a skin care routine that works to include a custom blended facial cleanser and moisture products for mature skin. I use the Rosacea Serum along with the Renew and Defend Elixir and Rose Stem Cell Peptide daily. I no longer use prescription creams to manage my rosacea! Their responsiveness to my many questions and attentive care to orders proves the integrity of this small family run business. These people put their heart into sourcing natural ingredients and creating formulas that are gentle and effective. I feel great about supporting this business !
Rosacea Serum
Vera Sallek
Spray on the go! 😍
Thought to try this for the first time and I don’t regret it. It feels hydrating and refreshing. The spray works great for reapplication.
Cynthia
First, thank you ♡ for being a long-time customer and friend to Garden of Wisdom. ❀
I really love this oil blend. I apply this right after a shower while my skin is still wet, and oh my gosh,
it sinks in, and the scent of cinnamon is one of my absolute favorites.
Wishing you all the best, and thank you for being part of our Garden of Wisdom family all these years.
Markey, Jen, and your friends @ GoW ᓚ₍⑅^..^₎♡
This product has become a required staple in my skincare routine. I use it everyday on my very sensitive skin that is prone to redness and dryness. Not only is it extremely calming and soothing, but it also makes my skin look more plump and moisturized. I never want to be without this product; it has shot to the top of my "best skincare products of all time" list, next to the gentle cleansing gel. I highly recommend trying this if you have sensitive or aging skin that needs a boost of rejuvenation.
MW 😊
Your words touch our hearts. Thank you for sharing how Repair and Recovery Facial Mist has become a part of your daily ritual. It was created for moments exactly like this, to help calm and comfort skin that needs a little extra care. Knowing it’s bringing balance and radiance to your sensitive skin keeps us inspired.
We’ll also pass along your kind mention of the Gentle Cleansing Gel, which is a perfect pairing.
With gratitude,
Markey & the Garden of Wisdom family
Cannot speak to effectiveness due just starting to use. However, so far, it feels good on my skin and does not break me out as many other products do. The ingredients are wonderful.
Hi Nadine 😊
This is a perfect place to start! When a product 'feels good,' that is the green light to keep testing it.
Please keep us updated. It will take some time to show real results, so continue to be patient.
From your team @ GoW ˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖ ִֶָ
Great to have on hand if you use a lot of actives!
Sometimes, you just need a great soothing moisturizer, and this one is my new favorite! I recently graduated from using retinol to tretinoin and whoaaaaa boy. All my other creams had actives that were only making the tret burn worse. This was perfect for helping soothe my skin, and now I use it to buffer the tret!
Hi Amanda
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We're always pleased to hear when a product is working for our cherished customers. Knowing the Classic Chamomile Face Cream w/ Emu Oil has become your new favorite is wonderful to hear. We understand the struggle with using actives like tretinoin, and we're happy to hear that our cream has helped soothe your skin. We're always here to provide you with the best products for your skincare needs.
Thank you for choosing our brand!
Markey and the Team From GoW
I'm not sure what happened to this formula in the last handful of years but it pills up terribly. I thought maybe it was a product I was using, but then I realized that even on perfectly clean dry skin washed with plain soap, it was the product drying and then pilling on itself as I was applying more.
I used to LOVE this stuff (especially if my skin was sensitive from actives), so I thought this had to be from improperly storing it or something. My brand new jar did the same thing, though (and it was a large jar!).
Highly recommend spending less on a small jar before learning the hard way. Maybe they have or can fix the issue!
Dear Amanda!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our Progeline™ Peptide Wrinkle Repair Cream.
We are sorry to hear that you have been experiencing issues with the product recently.
We truly value your feedback and we would be more than happy to assist you in finding a solution.
Please feel free to reach out to our customer service team for further assistance. :)
We would love to be able to work with you directly :)