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 therates women earn in the local markets. The shea nuts are cold-pressed without any chemicals, and the oil is filtered and packaged into sterile containers for shipment to us.
We repackage it in our warehouse without further processing.
Propertiesfeels elegant on the skin, anti-inflammatory, used for dry, eczema, and other various conditions, protective, nourishing, healing
Our Organic Nilotica Shea Oil (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 Oil 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 Oil may also help to protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun while repairing cellular degeneration. Organic Nilotica Shea Oil 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 Oil (Vitellaria nilotica) is produced in Northern Uganda. It is far superior in texture, nutritive value and aroma than shea oil produced in West Africa. Nilotica Shea offers a significantly higher content of olein, a glyceride of oleic acid. Organic Nilotica Shea Oil is softer and creamier than West African Shea Oil, and it is more readily absorbed into the skin and hair. This Oil also possesses a lighter, more pleasant aroma than West African Shea Oil . Our Organic Nilotica Shea Oil (Vitellaria nilotica) is 100% natural and certified NOP organic. It is produced in a manner that uses newly developed technology to carefully process the oil without the use of chemicals. We ensure that our procurement methods do not harm the environment or the valuable shea trees.
Botanical Name: Vitellaria nilotica Origin: Africa Extraction Method: Cold Pressed / Unrefined Color: Creamy to Clear Yellow Derived From: The Nut Base Oil: Can be used up to 100% strength Shelf Life: 2 years
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 into a separate,sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally, you can refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it 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. There are some oils with a super long shelf life, like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil.
Refrigeration is not necessary, but it surely 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 (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herbs - root, trunk, leaves, and flowers. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be kept in the refrigerator or a dark place. Other Raw Ingredients - i.e., Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
