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 Products and Ingredients
Finished products generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend shelf life. Shelf life is 9 - 12 months
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 (except our vitamin C serums - use within 90 days).
Please try to keep out of high humidity or heat if possible! Store out of direct light and in dark cabinet if possible also!
Exfoliating Acid products will last 1 year.
The only thing we don't suggest refrigerating is the mandelic or salicylic acid serums as those can crystallize in the refrigerator and not go back to their normal state even if you warm them up.
Additional Items Requiring Refrigeration
Hydrosols - Take out 1/2 oz to 1 oz in a separate spray bottle from your original container and keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator!
Carrier Oils - Generally you can refrigerate ALL carrier oils, they will solidify in some cases. This is FINE all you have to do is take it out warm it up at room temp and it will be liquid again! There are some oils that have a super long shelf life like coconut oil for instance! That does not need to be refrigerated, but it cannot hurt it either!
Essential Oils - Essential oils are best stored in a cool dark place.
Co2 Oils - These should always be refrigerated.
Butters - We suggest refrigerating our skincare butters. You can take out what you need and keep the rest in the fridge.
Essential oils - These can be refrigerated to increase their shelf life!
Clays - Keep in a dry, dark place (shelf life is at least 2 years)
Herbs - (whole or ground) These should last a good year at least - Keep in a dark, cool and dry location.
Herbal Extracts - [powder] Keep these also in a dark, DRY place. You can keep in the fridge, but make sure the seal is on very tight so you don't get moisture in. [1 year at least].
Herbal Extracts - [liquid] These can be kept in the refrigerator (or a dark DRY place] [3 years at least]
Other Various Raw Ingredients - i.e. Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Iat Beta Glucan etc will all have a different shelf life (we are working on adding this to the ingredient pages.