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 is another favorite! Didn't think product was doing much until my husband mentioned that my face looked smoother and more even. He also has started using it now and has gotten many compliments. Doesn't burn or sting like ascorbic acid. I use 3-4 times a week at night only and love that it contains squalane because it gives me a little extra moisture.
C³ Lipid Elixir
Katie
Great skincare for my acne prone skin
I have combo acne prone skin and have a hard time finding products that don't break me out but are moisturizing enough. GoW has been a game changer.
ReNew Cream with Renovage
Julie
not sure if this is the cleanser for me
Upon doing the cottonball test this item did not clean my face properly for me . I only use jojoba oil and concealer in a few places. I do believe it has quality ingredients, I have mixed it w the Skin Friendly Cucumber cleanser as to make that cleanser more gentle for MY high maintenance skin.
Soothing Cleansing Gel 100% Soap Free
Katie
Healing and smoothing
This serum has really reduced my redness! It's especially helpful any time my skin is freaking out - it seems to reduce the time it takes for breakouts to heal. The hydration and consistency are exactly what I needed as an extra step between my hydrating toner and moisturizer. Also, a friend I was catching up with actually commented on my "glow" - I thought that was only something that happened to people with naturally good skin.
Calming Moisture Serum
Jen
Fantastic product
I have very red and easily irritated skin. This product annihilates the redness overnight. I had been really struggling to find something that helped and this was the only thing that did. It didn't irritate my skin in any way when applied. If there's a moisturizer to match in the future, I volunteer as the guinea pig lol. Thank you for a wonderful product.
Tepezcohuite Calming & Brightening Complex
Ann
A bloomin’ good product!
Smells divine and glides across the skin! Delicious!
Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum - Floral Peptide Infusion for Renewed Skin Vitality
Harmony J
This serum saved my skin!
I have developed rosacea in the last couple of years and I’ve struggled to find any products that truly helped heal my skin. My skin was dry, irritated, and felt like sandpaper. It seemed like nothing would absorb or make my skin feel hydrated. I’ve seen a dermatologist and have been prescribed multiple creams that have made my skin feel worse and I could never stick with them. I’ve used GoW products on and off for years but finally got fed up with the prescription route and decided to find a natural routine and stick with it. I’ve been using this serum twice a day with an oil blend as moisturizer and also incorporated a hypochlorous acid spray. The rosacea serum has been the thing that has saved my skin. In less than 2 weeks, my skin is no longer red and no longer feels like sandpaper. It’s plump and hydrated. Before, on close inspection, it looked like every pore on my face was clogged and had a layer of red, dry skin. That is nearly gone. This serum is incredible.
Rosacea Serum
Gianna
There's something about coconut vinegar that just hits right...
I LOVE to close my eyes and spray all of the Coco tonics on my face after washing it. It smells amazing and makes it so less is more as you move forward with serums and creams. It's like self-care in a spritzer.
CoCoFen Clarifying Tonic
Gianna
The scent to rival all scent-sations!
It is the most DIVINE of all the serums I've tried at GoW, not only due to it's efficacy, but the scent takes you straight into a rose garden on a mild spring day. Lovely feeling on my skin and to my senses.
Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum - Floral Peptide Infusion for Renewed Skin Vitality
Anonymous
FirmAge 5% DMAE
Thiis product is a game changer. I am addicted! I apply it morning and evening. I wake up every day to tighter skin. I cannot see my pores anymore. My jawl line seems smoother and tighter, along with my neck and chin. I wish I had a before and after! I give it a 10/10!
FirmAge 5% DMAE Gel - Sagging Skin Support Tightening and Firming
As an acne prone girlie, I’ve found this helpful in keeping the unwanted bumps at bay.
Hi Vera
We are always pleased to know our products are providing our customers with much-needed relief.
It's crazy how our skin can make or break our days.
Wishing you the best,
Markey
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.
Vera,
Thank you for the positive review. It's incredible how something as simple as hydration can make our days
seem to feel better.
Wishing you the best in your skincare journey.
Markey
The Garden of Wisdom AHA + Kojic Acid Serum has been a true staple in my skincare routine
The Garden of Wisdom AHA + Kojic Acid Serum has been a true staple in my skincare routine. I only realized how effective it was when I couldn’t find it for a while—during that time, my skin really struggled. I even tried another serum with a similar formula, but it just didn’t deliver the same results. Now that I’ve found this serum again, I’m beyond happy! My skin is already showing great improvement. It keeps my acne under control and tackles my stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) better than anything else I’ve tried. This product is definitely a keeper!
Oh, Vera!
This is such great feedback, thank you so much. That's funny (not in a humorous way, though) that you had to run out to recognize its potential. So completely understandable! It happens to all of us.
Thank you so much for sharing this important feedback with others.
Markey