Of everything in the Dakimo catalogue, Shea Butter is the ingredient formulators recognise on sight — and the one they ask the most detailed sourcing questions about. Here is what it is, why it earns its place in so many formulations, and how we get it from Benin's savannah to your production line.
What Is Shea Butter?
Shea Butter is a vegetable fat extracted from the kernels of the African shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa. Our reference (DKM-BUT-002) is sold under the INCI name Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter — 100% one-sided, cold/hand-pressed from sun-dried kernels, unfiltered, unrefined and free of preservatives or dyes.
Why Formulators Reach for It
- Deeply moisturising, with a rich but workable texture
- Traditionally used for acne-prone skin
- Heals chapped lips and dry, cracked skin
- Doubles as a natural shaving aid
- Traditionally used to reduce the appearance of scars
Where It Fits in a Formulation
Shea Butter is one of the most versatile bases in the catalogue: skincare (creams, balms, lotions), lip care, hair care (sealing and conditioning), and shaving or after-sun products. Recommended use level runs from 1% to 20% depending on the formulation.
Sourced and Documented at Origin
Shea nuts are collected from around Benin's W National Park by nine women's cooperatives based in and around our Boifo workshop in northern Benin, alongside baobab seeds, balanites, castor, Moringa and other raw materials. The kernels are sun-dried at origin, then hand-pressed into butter at our Cotonou production plant — the same site that manufactures every other Dakimo oil, soap, shampoo and conditioner.
Every batch of Shea Butter ships with a full Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis (HS code 3304.99.00, 24–30 month shelf life), so your regulatory file is never waiting on us. Supplied in HDPE containers or drums from 5 to 25 kg, with sample sizes available on request.