Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a 100% one-sided, cold/hand-pressed vegetable fat extracted from sun-dried kernels of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Unfiltered, unrefined and free of preservatives or dyes, it is one of Africa's most widely used emollients for skin and hair.
Physicochemical Snapshot
Per DAKIMO internal quality specification (typical values). Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis pending.
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Relative Density (20°C) | 0.91 – 0.98 | — |
| Density (20°C) | 0.88 – 0.93 | — |
| Saponification Value (mg KOH/g fat) | 160 – 190 | — |
| Iodine Value (g I₂/100g) | 35 – 60 | — |
| Unsaponifiable Matter (%m/m) | 8 – 19 | — |
| Refractive Index (44°C) | 1.4620 – 1.4645 | Refractometry |
| Melting Point (°C) | 35 – 45 | — |
Fatty Acid Profile (Typical Values)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauric Acid (C12:0) | < 1 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Myristic Acid (C14:0) | < 0.7 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Palmitic Acid (C16:0) | 8 – 10 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Stearic Acid (C18:0) | 42 – 50 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Palmitoleic Acid (C16:1) | < 0.3 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Oleic Acid (C18:1) | ≈ 58 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Linoleic Acid (C18:2) | ≈ 10.4 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Linolenic Acid (C18:3, GLA) | ≈ 8.8 % | GC (ISO 12966) | |
| Arachidonic Acid (C20:4) | ≈ 2.9 % | GC (ISO 12966) |
Market Compliance Notes
Raw cosmetic ingredient. REACH: see note below. Compliance with Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (PIF, CPSR, CPNP notification, EU Responsible Person) is the responsibility of the formulator/Responsible Person for the finished product into which this ingredient is incorporated.
Raw cosmetic ingredient. UK Responsible Person, SCPN notification and UK Cosmetics Regulation compliance apply to the finished product formulated with this ingredient, not to the raw material shipment itself.
Raw cosmetic ingredient. MoCRA facility registration/product listing and Responsible Person obligations apply to the finished product; DAKIMO's facility details are available for registration reference on request.
Raw cosmetic ingredient. Health Canada Cosmetic Notification (CNF, 10-day rule) and bilingual (EN/FR) labelling apply to the finished product sold in Canada, not to the raw material shipment itself.
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