Our goal from day one was to create the most effective products for you and your beard.
If you’re like most people, you might be wondering what the difference is between Raw Shea Butter and the typical Shea Butter you’ve seen in your beard products before (and why it matters to you).
I’m here to answer that question for you.
While both versions of Shea Butter will help hydrate and condition your beard, here are the main differences between the two:
Raw Shea Butter
Pros:
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with natural vitamins (A, E, F) and essential fatty acids, Raw Shea Butter is a powerhouse of nourishment for the beard. These nutrients will help increase hair strength, decreasing breakage, which will help your beard grow longer, fuller and faster.
- Natural Healing Properties: Raw Shea Butter has higher levels of anti-inflammatory and healing properties (for both hair and skin) than its refined counterpart.
- Authentic Aroma: I personally enjoy the smell of Raw Shea Butter. It has an earthy, slightly nutty scent which is a testament to its pure state.
- Chemical-Free: Zero harsh chemical processing.
Cons:
- Strong Scent: Some may find its natural aroma to be a bit too much and can reduce the noticeability of other scents in your beard butter or beard balm.
- Inconsistency: As a natural product, it may vary in texture and color. Raw Shea Butter also has a grainier texture than refined.
Refined Shea Butter:
Pros:
- Neutral Scent: Refined shea butter has little to no smell, which might appeal to those preferring something more subtle.
- Uniform Consistency: Has a more consistent smooth texture and color.
Cons:
- Nutrient Loss: The refining process can strip away beneficial vitamins, fatty acids and other nutrients.
- Industrial Solvents: Hexane, a known neurotoxin, is often used in the refining process and some residue can be left in the final product.
Embracing Tradition in Beard Care
I believe it is important to understand not just the products and the ingredients, but the ethos behind them as well.
It is more than just about choosing a beard care product. It's about embracing our mutual commitment to a lifestyle that values simplicity and authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the scent of Raw Shea Butter clash with my cologne?
A: This is mostly a personal question. In my opinion the earthy aroma of Raw Shea Butter complements natural scents, adding depth rather than conflicting. However, it might make other aromas less noticeable.
Q: I’ve noticed when using Raw Shea Butter that it is somewhat grainy. Is that normal?
A: Yes, it's completely normal for beard butters made with Raw Shea Butter to have a somewhat grainy texture. The small grains you feel are simply Shea butter in its most natural form. These tiny granules melt easily when the product is warmed between your hands and will absorb fully into your beard.
Q: Is Raw Shea Butter suitable for all skin types?
A: Absolutely. Its properties make it friendly for most skin types. However, there are a couple of exceptions I’ll go over below.
Q: Who should not use Shea Butter?
A: While Shea Butter is non-comedogenic (meaning it shouldn't clog pores), guys with more oily skin might experience issues with butters in general, so Shea Butter might not suit those who are more prone to breakouts. Start small and (unlike beard oils) focus on keeping the butter or balm off your skin and in your hair more.
People with tree nut allergies should also use caution with Shea butter. Shea butter comes from the nuts of the Shea tree, and while it's generally considered safe if you have tree nut allergies (as the allergenic proteins are often not present in the fat extracted from the nuts) it is still a possibility.
