Shea butter really adds some satisfying qualities to soap, although what it does not add is lather. I like a certain amount of Shea butter, but not too much. It helps to smooth and condition the epidermis without being overly soft and slimy. It has a history of medicinal benefits that include fighting the effects of aging and promoting the healing of all sorts of skin ailments. Shea butter contributes to bar hardness. Too much Shea butter and you get a really hard bar of soap that is quite stubborn about producing bubbles, so I never make a 100% Shea butter soap. I do have a couple of soap varieties that have pure saponified Shea butter bits mixed in with other saponified oils in order to deliver the historical impact of this wonderful and mild butter while still producing effective lather. I believe also that in order to retain the benefits of this butter, one must use it in it's purest and rawest available form. I don't want de-colorized or deodorized Shea butter-I want the butter with the nut chunks and particles and the rich good smell. I prefer yellow Shea butter, but the ivory is just as good according to many sources. There is evidently ongoing debate on the subject and it might mostly be about one's personal opinion and preferences. I have a theory that the yellow Shea just might have a little more vitamins. GhanaCutey reinforces my opinion: _https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ht9E95c7AM
Another reason that I love Shea butter is that I have a tremendous respect for the way it is made and the women that make it. They aren't working with machines to harvest the nuts and produce the butter in giant air conditioned factories, and they aren't cooking on nice gas or electric stoves. Look up how Shea butter is made on You Tube sometime. When I make soap with Shea butter, or smooth it on after my bath, I think of its makers with respect, gratitude and appreciation.
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