If you have ever struggled with dry skin that would not stop or frail hair that looked more like straws than silk, raw shea butter could be the beauty secret you are missing.

Applied for many years in African haircare and skincare traditions, raw shea butter can be described as nature’s solution to several present-day issues: stretch marks, dullness, flakiness, breakage – you name them.

Besides, it is deeply nourishing, all-natural, and fits nearly every hair and skin type. In this piece, we will unpack the 11 best raw shea butter brands that you can pick from for healthier hair and glowing skin.

Whether you are DIY-ing your personal whipped body butter or in search of the best styling cream, the below brands offer pure virtuousness in every scoop.

What is raw shea butter?

Raw shea butter simply refers to the unprocessed fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. It is naturally off-white, yellow, or ivory and often has a slightly earthy, nutty scent.

Different from refined shea butter which is deodorized and usually chemically modified, raw shea butter keeps its complete nutrient profile – implying more vitamins, enhanced healing capacity, and improved outcomes for your hair and skin.

It is rich in:

• Fatty acids that keep moisture and form a protective barrier

• Vitamin A for skin regeneration

• Vitamin E for anti-aging and deep hydration

If you’re looking for a pure, chemical-free moisturizer or hair treatment, raw shea butter is your go-to.

Benefits of Raw Shea Butter for Hair and Skin

For Skin:

Raw shea butter is the real powerhouse of nourishment, providing long-lasting, deep hydration that gets into different layers of your dry skin, restoring damaged, dull hair.

Its high content of vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids, makes it exceptionally effective in softening rough skin, alleviating irritations such as psoriasis and eczema, and fostering youthful, glowing skin.

With the oil’s natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter also aids in fading stretch marks and scars over time; this makes it a preferred choice for both body and face care.

For Hair:

For hair, raw shea butter has been demonstrated to perform wonders as a moisture sealant and conditioner.

It coats hair strands, facilitating hydration while preventing split ends and hair breakage. For individuals with textured, coily, or curly hair, shea butter is particularly useful – it reduces frizz, defines curls, and leaves your hair strong, soft, and manageable.

Again, shea butter nurtures the scalp, alleviating irritation, dandruff, and dryness without clogging your skin pores.

Whether you are using this oil directly or mixing it into your preferred DIY recipe, it provides holistic benefits to your hair.

How to Choose High-Quality Raw Shea Butter

Not every shea butter in the market can be said to be made equal. For maximum benefits for your hair and skin, you must go for raw shea butter that is unrefined, pure, and ethically obtained.

You should start by searching for products marked “unrefined” or “Grade A” – this implies the butter has not been deprived of its important nutrients via chemical or high-heat processing.

Again, high-quality butter ought to have a slightly grainy, creamy texture and an ivory or pale yellow color, depending on the product’s origin.

It also has a unique, nutty scent – if it is bright white or completely odorless, it might have been bleached or overly processed.

The next vital purity indicator that you should check is the product’s organic certification. Going for a USDA-certified organic or fair-trade product guarantees that it is free from chemicals.

Packaging also matters – choose shea butter in BPA-free, airtight packages to avoid contamination and maintain freshness.

Finally, look at the list of ingredients; the best raw shea butter just contains one ingredient – Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter). Just clean – no fillers, no additives.

11 Best Raw Shea Butter Brands for Hair & Skin

1. Better Shea Butter Unrefined Shea Butter

This is a large, solid block of ivory shea butter which is rich in natural nutrients and completely unrefined. It’s perfect for individuals who prefer to whip up homemade hair masks, lip balms, or body butters. It is ethically sourced from Ghana.

Pros:

✔ Rich in vitamins

✔ Melts easily for DIY use

✔ Affordable in bulk

Cons:

✘ Natural scent may be strong for some

Fig. 1: Better shea butter (Amazon)

2. Naissance Organic Unrefined Shea Butter

If you prefer a creamy, smooth shea butter that thaws immediately into your skin, then you should go for Naissance. It is sourced from Ghana and 100 percent unrefined, ideal for hair care routines and sensitive skin.

Naissance has a slight, natural aroma and comes in eco-friendly packaging.

Pros:

✔ Pure and creamy

✔ Perfect for body and face

✔ No added preservatives

Cons:

✘ Softer texture—can melt in warm climates

Fig. 2: Naissance Organic Unrefined Shea Butter (Amazon)

3. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter

SheaMoisture can be described as a household brand – and for good reasons. The product is fair trade, certified organic, and blended with a trace of myrrh and frankincense for extra healing properties.

Again, SheaMoisture is rich, thick, and particularly perfect for textured hair and dry scalps.

Pros:

✔ Perfect for coily and curly hair

✔ Easily available

✔ Versatile for hair, skin, or lips

Cons:

✘ Packaged in small quantities

Fig. 3: Shea Moisture (Amazon)

4. Sky Organics Raw African Shea Butter

Made in Ghana and USDA-certified, the Sky Organics brand provides a smooth consistency and a slightly earthy aroma.

It easily glides and leaves a smooth finish. It is particularly nourishing for dry knees, elbows, as well as flaky skin parts.

Pros:

✔ Budget-friendly

✔ Great for DIY beauty recipes

✔ Soft and easy to blend

Cons:

✘ Texture may vary slightly by batch

Fig. 4: Sky Organics Raw Shea Butter (Amazon)

5. Yellow Brick Organic Raw Shea Butter

This is a pale-yellow, creamy butter that is greatly moisturizing and has a lovely natural aroma. The butter comes in a resealable package and thaws perfectly without feeling greasy.

Many users love it because of its long-lasting hydration.

Pros:

✔ Perfect for body butters

✔ Deeply moisturizing

✔ Authentic African scent

Cons:

✘ Slightly grainier compared to other brands

Fig. 5: Yellow Brick Raw Shea Butter (Amazon)

6. Plant Therapy Shea Butter

Top-quality and affordable, Plant Therapy’s raw she butter is sourced ethically and rigorously tested for quality. Besides, it is softer compared to other brands and simple to work with right out of its container – no melting needed.

It is good for both adults and kids.

Pros:

✔ Mild texture

✔ Blends well with oils

✔ Cruelty-free

Cons:

✘ Comes only in small jars

Fig. 6: Plant Therapy Shea Butter (Amazon)

7. Mary Tylor Naturals Organic Shea Butter

Organic, cold-pressed, and packed in bulks – Mary Tylor Naturals provides great value. Again, this product is soft and easily spreads, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

It also helps alleviate stretch marks, scars, and inflammation.

Pros:

✔ 100% pure and organic

✔ Cold-pressed for maximum nutrients

✔ Large quantity for great value

Cons:

✘ Natural scent might be strong for some

Fig. 7: Mary Tylor Naturals Organic Shea Butter (Amazon)

8. Karité Shea Butter

Karité Shea Butter can be described as a luxury brand founded by 3 Ghanaian sisters, comprising a dermatologist who blends conventional African shea butter with other pure formulations.

It is sourced ethically from women-founded cooperatives and rich in vitamins A, E, and F – perfect for deep hydration and sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Recognized for its velvety texture and minimal ingredients, Karite provides dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free shea butter that nourishes your skin without any irritation.

Pros:

✔ Hypoallergenic

✔ Silky smooth application

✔ Suitable for facial skincare

Cons:

✘ Pricier because of premium refining

Fig. 8: Karité Shea Butter (Amazon)

9. Alaffia Raw Shea Butter

Alaffia Raw Shea Butter is sourced sustainably from Togo, West Africa, and made using traditional processes that maintain its natural qualities.

Fair-trade and unrefined, it is rich in vitamins A and E; this makes it very effective for soothing inflammation, moisturizing dry skin, and supporting your skin elasticity.

Also, Alaffia stands out when it comes to commitment to social good – most proceeds support different projects in the country such as education, maternal care, and reforestation.

Pros:

✔ Supports community development

✔ Certified fair trade

✔ Non-toxic and clean

Cons:

✘ Slightly firmer texture

Fig. 9: Alaffia Raw Shea Butter (Amazon)

10. OKAY 100% Pure African Shea Butter

OKAY 100% Pure African Shea Butter can be described as a natural moisturizer formulated from the African shea tree.

It is rich in different vitamins, including A, E, and F, and provides deep hydration, as well as nourishment for hair and skin.

Recognized for its healing qualities, this unrefined product is very effective when it comes to addressing stretch marks, eczema, dry scalp, and dry skin.

Besides, the oil’s creamy texture guarantees easy application, suitable for everyday use on every type of skin.

Pros:

✔ Affordable

✔ Easily accessible

✔ Safe for all hair types

Cons:

✘ Scent is more intense than some may prefer

Fig. 10: OKAY 100% Pure African Shea Butter (Amazon)

11. L’Occitane Certified Organic Shea Butter

L’Occitane’s Certified Organic Shea Butter is a high-end, luxurious option made in Burkina Faso via ethical, fair-trade partnerships with different local women groups.

This 100% organic, ultra-pure shea butter is rich, smooth, and perfect when it comes to restoring mature and very dry skin.

Again, its refined texture and travel-friendly container add to its premium allure. Though pricier compared to some brands, it is supported by L’Occitane’s skincare expertise, making it a top option for individuals seeking indulgent, sustainably sourced products.

Pros:

✔ Premium quality & texture

✔ Safe for sensitive skin

✔ Travel-friendly packaging

Cons:

✘ Higher price point

Fig. 11: L’Occitane Certified Organic Shea Butter (Amazon)

How to Use Raw Shea Butter

Raw shea butter is very versatile and often used in many ways to nurture both skin and hair. For skin, just rub a small quantity between your palms and smear it directly on irritated or dry parts.

Its high concentration of fatty acids, as well as vitamins, makes it perfect for smoothening rough areas, fading stretch marks or scars, and soothing eczema.

For facial moisturizing, apply a light layer during the night to lock in hydration without clogging your skin pores.

When it comes to hair care, raw shea butter is usually massaged into the scalp to treat dandruff and dryness, or applied as a leave-in conditioner to seal in moisture and promote shine, particularly for textured or curly hair types.

One can also blend shea oil with other oils such as jojoba, argan, or coconut to come up with custom balms or DIY whipped butter for more personalized application.

Whether used solo or blended into homemade beauty therapies, raw shea butter functions best when applied consistently on freshly cleansed or damp hair and skin.

DIY Tip:

Melt shea butter gently and whip it with aloe vera gel, essential oils, or cocoa butter for personalized hair or body butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: Is ivory or yellow shea butter better?

Both are effective—yellow shea contains more carotene, while ivory is often creamier. It’s a matter of preference.

2: Can raw shea butter clog pores?

It’s non-comedogenic for most individuals, but if you have acne-prone skin, patch test first.

3: How long does shea butter last?

Stored properly, it can last up to 2 years. Keep it cool and away from direct sunlight.

4: Can I use it on my face or under my eyes?

Yes! Particularly at night. Just apply a small amount to avoid greasiness.

5: Is raw shea butter safe for babies?

Absolutely. It is gentle enough for diaper rashes and dry baby skin—but always check with your pediatrician.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re aiming for radiant skin or strong, nourished hair, raw shea butter is a timeless treasure. It is rich, multipurpose, and natural. The 11 brands discussed above bring you the best of this golden balm—from ethically harvested choices to dermatologist-approved luxuries.

Ready to get rid of the synthetic oils and go back to the roots?

Pick a brand, test it out, and let nature do its magic.

What’s Your Shea Story?

Have you tried any of these raw shea butter brands? Got a favorite DIY recipe? Drop a comment below—we would love to hear about your shea journey!