Shea butter questions...

[maxwill129]

I've searched for some answers but can't quit find exactly what I'm looking for, so sorry if these are repeat questions!

I just ordered some shea butter and sweet almond oil. I read in another thread that you can make your own body butter that doesn't need to be refrigerated (I also got a sample of chamomile for free). I also read that you should not melt it in the microwave or on the stove because once you do that and it cools, it becomes grainy. So then, how do I get it soft enough to whip? I have this hard as a rock shea butter that I can't use! Also, how long does it last? If I don't whip all of it, can I store the rest for future use or should I just whip all of it up?

Also, how do I know how much sweet almond oil to put in it? I don't want it greasy (although the oil isn't really that greasy feeling). And is it okay to add some of the chamomile to it for a scent?

Okay, thanks, ladies. I will keep searching while I wait for some replies!!!

Shannon

[velcromom]

Where did you get the shea? I get it unrefined from agbangakarite.com and it's soft enough to whip at room temp with a regular handheld mixer. If you want to add some oil, make a small batch and try 10-15% & see how you like it, you can always add more. It will get grainy if you melt it, so you want to avoid that.

I keep the container I'm using in the bathroom and it stays fresh til it's gone, I'd keep the rest of it in the fridge to prolong its shelf life & all the good qualities of the unrefined shea.

You can add fragrance to it at about 2%. (I use a scale to measure ingredients by weight so I don't go by set amounts).

[maxwill129]

Originally Posted by velcromom

Where did you get the shea?

I got it from Bramble Berry. A couple of people from here suggested that place...I hope that's a good place to get it from!!!

It might be soft enough to start whipping with a mixer, it just looks kind of hard (I just got the package a little while ago and haven't tried to do ANYTHING with it yet...I haven't even taken the packaging off from around it.

Thanks for the tips!

Shannon

[velcromom]

Brambleberry is a great company to deal with, they have the best customer service I've ever seen. I use them a lot. You might want to try some unrefined shea, to compare with the refined, they are like two different substances!

I think you'll find once you unwrap it and start smooshing it, it might not be as hard as it seems. The mixer seems to kind of chop it up at first, but once all the pieces are small it starts to really blend it and make it fluffier.

[grahamsmom98]

I order a LOT from Bramble Berry. Anne-Marie runs a terrific business!

This is all from the Bramble Berry website:

If you are going to use it for for something other than soapmaking, heat Shea Butter slowly to about 175 degrees and keep there for about 20 minutes. This will prevent crystals from forming and causing a grainy final product.

Shea is best when used within a year of purchase and should be stored in a cool, dark location.


Try this easy recipe for Lotion Bars

4 ounces Shea Butter
4 ounces beeswax, yellow or white
5 ounces liquid oil (Sweet Almond is lovely and gentle)
2 teaspoons of essential or fragrance oil

Melt the beeswax in a separate container ((NOT in the micro! I always melt beeswax in a double boiler)) and the butter/oil in another container. Add together mixing well, stir in FO/EO and pour into containers (push tube or tins). Mixture will harden in approximately 1-2 hours. The cooler the mixture is upon pouring it, the less ‘divets’ you’ll get in the bar (the sunken spot at the top of the bar).

[maxwill129]

Thanks for all the advice. Once I took my shea butter out of the packaging, I realized it really wasn't as hard as I thought it was. I used a little last night after my bath and I really love it. I can't wait to get my body butter made.

And thanks for all that info, grahamsmom~ I appreciate it!

Shannon