Does shea butter have to be unrefined?

[myfairbabies]

I'm going to buy some shea butter and beeswax to make some household items (deodorant, chap stick etc), and found a site that sells both and they aren't crazy expensive. But the shea butter is refined and the beeswax pellets are filtered. Is this ok? Is there a big difference? This is what I was looking into buying, it is the right stuff? Thanks! http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/pr...s&searchflag=1
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/pr...x&searchflag=1

[velcromom]

There's a big difference. I strongly prefer unrefined shea. I use it straight on patches of excema and find that the unrefined is much more effective. The refined kind of reminds me of shortening, not too impressive. I'm sure there are people who like it, especially if they can't tolerate the light nutty scent of the unrefined stuff, but I think if I couldn't get the good stuff I'd just use something else. I get my shea from agbangakarite.com. it seems expensive but consider a single lb will likely last you all year, being used as part of your recipes - that's not bad.

[William's Mom]

I also prefer unrefined shea. It's awesome!

Garden of Wisdom, Mountain Rose Herbs, and Nasabb all have unrefined shea, plus LOTS of other natural goodies!

[William's Mom]

Ummm... Edited because it posted my response twice. Please ignore. Sorry!

[Denvergirlie]

Bought mine at Nasabb as well. Loved that they had a free sample to try before I buy and then it was so great, that I bought from them as well.