The shea tree, known locally as “the tree of life,” grows naturally across the savannah belt of West Africa. It takes up to 15 years before a shea tree bears fruit, and each nut must be harvested by hand — often by women in rural communities who have inherited the knowledge of shea processing from their mothers and grandmothers. It is considered the "tree of life" because its nuts provide fat for cooking, its butter is used for skin care and has health properties.

The process of creating raw Shea butter is intricate: the nuts are gathered, dried, crushed, roasted, and kneaded — a rhythmic labour that demands time, strength, and care. What results is unrefined shea butter: rich, golden, and deeply nourishing.

Used for centuries across West Africa as a skin salve, hair conditioner, and even cooking fat, shea butter is both everyday and sacred. It’s been used to massage newborns, to protect farmers’ hands, and to anoint the skin of elders. Its purpose has always gone beyond beauty.

At BodyByNii, we work with a UK based supplier that has a strong connection to women-led cooperatives in Ghana who carry this tradition with pride. Every jar we produce begins with their skill and dedication — and we honour their labour by ensuring fair trade practices, ethical sourcing, and full ingredient transparency.

Shea butter is naturally high in:

• Vitamins A, E, and F – supporting skin regeneration, elasticity, and protection
• Essential fatty acids – including oleic, stearic, linoleic and palmitic acids, which help and lock in moisture
• Cinnamic acid esters – offering gentle anti-inflammatory and UV-protective properties

Because of this, and unlike big brands, we have a high concentration of shea in each jar. It's nutrients work together to help:

• Restore dry or compromised skin
• Support collagen production and barrier repair
• Soften stretch marks and scars
• Calm inflammation and soothe eczema or psoriasis
• Serve as a gentle treatment for sensitive or maturing skin

Unrefined shea butter is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for most skin types when blended thoughtfully — especially when paired with other nourishing oils, as we do in our formulas.

If you're curious to learn more about the mechanics of the industry, you can find more information via GlobalSheaAlliance.