Differences between shea olein and shea butter?

Even though they both aim for deep hydration, nourishment, and support of skin barrier, the first difference lies in their extraction process. Shea butter extraction from shea nuts is either by cold pressing or boiling, with the solid and liquid components intact.

Shea olein is obtained through fractionation - the procedure for separating mixtures into components based on distinguishing features, for example, boiling point, solubility, or molecular size. During fractionation processing there has been a complete removal of solid stearic acid from the fluid oleic acid from shea butter. This means that shea olein is liquid at room temperature but retains the same benefits of shea butter.

When it comes to shea butter, it is naturally solid at room temperature - therefore it produces a heavy and creamy texture, which makes it perfect for body butters, balms and deep-conditioning treatments. On the other hand, shea olein is semi-liquid at room temperature, so it’s more of a liquid formulation in general. This type of formulation makes shea olein easy to incorporate into various liquid formulations including serums, lotions and massage oils, without additional need to melt it down or make it softer in order to achieve this. It is also known as shea olein oil.

In fact, both shea butter and shea olein are in terms of their component part, a rich dedication of fatty acids, but they are found with different amounts in proportions. Shea butter has an equal ratio of oleic and stearic acids, thus cohesive while shea olein is composed of a higher amount of oleic acid to that of stearic giving it a more liquid and light nature. Their disparity makes a difference in how these substances are formulated into skincare and hair care products.

Creamy texture of shea butter makes it easy to be absorbed by the skin, and with that, beneficial as a moisturizer for all skin types. It has high stearic acid content, which helps with forming a barrier that furtherly prevents transepidermal water loss. However, shea olein, the lighter oil fraction, penetrates really quickly and hydrates the skin without weighing it down, making it an option for anyone who prefers an even lighter feel.

Thicker skincare products such as body butters, lip balms, and hair masks contain shea butter since it is considered suitable for providing deep nourishment and protection. Being light in nature, shea olein will find its place in lotions, serums, massage oils, and liquid soaps. Both of these ingredients are valued in cosmetics but their formulations differentiate based on texture and function.

Shea butter is known for its rich consistency and strong barrier-forming properties, making it an excellent choice for very dry skin, chapped lips, and other cases that require deep protection. However, shea olein offers the same nourishing benefits in a lighter, more fluid form, which makes its absorption easier. This also makes it ideal for daily hydration while still meeting the needs of dry and very dry skin. Nourishing face creams with shea olein, maintain the moisturizing and protective qualities of shea butter while enhancing the product’s feel and spreadability.

Both shea butter and shea olein are extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which makes them similar when it comes to benefits they bring by delivering an amazing combination of essential fatty acids, bioactive compounds and vitamins. They are both highly recommended for their moisturizing, highly nourishing and emollient properties that find their place in skin and hair care. They are excellent for application due to their anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration support, antioxidant protection, and treatment benefits attached to them. Shea butter and shea olein are also combined by natural sun-protective as well as rejuvenating properties that safeguard the skin against the environmental stressors.

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