Raw Shea Butter Benefits: Complete Guide to Skin, Hair, Baby, Pregnancy, and DIY

Raw shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) is one of the most versatile plant-based skin conditioning ingredients available — appropriate for dry skin, sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, mature skin, baby skin, pregnancy, hair, scalp, and lips, and effective as the primary base ingredient in a wide range of DIY formulations. This guide covers every significant use case, the processing method that determines quality, and how to apply it correctly for each purpose. For the permanent shea butter reference, see Shea Butter Benefits: What It Actually Does for Skin, Hair, and DIY. For Baraka's sourcing story, see Fair Trade Shea Butter: The Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre Story.

For the complete DIY shea butter ingredient guide, see Shea Butter – The Ultimate DIY Ingredient. For the beginner's guide to raw shea butter, see What Is Raw Shea Butter? The Beginner's Guide to Buying and Using It. For the complete hair guide, see Shea Butter for Hair: The Complete Guide. For the complete body butter guide, see How to Make DIY Body Butter.

For how handmade shea butter is made, see How Handmade Shea Butter is Made. For the full cooperative sourcing story, see Baraka's Social and Environmental Impact Report. For Zenabo Imoro's story, see Shea Butter Producer: Zenabo Imoro.

A note: shea butter is a traditional plant-based skin conditioning ingredient. The properties described in this guide are cosmetic properties — moisturising, conditioning, barrier support. They are not medical claims. Shea butter is not a treatment for eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, or any other skin condition.

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What Raw Shea Butter Is — and Why Processing Method Determines Quality

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which grows natively across the savannah belt of sub-Saharan Africa. The nuts are collected, cracked, roasted, ground to a paste, kneaded with water to separate the fat, then boiled and dried — a multi-stage process that has been refined across generations of women in West African communities.

The term "raw and unrefined" on a shea butter label does not guarantee that this traditional method was used. Approximately 85% of shea butter sold with this label is produced in industrial factories using chemical solvents to extract the fat from the nut. Because these factories do not perform the final bleaching and deodorising step, they can legally call their product "raw and unrefined" — even though chemical extraction has occurred.

The processing method matters because it determines compound preservation. Traditional hand-processing achieves approximately 30% yield — 30g of shea butter from 100g of shea nuts. Factory processing with chemical solvents achieves approximately 45–60% yield. The higher yield comes from chemical contact with the nut material. Traditional processing preserves approximately 100% of the naturally occurring compounds in the shea nut — including the unsaponifiable fraction (6–17%) containing triterpenes, tocopherols, and phytosterols that give shea butter its distinctive conditioning properties beyond basic moisturising. Factory processing preserves approximately 50–80% of these compounds.

Quality indicators for genuinely unrefined shea butter: ivory to pale yellow colour (never bright white, and consistently bright yellow suggests artificial colouring); a mild, earthy, nutty scent from the traditional roasting step that fades on skin contact; soft at room temperature, melting immediately on contact with skin. For the complete processing explanation, see How Handmade Shea Butter is Made.

Key Facts for Every Use Case

Comedogenic rating: 0–2 (low). This is among the lowest of any plant butter. Cocoa butter and coconut oil are both rated 4. Shea butter's low comedogenic rating makes it appropriate for facial use across all skin types including oily and acne-prone.

Fatty acid profile: oleic acid (~45%), stearic acid (~35%), linoleic acid (~15%), palmitic acid (~5%). The oleic acid penetrates and softens; the stearic acid provides a protective barrier layer; the linoleic acid supports skin barrier repair.

Semi-occlusive barrier: Shea butter forms a breathable barrier that slows moisture loss without completely sealing the skin surface — making it suitable for daily use on face and body without the suffocating effect of a fully occlusive ingredient.

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Raw Shea Butter for Dry Skin

Shea butter is one of the most effective single-ingredient options for dry and dehydrated skin. Its combination of oleic and stearic acids provides both penetrating moisture and an occlusive barrier — the oleic acid softens and penetrates the upper skin layers while the stearic acid creates a protective layer that slows moisture loss throughout the day.

The semi-occlusive mechanism of shea butter distinguishes it from both water-based moisturisers (which evaporate) and fully occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly (which seal the skin surface completely). Shea butter allows the skin to breathe while maintaining significantly reduced moisture evaporation — making it sustainable for daily use without the skin becoming dependent on an artificial moisture substitute.

Application for dry skin: Apply to slightly damp skin immediately after bathing or washing — this is the most important technique for maximising shea butter's conditioning effect. Damp skin enhances absorption and reduces the likelihood of the butter sitting on the skin surface. A pea-sized amount covers the full face; a small walnut-sized amount covers arms and legs. If skin still feels dry after 10 minutes, the skin was too dry at application — not that the amount was insufficient. Repeat on damp skin.

Frequency: Once or twice daily for very dry skin. For body application in dry climates or winter conditions, twice daily is appropriate — morning application on damp skin after washing, evening application as part of a night routine.

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Raw Shea Butter for Eczema-Prone and Sensitive Skin

A note before we begin: the ingredient information in this section is based on traditional use in West African skincare and a growing body of supportive research. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional care. Eczema is a medical condition — if your skin is actively flaring or being medically managed, please keep your healthcare provider in the loop before changing your skincare routine. Everything here is written for people managing eczema-prone skin day to day who want to understand what these traditional ingredients are and why people use them.

Shea butter is among the most commonly used traditional ingredients for dry, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin. Several properties make it particularly appropriate for reactive skin types: it contains no synthetic fragrances, no preservatives, and no harsh surfactants in its unrefined form — the most frequent irritants in commercial moisturisers. Its fatty acid profile, particularly the oleic acid and linoleic acid content, closely mirrors the skin's natural sebum composition, which supports compatibility and tolerance.

The unsaponifiable fraction of shea butter — higher in traditionally hand-processed shea (6–17%) than in factory-processed alternatives — contains triterpenes that have been associated with skin conditioning properties in the published literature. For very reactive skin that struggles with commercial moisturisers, unrefined shea butter is frequently reported as a well-tolerated daily moisturiser.

Patch testing is always required before first use on eczema-prone or sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours. If no reaction occurs, proceed to use on affected areas. Shea butter is not a treatment for eczema and should not replace prescribed treatments — it is a moisturising and barrier conditioning ingredient used alongside whatever management approach your healthcare provider recommends.

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Raw Shea Butter for Mature Skin

Mature skin naturally produces less sebum than younger skin and loses moisture more rapidly — making substantive moisturising ingredients like shea butter particularly valuable. The semi-occlusive barrier supports moisture retention throughout the day. The vitamins A and E in shea butter provide antioxidant activity in topical formulations. The unsaponifiable fraction provides conditioning beyond basic moisturising.

For mature facial skin, a practical daily approach is to use shea oil in the morning — lighter, faster-absorbing, and compatible with makeup — and shea butter in the evening, when the longer contact time during sleep allows deeper conditioning. This split uses both forms of the same ingredient for different purposes within a single day's routine.

Application for mature skin: A pea-sized amount of shea butter on clean, slightly damp facial skin in the evening. Concentrate on the areas where mature skin tends to dry most — around the eyes (apply carefully), around the mouth, and along the jaw line. For neck and décolletage, extend the application downward with the same pea-sized amount warmed between fingertips.

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Raw Shea Butter for Baby Skin

Unrefined shea butter is commonly used on baby skin — its absence of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and harsh surfactants makes it one of the simplest topical options for the most sensitive skin type. The fatty acid profile closely mirrors the natural skin lipids of healthy skin, supporting compatibility and gentle conditioning.

Application for baby skin: Use a very small amount — a rice-grain sized portion for the full face, a pea-sized amount for body areas. Apply to clean, dry skin. Patch test on a small area of the inner arm 24 hours before full use. If any reaction occurs, discontinue use. Shea butter is not a treatment for nappy rash, cradle cap, or any infant skin condition — consult a paediatrician for medically managed infant skin conditions.

Nut allergy consideration: Shea butter is derived from the shea nut. The scientific consensus is that shea nut proteins are not present in commercially processed shea butter at levels that would trigger tree nut allergies — however, if your baby has a known tree nut allergy or a family history of severe nut allergies, consult your paediatrician before use.

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Raw Shea Butter During Pregnancy

Shea butter is widely used during pregnancy as a topical moisturiser for the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and other areas subject to rapid skin stretching. It is generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy — it contains no synthetic additives or chemical extractants in its unrefined form, and its ingredients are the naturally occurring fatty acids and plant compounds of the shea nut.

Shea butter does not prevent stretch marks — no topical ingredient has been clinically proven to prevent stretch marks, and shea butter is no exception. Some clinical trials show modest benefit compared to placebo; others show no statistically significant difference. What shea butter does provide is substantive moisturising of the skin during a period of rapid change — well-moisturised skin is more comfortable during stretching than dry skin, regardless of whether the moisturising prevents long-term marking.

Application during pregnancy: Apply daily to areas of active stretching — abdomen, breasts, thighs, hips. Warm a small amount between palms and massage gently into the skin using circular motions. Twice daily application (morning and evening) is appropriate during periods of most rapid growth. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are managing any skin condition during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before introducing new topical ingredients.

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Raw Shea Butter for Hair and Scalp

Shea butter is used in three primary ways for hair and scalp conditioning — each serving a different purpose and appropriate for different hair types and conditions.

Method 1 — Pre-Wash Treatment

Apply shea butter to dry hair before washing — from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the scalp. Leave for 20–30 minutes (or overnight for very dry or damaged hair) before washing as normal. This pre-wash treatment coats the hair shaft before shampooing, reducing the hygral fatigue caused by water absorption and the stripping effect of surfactants. Best for: dry, damaged, colour-treated, or chemically processed hair that loses significant moisture during washing.

Method 2 — Leave-In Sealant

Apply a very small amount of shea butter to damp hair immediately after washing, working from ends upward, as a leave-in moisture sealant. The occlusive property of shea butter seals the moisture already absorbed by the hair shaft during washing — slowing moisture loss as hair dries. A rice-grain sized amount for fine hair; a pea-sized amount for thick or coarse hair. Using too much causes greasiness and product build-up. Best for: curly, coily, or textured hair that loses moisture rapidly; natural hair as part of the LOC (Liquid-Oil-Cream) method.

Method 3 — Scalp Treatment

For dry scalp, massage a small amount of shea butter directly into the scalp before bed, then wash out in the morning. Shea butter's barrier conditioning properties support scalp moisture retention overnight. This is not appropriate for oily scalp types — the occlusive property would compound existing oiliness. Best for: dry, flaky, or irritated scalp that is not producing excess sebum. For the complete hair guide, see Shea Butter for Hair: The Complete Guide.

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Raw Shea Butter for Lips

Shea butter is an effective direct lip conditioning ingredient — applied to dry or chapped lips, it provides substantive moisture and a semi-occlusive barrier that reduces moisture loss. A rice-grain sized amount applied directly with a fingertip is sufficient. It absorbs more slowly than commercial lip balm, which means it provides longer-lasting conditioning but requires a few minutes before eating or drinking.

For DIY lip balm formulations, shea butter works best in combination with cocoa butter, which provides the firmer structure needed for a solid lip balm. A standard formulation ratio is 60% cocoa butter to 40% shea butter — the cocoa butter provides firmness and snap, the shea butter provides the softening and moisturising application feel. At this ratio in a stick or pot, the finished product is firm enough to hold its shape at room temperature while melting readily on lip contact.

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Raw Shea Butter as a DIY Formulation Base

Shea butter is the most versatile single-ingredient base in DIY skincare because it is anhydrous (contains no water), requires no preservative, has a long shelf life (12–24 months correctly stored), and works as a primary ingredient in body butters, facial moisturisers, lip balms, hair masks, foot creams, and baby balms — a range no other single butter matches.

Anhydrous Basics

Anhydrous means water-free. A formulation containing only oils, butters, and waxes — no water, no aloe vera, no hydrosols — is anhydrous and requires no preservative. All of the recipes below are anhydrous. If you add water to any formulation, you must also add a broad-spectrum preservative system — without one, a water-containing formulation will develop microbial growth within weeks.

Beginner Equipment

• Digital kitchen scale accurate to 0.1g — always measure by weight, never by volume
• Heat-proof glass measuring cup or beaker
• Small saucepan for double-boiler melting
• Silicone spatula
• Clean glass or aluminium tins or jars with lids

For the complete DIY guide, see Shea Butter – The Ultimate DIY Ingredient.

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DIY Body Butter: Method, Ratios, and Troubleshooting

The basic body butter method: melt all butters and oils together using a double boiler. Remove from heat once fully liquid. Allow to cool to just below solidification point — when the mixture begins to look slightly hazy around the edges of the bowl (approximately 20–22°C). Whip with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy — 5–10 minutes. Transfer to jars and allow to set at room temperature before closing with lids.

Ratios by Use Case

Use Case	Shea Butter	Cocoa Butter	Liquid Oil	Notes
General body moisturiser	50%	30%	20%	Baobab or shea oil as liquid component
Summer / warm climate	40%	40%	20%	Higher cocoa butter increases melt point
Very dry / winter skin	60%	20%	20%	Softer texture, richer conditioning
Facial moisturiser	60%	10%	30%	Shea oil as liquid component for lighter feel
Baby body butter	70%	20%	10%	No fragrance; patch test before use
Lip balm (pot)	40%	60%	0%	Firmer texture from higher cocoa butter

Deflation Troubleshooting

Whipped body butter deflates (loses volume and becomes dense or grainy) when it is whipped at too high a temperature, or when it is stored in a warm environment after whipping. Prevention: cool the butter mixture to just below solidification before whipping — the mixture should be nearly solid at the edges of the bowl. Whip in a cool room. Store finished body butter away from direct heat. If deflation occurs: melt the butter down again completely, cool to the correct temperature, and re-whip. The ingredient quality is not affected by deflation — only the texture. For the complete body butter guide, see How to Make DIY Body Butter.

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How Shea Butter Compares — and When to Choose Something Else

Shea Butter vs Cocoa Butter

Shea butter and cocoa butter are both solid African fats used in DIY skincare, but they behave differently on skin and in formulations. Shea butter is softer and melts at a lower temperature, making it easier to apply directly as a body moisturiser. Cocoa butter is harder and slower-melting, which makes it better suited for balms, solid bars, and products that need to hold their shape in warm conditions. For a general body moisturiser, shea butter is the more versatile choice. For a firm lip balm or body bar, cocoa butter gives better structure. Baraka sources both directly through women's cooperatives in Ghana's Upper West Region.

Shea Butter vs Shea Oil

Shea butter and shea oil come from the same source but behave very differently. Shea butter is solid at room temperature and is best for intensive body moisturising and products that need a rich, slow-absorbing texture. Shea oil is liquid and absorbs much more quickly, making it better suited for facial serums, light body oils, and formulations where a heavy feel is not wanted. If you have dry skin and want deep conditioning, choose shea butter. If you want something that disappears into skin quickly, choose shea oil. Many DIY formulators use both — shea butter as the moisture foundation and shea oil as the finishing layer.

Shea Butter vs Commercial Moisturiser

Commercial moisturisers are mostly water held together with emulsifiers and preserved with synthetic chemicals. They feel good immediately but the moisture evaporates, and the preservatives can irritate sensitive skin. Shea butter contains no water and requires no preservatives, delivering genuine occlusive moisture that does not evaporate. Its fatty acid profile closely matches human skin, which is why it absorbs genuinely rather than sitting as a surface film. Baraka's shea butter is hand-processed by women's cooperatives using traditional water-based methods — the same methods used for generations across West Africa.

African Butters vs Commercial Skincare

The butters and oils used in these recipes have been applied to skin for generations in West Africa — including through the Harmattan season, when dry, dust-laden winds from the Sahara create exactly the kind of harsh, drying conditions that mature and sensitive skin faces year-round. Commercial skincare was not designed for this. African butters were. They contain no water, require no preservatives, and have fatty acid profiles that match human skin — which is why they absorb genuinely rather than coating the surface and evaporating.

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Where Baraka's Shea Butter Comes From

Baraka's shea butter is sourced through the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Ghana's Upper West Region. Wayne Dunn has maintained direct cooperative relationships with the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre for over 15 years. Every batch is hand-processed using traditional water-based methods — no solvents, no chemical extraction at any stage. The women at the cooperative receive a fair-trade premium directly, without intermediaries. For Zenabo Imoro's story, see Shea Butter Producer: Zenabo Imoro. For the full cooperative sourcing story, see Baraka's Social and Environmental Impact Report.

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What the Evidence Actually Shows — and How to Check It Yourself

The traditional use of shea butter for skin and hair conditioning across West Africa is real and multi-generational. This is meaningful evidence of safety and tolerability. The fatty acid profile and unsaponifiable fraction of shea butter are well-characterised in the published literature. The comedogenic rating of 0–2 is established cosmetic chemistry.

What is less well-established is clinical efficacy for specific skin conditions. Shea butter is not a treatment for eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, or any other skin condition. Clinical trials on stretch mark prevention show mixed results — some modest benefit, some no significant difference from placebo. The properties described in this guide are cosmetic properties — moisturising, conditioning, barrier support. They are not medical claims.

To find supporting research, search: "shea butter Vitellaria paradoxa skin conditioning" / "shea butter unsaponifiable fraction cosmetic" / "shea butter comedogenic rating" / "shea butter eczema-prone skin tolerance"

To find opposing or qualifying evidence: "shea butter contact sensitisation" / "shea butter stretch marks evidence limitations" / "plant butter facial use evidence review"

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is raw shea butter and why does processing method matter?

Raw shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) without bleaching or deodorising. However, "raw and unrefined" labels are not regulated — approximately 85% of shea butter sold with this label is factory-produced using chemical solvents. Genuinely raw shea butter uses traditional water-based processing only, preserving approximately 100% of the naturally occurring compounds including the unsaponifiable fraction (6–17%). Factory processing preserves approximately 50–80%. Processing method determines the quality and conditioning properties of the final product. For the complete explanation, see What Is Raw Shea Butter? The Beginner's Guide to Buying and Using It.

What are the main benefits of raw shea butter for skin?

Raw shea butter provides moisturising and barrier conditioning through its combination of oleic acid (~45%), stearic acid (~35%), and linoleic acid (~15%). The oleic acid penetrates and softens; the stearic acid forms a semi-occlusive barrier that slows moisture loss; the linoleic acid supports skin barrier repair. The unsaponifiable fraction — higher in hand-processed shea — provides conditioning properties beyond basic moisturising. The comedogenic rating of 0–2 makes it appropriate for all skin types including oily and acne-prone. Applied to slightly damp skin, it is one of the most effective single-ingredient moisturisers available.

Is raw shea butter good for eczema-prone skin?

Shea butter is commonly used for eczema-prone and very dry skin due to its absence of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants — the most frequent irritants in commercial moisturisers. Its fatty acid profile closely mirrors natural skin sebum, supporting compatibility with reactive skin. It is not a treatment for eczema — if your skin is actively flaring or being medically managed, consult your healthcare provider before changing your skincare routine. Patch test before first use on eczema-prone skin. Shea butter works alongside prescribed treatments as a daily moisturising and barrier conditioning ingredient.

Can I use raw shea butter on my baby?

Yes — unrefined shea butter is commonly used on baby skin. Its absence of synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and harsh surfactants makes it one of the simplest topical options for sensitive infant skin. Use a very small amount — rice-grain sized for the face, pea-sized for body areas. Patch test 24 hours before full use. If your baby has a known tree nut allergy or a family history of severe nut allergies, consult your paediatrician before use. Shea butter is not a treatment for nappy rash, cradle cap, or any infant skin condition — consult a paediatrician for medically managed conditions.

Is shea butter safe to use during pregnancy?

Shea butter is generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy. It contains no synthetic additives or chemical extractants in its unrefined form. It does not prevent stretch marks — no topical ingredient has been clinically proven to do so — but it provides substantive moisturising during a period of rapid skin change. Apply daily to areas of active stretching. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are managing a skin condition during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before introducing new topical ingredients.

How do I use shea butter on hair?

Three main methods: (1) Pre-wash treatment — apply to dry hair before shampooing, leave 20–30 minutes, then wash as normal. Best for dry or damaged hair. (2) Leave-in moisture sealant — apply a very small amount to damp hair immediately after washing to seal in moisture as hair dries. Best for curly and coily hair. (3) Scalp treatment — massage a small amount into a dry scalp before bed and wash out in the morning. Best for dry, flaky scalp — not appropriate for oily scalp. For the complete guide, see Shea Butter for Hair: The Complete Guide.

What is the best ratio for a DIY shea butter body butter?

A general starting ratio is 50% shea butter, 30% cocoa butter, and 20% liquid oil (such as baobab oil or shea oil). Adjust for climate: in hot conditions, increase cocoa butter to 40% to raise the melt point. For very dry skin, increase shea butter to 60% and reduce cocoa butter to 20%. Always measure by weight, not volume. Cool the melted mixture to just below solidification before whipping to achieve a stable, fluffy texture. For the complete guide, see How to Make DIY Body Butter.

Does shea butter clog pores?

No — shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 0–2, making it one of the least pore-clogging plant butters available. By comparison, cocoa butter and coconut oil are rated 4. The most common cause of congestion when using shea butter on the face is using too much. A pea-sized amount or less for the full face is the correct quantity. Apply to slightly damp skin for best absorption. If congestion occurs with shea butter, reduce the amount before switching to a different ingredient.

How is shea butter different from cocoa butter?

Shea butter is softer, lower-melting, and more versatile for general body moisturising. Cocoa butter is harder, higher-melting, and better suited for balms, solid bars, and products that need structural integrity in warm conditions. Shea butter absorbs more readily when applied directly to skin; cocoa butter sits longer on the skin surface before absorbing. In body butter formulations, the two work together — shea butter as the primary moisturising base, cocoa butter as the structural element that raises the melt point and holds the formulation firm.

What is the difference between shea butter and shea oil?

Shea oil is the liquid fraction of shea butter — extracted by fractionation and fully liquid at room temperature. It has the same fatty acid source but a lighter texture, faster absorption, and a lower viscosity that makes it better suited to facial serums, light body oils, and formulations where the richness of solid shea butter is too heavy. Shea butter is best for intensive moisturising of dry, mature, or normal skin. Shea oil is best for oily or combination skin, facial use in warmer weather, and as a finishing layer over shea butter for a lighter daily feel.

Where does Baraka source its shea butter?

Baraka's shea butter is sourced through the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Ghana's Upper West Region. Every batch is hand-processed using traditional water-based methods — no solvents, no chemical extraction at any stage. Wayne Dunn has maintained direct cooperative relationships with the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre for over 15 years. The women at the cooperative receive a fair-trade premium directly, without intermediaries. Chain-of-custody documentation is available on request for every batch. For the complete sourcing story, see Baraka's Social and Environmental Impact Report.

Is raw shea butter good for mature skin?

Yes — mature skin produces less sebum and loses moisture more rapidly than younger skin, making substantive moisturising ingredients like shea butter particularly well-suited. The semi-occlusive barrier supports moisture retention throughout the day. For mature facial skin, a practical approach is shea oil in the morning (lighter, faster-absorbing) and shea butter in the evening (richer, longer contact time during sleep). The vitamins A and E in shea butter provide antioxidant activity in topical formulations.

What should I look for when buying raw shea butter?

Five indicators of genuinely unrefined shea butter: (1) Ivory to pale yellow colour — never bright white (bleached) and consistently bright yellow may indicate artificial colouring. (2) Mild, earthy, nutty scent — if completely odourless, it has been refined. (3) Soft at room temperature, melting immediately on skin contact. (4) Batch-to-batch colour variation — consistent colour across batches is a red flag. (5) Supplier who can name the cooperative, confirm the processing method, and provide chain-of-custody documentation. "Raw and unrefined" on the label alone is not sufficient verification. For the complete buyer's guide, see What Is Raw Shea Butter? The Beginner's Guide to Buying and Using It.

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About the Author

Wayne Dunn is the founder of Baraka Impact and a former Professor of Practice in Sustainability at McGill University. He holds an M.Sc. in Management from Stanford and has spent over 15 years working directly with the Konjeihi Women's Enterprise Centre in Ghana's Upper West Region to source traditionally made shea butter and natural oils. He shares DIY skincare recipes and ingredient guides designed to be made at home with real ingredients — and sourced with full transparency about where they come from.