Shea Butter (CAS 68424-60-2) — Sweet Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Shea Butter
CAS 68424-60-2
What Is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. People encounter it in skincare products, lip balms, and some fragrances for its moisturizing properties. It matters because it provides a rich, creamy base in formulations, adding depth and longevity to scents while benefiting the skin.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Shea Butter Smell Like?
Shea butter has a subtle, nutty aroma with creamy, slightly smoky undertones. Its scent is warm and comforting, reminiscent of roasted nuts or caramelized butter. In fragrances, it acts as a base note, providing a smooth, velvety foundation that enhances richer accords like vanilla, amber, or woods. Over time, it melds seamlessly into the skin, leaving a faint, cozy trace.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Shea butter adds a creamy, nutty depth to this woody fragrance, softening the sandalwood and cedar notes for a smoother dry-down.
Used to enrich the vanilla accord, shea butter lends a velvety texture and subtle nuttiness to this gourmand scent.
Shea butter complements the spicy-sweet sandalwood, adding a creamy, skin-like warmth to the fragrance.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Shea butter is a complex mixture of triglycerides, primarily composed of oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids. It is obtained by cold-pressing the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). The butter contains unsaponifiable fractions like triterpenes and sterols, which contribute to its skin-nourishing properties. Its natural composition varies slightly depending on the region of harvest.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 32-45 °C |
|---|---|
| Color | Ivory to pale yellow |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare | 5-20% | Up to 100% | Moisturizing and emollient |
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Adds creaminess and longevity |
Classic Accords
Tip: Melt shea butter gently to avoid scorching its delicate nutty aroma.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers a similar creamy texture but with a stronger chocolate-like aroma, ideal for richer gourmand fragrances.
Lighter and less nutty, suitable for fresher compositions where shea might be too heavy.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply to shea butter.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers shea butter safe for use in cosmetics and fragrances.
Sustainability
Shea butter is sustainably harvested by women-led cooperatives in West Africa, supporting local economies. Wild-grown shea trees require no irrigation or pesticides, making it an eco-friendly ingredient. Fair trade initiatives ensure ethical sourcing and fair wages for harvesters.
Explore Shea Butter
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References
- Maranz, S. et al. (2004). Fatty acid profiles of shea nut products. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. PMID 15161201
- Honfo, F.G. et al. (2014). Nutritional composition of shea products. Food Chemistry. PMID 24290663
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
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