Shea olein and shea butter may appear to be quite alike - a fact that is undeniably accurate, yet they also possess some distinctions that many remain oblivious to. Despite originating from the same source, there are numerous other factors that render each of these products distinctive and advantageous in its own unique manner. Acquire knowledge about these variations and you will be equipped to make superior decisions when presented with the opportunity to select between them, contingent on your requirements and anticipations.
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What distinguishes shea olein from shea butter?
Summary
- Difference #1: Shea butter and shea olein undergo distinct extraction procedures
- Difference #2: Shea butter and shea olein possess distinct textures
- Difference #3: Shea butter and shea olein possess distinct phytochemical compositions
- Difference #4: Shea butter and shea olein permeate the skin at varying rates
- Difference #5: Shea butter and shea olein are not present in the same categories of product
- What is the Connection Between Shea Olein Oil and Shea Butter?
- Sources
Published March 21, 2025,
updated on March 24, 2025,
by
Andjela, Chemical Engineer
—
9 min read
Difference #1: Shea butter and shea olein undergo distinct extraction procedures.
Whilst both strive for profound hydration, nourishment, and bolstering of the skin barrier, the initial distinction is found in their extraction methods. Shea butter extraction from shea nuts is achieved either by cold pressing or boiling, with the solid and liquid components preserved.
Shea olein is procured via fractionation - the method of dividing mixtures into constituents based on unique characteristics, such as boiling point, solubility, or molecular size. During the fractionation process, there is a total elimination of solid stearic acid from the liquid oleic acid in shea butter. This implies that shea olein remains liquid at ambient temperature but maintains the same advantages as shea butter.
Difference #2: Shea butter and shea olein possess distinct textures.
When it comes to shea butter, it is naturally solid at ambient temperature - thus it yields a dense and creamy texture, which renders it ideal for body butters, balms and intensive-conditioning treatments. Conversely, shea olein is semi-liquid at ambient temperature, so it’s generally more of a liquid formulation. This type of formulation allows shea olein to be easily integrated into various liquid formulations including serums, lotions and massage oils, without the extra requirement to melt it down or soften it to achieve this. It is also referred to as shea olein oil.
Difference #3: Shea butter and shea olein possess distinct phytochemical compositions.
Indeed, both shea butter and shea olein, in terms of their constituent parts, are a rich source of fatty acids, but they are found in differing proportions. Shea butter has an equal ratio of oleic and stearic acids, making it cohesive, while shea olein is composed of a higher amount of oleic acid compared to stearic , giving it a more fluid and light nature. Their differences influence how these substances are formulated into skincare and hair care products.
| Fatty Acids | Whole Shea Butter | Fractionated/Hydrogenated Shea Olein |
|---|---|---|
| Palmitic Acid (16:0) | 4.8% | 8.0% |
| Stearic Acid (18:0) | 45.9% | 33.3% |
| Oleic Acid (18:1) | 40.8% | 47.7% |
| Linoleic acid (18:2) | 6.9% | 7.1% |
| Arachidic acid (20:0) | 1.6% | 1.3% |
Proportions of fatty acids in shea butter and shea olein.
Source: LOVETT P. N. Natural butters fractionation alternatives. Personal Care Asia Pacific, Waxes and Butters (2014).
Difference #4: Shea butter and shea olein permeate the skin at varying rates.
The velvety consistency of shea butter allows for effortless absorption by the skin, making it a suitable moisturiser for all skin types. Its high stearic acid content aids in creating a barrier that further inhibits transepidermal water loss. Conversely, shea olein, the more fluid oil component, is absorbed rapidly and hydrates the skin without making it feel heavy, presenting an alternative for those who favour a lighter sensation.
Difference #5: Shea butter and shea olein are not present in the same categories of product.
Denser skincare products like body creams, lip salves, and hair treatments incorporate shea butter as it is deemed appropriate for offering profound nourishment and safeguarding. Owing to its light character, shea olein is utilised in moisturisers, serums, massage oils, and liquid soaps. Both of these components are esteemed in skincare, but their formulations vary based on texture and purpose.
Shea butter is recognised for its dense texture and robust barrier-creating properties, rendering it an excellent option for extremely dry skin, cracked lips, and other instances that necessitate profound protection. However, shea olein provides the same nourishing advantages in a lighter, more liquid form, which facilitates its easier absorption. This also makes it ideal for daily hydration whilst still catering to the needs of dry and extremely dry skin. Nourishing face creams with shea olein, retain the moisturising and protective qualities of shea butter whilst enhancing the product’s texture and spreadability.
What is the Connection Between Shea Olein Oil and Shea Butter?
Both shea butter and shea olein are derived from the nuts of the shea tree, which results in their similarity in terms of the benefits they offer through a remarkable blend of essential fatty acids, bioactive compounds and vitamins. They are both highly endorsed for their moisturising, highly nourishing and emollient properties that are utilised in skin and hair care. They are excellent for application due to their anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration support, antioxidant protection, and treatment benefits associated with them. Shea butter and shea olein also possess natural sun-protective as well as rejuvenating properties that shield the skin against environmental stressors.
Sources
LOVETT P. N. Alternatives to fractionation of natural butters. Personal Care Asia Pacific, Waxes and Butters (2014).
VAN BOEKEL M. A. & al. Nutritional composition of shea products and chemical properties of shea butter: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2014).
ISRAEL M. O. Shea Butter: A Contrary Substitute for Trans Fat in Margarine. Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences (2015).
LOVETT P. N. Shea butter: Properties and processing for use in food. Speciality Oils and Fats in Food and Nutrition (2015).
NIAMKE S. & al. Enhancing the optimised shea butter quality: A significant potential for use by general consumers and industrialists. SpringerPlus (2015).
OBIBUZOR J. U. Decomposition impact of Aspergillus species on certain physiochemical and chemical parameters of olein fraction of shea butter. British Journal of Food Science and Nutrition (2016).
WANG Y. & al. Speciality fats based on Shea olein: Formulation, characterisation, and potential application. LWT (2017).
ADAM A. et al. Extraction methodologies of Shea butter: Present scenario and future outlook. African Journal of Biochemistry Research (2019).
SHEILLA N. & al. Segmentation of Ugandan shea butter into marketable shea stearin and shea olein (2023).
WRIGHT P. & al. Assessing the promotional prospects for shea nut and shea nut processed products in Uganda. Greenwich University (2021).
YIN Y. Emulsification of shea butter. Advances in Computer and Engineering Technology Research (2024).
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