Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products, orders, and policies
ABOUT SHAYBA NATURALS
Shayba Naturals is a natural and organic bath and body care company specializing in premium Shea butter-based products. Our mission is to harness the purest gifts of African nature and deliver them in the form of effective, affordable, and genuinely natural skincare. Our products include body lotions, body wash, facial and body creams, soaps, hair nourishers, lip balm, and a dedicated men's grooming line called Manly-Man.
We source our Shea butter directly from West Africa (Ghana) and East Africa (Uganda). Our suppliers maintain deep kinship ties and national/international connections spanning decades. We are very selective about source and extraction methods — as a rule, we do not purchase Shea butter extracted with solvents. All of our Shea butter is certified to be the highest grade by an independent laboratory.
Most commercial skincare brands that claim to contain Shea butter actually use only trace amounts, burying it among synthetic chemicals and fillers. Shayba Naturals uses generous, active concentrations of high-grade, mechanically extracted Shea butter. No solvents. No synthetic fillers. This is why our customers consistently report results that rival or outperform prescription treatments — at a fraction of the cost.
While Shayba Naturals does not make formal medical claims due to the absence of direct clinical trials, we have amassed extensive anecdotal evidence from customers confirming the effectiveness of our products. Our Shea butter is independently laboratory-certified at the highest grade. Multiple customers confirm results comparable to steroid creams for conditions like eczema and psoriasis, without the side effects.
Shayba Naturals products are available online through our website and select online retailers. We also sell at select pop-up events, wellness fairs, and beauty expos. Contact us directly for wholesale, salon, or bulk purchasing inquiries.
Yes. Because Shea butter's moisturizing compounds are similar to those naturally produced by the skin, it is exceptionally well-tolerated, even by people with sensitive, reactive, or allergy-prone skin. Shayba Naturals customer Cheryl (UGA) has sensitive, dry skin and reports that our body lotion keeps her moisturized without any irritation.
Yes. Shea butter is 100% natural and is widely used during pregnancy as a stretch mark prevention and soothing agent. It is particularly effective for moisturizing the skin as it stretches, and many expectant mothers find West African Shea butter especially beneficial for this purpose due to its higher Vitamin A content.
Shea butter is a creamy, rich substance extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree, found exclusively in the tropics of Africa. It is packed with fatty acids and essential vitamins — including Linoleic Acid and Vitamin E — which give it powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. It is a 100% natural, botanical ingredient that has been used by African communities for generations.
Shea butter is found only in tropical Africa. The Shea-Karite tree begins to bear fruit after about 15 years, and can take up to 30 years to produce a quality crop of nuts with a high content of the irremovable fatty acid that gives Shea butter its unique healing properties. Most Shea butter comes from West Africa, though a prized softer variety from East Africa (Uganda) is also available.
Shea butter is one of the most effective natural skin conditioners in the world. It works in two key ways: (1) It forms a barrier on the skin's surface to prevent moisture loss and dehydration, and (2) It actively moisturizes because its structure closely resembles the lipids produced by the skin's own sebaceous glands — making it a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Specific benefits include:
- Deep moisturization without clogging pores
- Relief for eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions
- Reduction in the appearance of stretch marks, blemishes, and wrinkles
- Natural sun protection through cinnamic acid content
- Anti-inflammatory properties soothing to irritated or sun-damaged skin
- Helps eliminate dark spots and even skin tone
- Reduces razor bumps and shaving irritation
- Heals dry, cracked, or rough skin including feet and elbows
- Safe and effective for sensitive skin, diabetic skin, and baby skin
Shea butter is rich in Vitamins A, E, and F. Vitamin A and E maintain skin health, keep the skin clear, and are especially effective against sun-damaged skin and premature aging. Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator — soothing rough, dry, or chapped skin. Shea butter also contains a high percentage of unsaponifiable fatty acids (7–12%), significantly higher than avocado oil (2–6%) or olive oil, which is one of the key reasons it penetrates the skin so effectively without clogging pores.
Yes. Shea butter contains cinnamic acid, which acts as a natural sunscreen, providing a degree of UV protection. Additionally, its antioxidant properties are comparable to those of green tea and olive oil. While we do not position Shea butter as a replacement for sunscreen, it does provide meaningful daily sun protection as part of your skin care routine.
Absolutely. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for dry or damaged hair. It repairs and protects hair from roots to tips against harsh weather, dryness, and brittleness. It is particularly beneficial for processed, heat-treated, or chemically treated hair. It absorbs quickly and completely without clogging pores, treats dry scalp, and restores luster and moisture to damaged hair.
Multiple Shayba Naturals customers with eczema and psoriasis report results as effective as prescription steroids — without the side effects and at a fraction of the cost. While we make no formal medical claims, the anti-inflammatory properties of Shea butter, combined with its ability to form a protective barrier and moisturize deeply, make it highly compatible with the management of these conditions. We always recommend consulting your doctor for serious medical skin conditions.
TYPES OF SHEA BUTTER
The difference between raw and refined Shea butter is analogous to the difference between brown and white rice — raw is preferable for its full nutritional and healing properties, while refined is processed for cosmetic appearance. Raw Shea butter is extracted using water and retains its natural color (cream to grayish yellow), smell, and full complement of vitamins and healing compounds. Refined Shea butter undergoes further processing (such as clay filtration and deodorization), which removes the natural smell and color but retains many healing properties. We recommend raw or lightly refined Shea butter unless you are sensitive to the natural smell.
We offer both. Our Raw Shea Butter is lightly filtered and retains its natural color and smell. Our Ultra Pure Shea Butter is refined through clay filtration and deodorization — it retains its healing and moisturizing properties without the raw smell. All of our Shea butter is mechanically extracted. No chemicals or solvents (other than water) are used in the process.
West African Shea butter (Vitellaria Paradoxa, primarily from Ghana) is higher in stearin (the solid component), Vitamin A, and sterols — making it ideal for stretch mark prevention and conditions requiring Vitamin A-rich treatment. East African Shea butter (Vitellaria Nilotica, from Uganda) has a higher olein content (the liquid component), making it softer, more fragrant, and faster-absorbing — ideal for intense moisturization, dry knees and elbows, dry scalp, eczema, dermatitis, and as a lip balm. East African Shea butter is rarer and more highly valued. Shayba Naturals offers both.
No. The more Shea butter is processed, the greater the likelihood that the 'good stuff' — the unsaponifiables, vitamins, and healing compounds — is degraded or removed. Shea butter extracted using solvents like hexane is considered inferior because solvents compromise the authenticity and potency of the natural product. Shayba Naturals strongly recommends against solvent-extracted Shea butter and never uses it in our products.
Authentic, high-quality Shea butter should never be green, extremely hard, or greasy. It should be solid at room temperature (melting near body temperature), with a natural cream-to-yellowish color for raw varieties. It should not smell foul — if it does, discard it. Be wary of commercial products that prominently advertise Shea butter but sell at suspiciously low prices; they typically contain minimal amounts of Shea butter alongside synthetic chemicals. Shayba Naturals' Shea butter is certified by an independent laboratory to be the highest grade.
SHAYBA NATURALS PRODUCTS
Our product line includes:
- Body Lotion — rich, non-greasy, for all-day moisture
- Body Wash — deeply cleansing with natural lather
- Bar Soaps — including Lemongrass and Unscented varieties
- Facial & Body Creams — for wrinkles, blemishes, stretch marks, and dark spots
- Hair Nourisher — for dry scalp, processed hair, and natural hair restoration
- Lip Balm — deep moisture with natural UV protection
- Manly-Man Shayba Naturals Line — body wash, lotion, lemongrass soap, and hair nourisher for men
For dry, rough, or sensitive skin: our Body Lotion and Body Cream are ideal. For eczema, psoriasis, or inflammatory skin conditions: our concentrated creams and raw Shea butter formulations are most effective. For stretch marks during pregnancy: West African Shea butter-based cream. For dark spots and uneven skin tone: body cream used consistently over time. For dry scalp or damaged hair: Hair Nourisher. For men seeking a complete grooming regimen: the Manly-Man line. If you are unsure, contact us — we are happy to recommend the best product for your specific needs.
Absolutely. We specifically developed the 'Manly-Man Shayba Naturals' line for men. This includes body wash, lotion, lemongrass soap, and hair nourisher. Customer Joe from Buford, Georgia says he threw out all his old grooming products after discovering the Manly-Man line and highly recommends it without reservation.
Yes. Shea butter is a natural, gentle ingredient suitable for babies and children. It is safe for diaper rash, dry skin, and general moisturizing for young skin. As always, perform a patch test first and consult your pediatrician if your child has a diagnosed skin condition.
Yes. Several Shayba Naturals customers with diabetes have found our products highly beneficial for the extreme skin dryness that often accompanies the condition. The natural, non-irritating formulation makes our products ideal for the sensitive, fragile skin that diabetic patients often experience.
PRODUCT USAGE & STORAGE
For skin: Apply to clean, damp skin after bathing for maximum absorption. The product absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. For hair: Apply to damp or dry hair and scalp, focusing on the roots and tips. For lips: Apply as needed throughout the day. For targeted treatment (eczema, stretch marks, dark spots): Apply twice daily — morning and night — to the affected area consistently for best results.
Shea butter products can be stored at room temperature in a cool place and do not require refrigeration. They have a shelf life of several years, though potency may gradually decline after two to three years as natural compounds begin to break down. The moisturizing properties, however, are preserved for longer. Keep the lid closed and away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Yes. Shea butter has a low melting point — it naturally liquefies at or near body temperature and will melt in a warm room or during summer delivery. This does not affect the quality of the product at all. Once it cools or is refrigerated, it will solidify again. You may want to stir it during cooling to maintain a uniform consistency as the liquid (olein) and solid (stearin) components re-integrate.
Shea butter is a unique emollient in that it absorbs quickly and completely into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Depending on your skin type and environmental conditions, a single application may provide moisture all day. For very dry or compromised skin, twice-daily application is recommended for therapeutic effect.
No. One of Shea butter's most valuable properties is its ability to penetrate the skin deeply while still allowing it to breathe and respire freely. Unlike many other oils and butters, Shea butter does not clog pores. Its high unsaponifiable fatty acid content (7–12%) enables this deep, non-occlusive penetration.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES & TESTIMONIALS
The results speak for themselves. Here are just a few of our customer experiences:
- Tony (NJ): 'The Shayba products are outstanding!! For the first time in my life, I have the skin that I desired — soft, moist and clean! I will use all of the products from now on.'
- Audrey (NC): 'Shayba products are reasonably priced and yield excellent results in eliminating stretch marks and dark spots, combating eczema, renewing dry skin and more. I am hooked on these products.'
- Joe (Buford, GA): 'Since discovering the Shayba Naturals products, I've had to toss out all the old products I used to have. I highly recommend the Body Wash, lotion, lemongrass & unscented soap and hair nourisher! You can't go wrong — I guarantee!'
- Cheryl (UGA Freshman): 'I am a very picky person with sensitive, dry skin. Now, I can honestly say Shayba Naturals body lotion helps keep me moisturized without irritating my skin, and smells amazing. Couldn't live without it!'
We make no formal medical claims. However, we have collected extensive customer reports confirming that our Shea butter-based products work as well as steroids for eczema and psoriasis — at a fraction of the cost and without side effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of Shea butter, combined with its deep moisturizing and barrier-forming action, are biochemically consistent with these outcomes.
Many products that claim to be 'natural' or 'Shea butter-based' contain only trace amounts of active ingredients buried among synthetic fillers, fragrances, and preservatives. Shayba Naturals uses generous, active-concentration Shea butter, independently certified at the highest grade, mechanically extracted without solvents. The difference in results comes down to the quality, concentration, and purity of what actually goes into each product. There are cheaper products on the market. There are not many better ones.
SAFETY, ETHICS & SOURCING
Shayba Naturals products are formulated from high-quality, naturally sourced ingredients with Shea butter as the primary active compound. We do not use solvents in our Shea butter extraction. We strongly recommend against synthetic chemicals and do not feature them in our core formulations. As with any product, please review the individual product label for the full ingredient list.
Shayba Naturals is committed to ethical and responsible sourcing. Our products are formulated from botanical and natural extracts and do not involve animal cruelty.
Absolutely. Our sourcing relationships in Ghana and Uganda are built on decades of trusted, kinship-level partnerships. We are committed to fair trade principles and honoring the communities — many of them women farmers and cooperatives — whose labor and knowledge make our products possible.
Very likely not. Be cautious of low-priced Shea butter products. Many commercial manufacturers add minimal amounts of Shea butter while prominently featuring it on their labels, padding their formulas with synthetic chemicals that may be harmful or that reduce the effectiveness of the Shea butter that is present. You may find cheaper products. It is very unlikely you will find one with the same grade of Shea butter, the same concentration, the same extraction standards, and the same independently certified quality as Shayba Naturals.
We would love to hear from you. Please visit our website or reach out through our social media channels. Whether you have a skin care concern, need product guidance, or are interested in wholesale opportunities, our team is here to help.
SHAYBA NATURALS — “Nature’s Gift to Your Skin”