The Mystery of Yellow vs White Shea Butter: What’s Really The Difference?

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Have you ever stared at two jars of shea butter, one yellow and one white, wondering what on earth makes them different? You’re not alone!

I recently found myself at a local market, completely puzzled. There I was, holding two types of shea butter, and no one – not even the vendors who use it daily – could tell me the real difference between them.

Even more frustrating? When you search online, every website seems to tell a different story (see post here). And if you ask importers who bring this precious butter straight from Africa? Well, prepare for even more conflicting answers!

I got told they were EXACTLY the same and that there was no difference between the two by the person who sold me the two blocks of shea butter (yellow and ivory). I got told the same by someone else working at the shop.

I got told by another shop in Brixton (the entire shop geared towards selling African products) that the yellow butter was yellow because they add ​the Karite tree flower to it.

I finally have seen online a few different things; for example that some people add palm oil to the butter and that’s what makes it yellow.

So, who is telling the truth? Who actually KNOWS the truth? It’ll be interesting for me to see how they make the yellow shea butter yellow when travelling to Africa in 2020, but I think I can shed some light on this confusing dilema.​

**Also make sure to check out my shea butter on face before and after post.

Difference Between Yellow and White Shea Butter: So What’s REALLY Making It Yellow?!

Confused yet? Join the club! The more people I asked about the difference between yellow and white shea butter, the more contradicting answers I got. It’s enough to make your head spin!

Picture this: I’m standing in a shop, holding two blocks of shea butter – one yellow, one ivory. The vendor looks me straight in the eye and says they’re EXACTLY the same thing. Their colleague nods in agreement. No difference whatsoever, they say. Right…

But wait, it gets better!

Pop over to Brixton, to a shop absolutely packed with African products, and you’ll hear a completely different story. “Oh, the yellow colour? That’s from the Karité tree flower!” they’ll tell you with absolute confidence.

And if you think going online will clear things up, think again! Some websites swear it’s palm oil that gives the butter its sunny hue. Others have completely different explanations.

Who’s telling the truth?

At this point, I’m starting to feel like a detective trying to crack the case of the mysterious yellow butter! While I’m planning to see the actual production process during my trip to Africa in 2020 (nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes!), I think I can help shed some light on this confusing situation right now.

Want to know what I’ve discovered? Keep reading, because the truth about this golden mystery might surprise you…

My First Look at Raw Shea Butter: The Sensory Experience

You know that feeling when you’ve finally found exactly what you’ve been looking for? That’s how I felt when I discovered those boxes packed with raw, unrefined shea butter!

At first, all I could find were pre-packaged tubs (you know the type – all neat and commercial-looking). But then… oh then! I stumbled upon this absolute gem of a shop in the market that was doing things differently. Instead of fancy packaging, they were selling their butter in simple plastic bags. How’s that for keeping it real?

Sure, other stalls were selling ivory shea butter too – tiny 100g bags that barely seemed worth the effort. But something about this particular shop (called Kumasi, if you’re wondering) just drew me in. Maybe it was the sheer abundance of butter they had, or maybe it was just that wonderful raw, authentic feel about the place.

The Prize Find

And there it was – my beautiful 500g block of pure, unrefined shea butter in all its glory. No additives, no refinement, just pure, natural goodness straight from the source. When I tell you this is the real deal, I mean it’s the REAL deal!

Let’s Talk Texture: The Creamy (and Sometimes Messy!) Reality of Yellow Shea Butter

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the texture of this golden beauty! If you’ve ever tried scooping softened butter with your fingers, you’ll know exactly what I’m dealing with here.

This yellow shea butter is CREAMY. And when I say creamy, I mean properly, deliciously, frustratingly creamy!

The Good, The Bad, and The Greasy

Picture this: you reach for your block of yellow shea butter, and the moment – the very moment – your fingers touch it, they’re coated in this rich, buttery goodness. Sounds lovely, right? Well, it is… until you need to actually move the block around!

Here’s the thing about this gorgeous butter that no one warns you about:

• It sticks to EVERYTHING (especially your fingers)
• Without a proper edge to scoop against (think glass or metal), you’re in for an interesting time
• Try to grip the block? Watch it slip and slide around like a bar of soap in the bath!

A Close-Up Look

Looking at it up close (even with my not-so-fancy camera), you can really see that greasy, rich texture. It’s worlds apart from its ivory cousin – so much creamier, so much greasier, and honestly, so much more challenging to handle.

Pro Tip: If you’re working with yellow shea butter, keep a spatula handy. Trust me on this one – your fingers will thank you later.

By the way, this super-creamy texture isn’t just a quirk – it’s actually a clue about what makes yellow shea butter different from the ivory version. But more on that in a moment…

The Pearl of Shea: Up Close with Ivory Shea Butter

Ever seen freshly carved alabaster? That’s what this ivory shea butter reminds me of! Let me tell you about this stunning block of natural goodness…

The Solid Stunner

Unlike its creamy yellow cousin, this ivory beauty means business! The moment you look at it, you can tell it’s different – it’s got that gorgeous pearly white tone that just screams “luxury”. And when I say solid, I mean solid!

Here’s where things get interesting:

• It’s firm to the touch (no finger-coating here!)
• Takes its sweet time to melt
• Needs some good old-fashioned friction to warm up…

The Real-World Experience

Want to use it on your lips? Better get ready for a little workout! You’ll need to warm it between your fingers first – this isn’t your quick-melting yellow variety. Think of it like solid coconut oil – it needs that body heat to transform from solid to silky.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush it! The extra time it takes to warm up actually makes this variety perfect for precise application – no more accidentally using way too much product.

Looking at these pictures, you can really see that crystalline, almost waxy texture. It’s worlds apart from the soft, creamy yellow version we looked at earlier. But you know what? This firmness isn’t a flaw – it’s actually one of its best features for certain uses…

Comparison Between Yellow Shea Butter and Ivory Shea Butter Photos

You know those “spot the difference” games? Well, I’ve got both butters right in front of me, and wow – the differences are striking!

Let’s get straight to it: yellow shea butter spreads like a dream, while ivory… well, let’s just say it’s got trust issues. You really need to work with it!

The Big Differences:

• Yellow melts the second it touches your skin
• Ivory needs convincing (and lots of warming up)
• Yellow spreads smooth as silk
• Ivory can get a bit lumpy if you rush it

These differences aren’t just about convenience – they actually tell us something fascinating about how these butters are processed.

The Mystery of Yellow Shea Butter – Finally Solved!

Remember all those conflicting stories about what makes shea butter yellow? Well, I’ve just stumbled upon something fascinating!

I recently watched an incredible video that finally clears up all the confusion. And let me tell you – it’s not what most people think.

Here’s the Truth About That Golden Colour

When your shea butter is the real deal (and I mean the genuine article), that beautiful yellow tint comes from something specific: borututu tree tree bark added during milling. Not the root, as some claim, but the actual bark – which has this gorgeous orange hue to it.

If you’d like to know more about the bark of the borututu tree this article expands on its beneficial compounds and detoxifying effects.

Differences at a Glance

Find below an easy to compare table chart of the differences according to the photos, videos, experience on skin and research.

YELLOW SHEA BUTTER

• Easy spread
• Smooth texture
• Sticks to a surface due to the greasy texture
• Greasier when scooping
• Smooth and creamy
• Feels more like butter
• Stays on the skin longer, greasier so it doesn’t get absorbed fast.
• Stronger, more odorous smell
• Probably good for making balms as it spreads beautifully

IVORY SHEA BUTTER

• ​Lumpy
• Pastier texture
• Block moves about when trying to grab some butter due to its more solid nature
• Harder to scoop out
• It has a crumblier texture, not so buttery
• Skin absorbs it faster than the yellow butter
• Waxier smell, not as strong as the yellow butter
• Probably better for lotions due to its colour

Final Thoughts

There you have it. I hope the photos help, I’m not sure about the benefits in terms of long term use of each butter but at least you can start thinking about the different uses you can give each one according to texture and scent.

Benefits and Uses of Yellow and White Shea Butter

Is it for hydration? A DIY balm? Or maybe you’re just after a luxurious body butter that melts like a dream. Choosing between yellow and ivory shea butter can feel like a challenge, so I’m helping you below.

Yellow Shea Butter: The Rich, Creamy Moisturiser

Is it hydration? Is it luxury? What is going on?!
You’ve just picked up a block of yellow shea butter, and the moment you touch it, it melts like butter on warm toast. It’s creamy. It’s rich. It’s absolutely glorious.

• Deep hydration: Elbows, knees, heels—you name it. If it’s dry, yellow shea butter is your saviour.
• DIY balms and salves: Lip balms, body butters, or heavy-duty skin salves—this creamy texture was made for it.
• Cracked skin: It’s the ultimate moisture-locking barrier. Slather it on and watch it work its magic overnight.

Ivory Shea Butter: Lightweight, Absorbent, and Oh-So Practical

Looking for something lighter? Something… well, less slippery? Ivory shea butter has your back.

This one’s a bit different. Firmer to the touch, it takes its time to melt but rewards your patience with a silky finish.

• Daily moisturising: It absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue. Perfect for lotions and face creams.
• Sensitive skin: Milder scent, softer texture—this one’s ideal if your skin gets annoyed easily.
• Smooth finishes: Need a butter for products that feel light and luxurious? This is the one.

So, Which One Should You Go For?

Yellow or ivory?

• Go yellow if you need heavy-duty hydration or are making rich, indulgent products like balms.
• Choose ivory for lightweight, everyday formulas that absorb like a dream.

My Recommendations

Here’s my recommended YELLOW SHEA BUTTER.

Here’s my recommended IVORY SHEA BUTTER.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the choice between yellow and ivory shea butter is more than just a matter of colour—it’s about tradition, texture, and how these natural butters fit into your life.

The journey to uncover their differences has highlighted not just the uniqueness of each, but also the rich history and craftswomanship behind them.

Whether you choose yellow for its creamy indulgence or ivory for its practical versatility, you’re connecting with a product deeply rooted in nature and culture.

And perhaps that’s the real beauty of shea butter—not just what it does for your skin, but the story it tells with every use.