If you have been reading our blogposts, and often read us in Linkedin, you probably have seen that we have been having a big focus on liquid shea and what can it do for YOU. The rationale behind itis that, contrary to solid shea butter, that is broadly known and used in the industry, we still see that the existence of liquid shea is still barely known, and with that of course, there is little understanding of the benefits it can provide.
Learnings from our latest webinar
This became clear on our latest webinar, Harness New Opportunities and Eliminate Challenges with Liquid Shea Butter, which happened on November 5th where we specifically asked participants about whether they had used solid shea butter and/or liquid shea butter before.Our live polls uncovered an interesting insight: while 60% of participants had never worked with liquid shea before, nearly 90% are already incorporating shea butter into their formulations.
So, yes, the interest in exploring the different shea formats is growing! We’ve gathered some of the most common questions from the session and answered them below.
Why are some liquid Shea Butters hazy and others are clear?
NO fundamental difference just the process of the different raw materials.
What is the difference between Lipex 205 vs Lipex SheaLiquid TR?
The key difference lies in their sustainability profiles. Lipex® SheaLiquid TR™ is one of our climate compensated shea ingredients, meaning its emissions have been calculated and fully offset using Gold Standard and Fairtrade carbon credits. These credits are generated through a FairClimateFund cookstove project in Burkina Faso that supports climate action within our shea supply base and directly benefits local communities. In contrast, 205 is AAK’s standard liquid shea designed for broad, general purpose formulation needs.
Are there critical temperature ranges for stability?
Liquid shea stays stable across normal storage temperatures because it doesn’t crystallize at room temperature like refined shea butter does. This means it won’t thicken, grain, or change texture over time—even with temperature fluctuations—reducing the risk of co crystallization with waxes and making formulations far more predictable and robust. It does not co-crystallize with waxes, reducing potential formulation challenges.
During the webinar we briefly introduced our latest finding on the impact of crystallization (or lack of thereof) on viscosity development. Below, we are summarizing the results and key implications for formulators.
The Viscosity Dilemma: Why It Matters
Viscosity is at the heart of every cosmetic product’s sensory experience. Stable viscosity means every use feels the same, ensuring consumer satisfaction and extending shelf life. But here’s the catch: viscosity isn’t static. It can evolve over time, and the rate of change is highly dependent on temperature. Unpredictable viscosity leads to poor product experiences, packaging issues, and even product recalls. For manufacturers, this means higher costs, longer storage times, and the risk of disappointing customers.
The Impact of crystallization
Refined shea butter, a staple in many formulations, is prone to crystallization at room temperature. This process doesn’t just affect texture, it triggers ongoing changes in viscosity and droplet size, making it nearly impossible to guarantee a consistent product from the factory to the consumer’s hands. Even after three months, formulations with refined shea butter might have not reached a stable crystal form, requiring tight temperature control and extended storage to achieve the desired consistency.
The Solution of Predictable Performance
Unlike its refined counterpart, liquid shea does not crystallize at room temperature. This single property transforms the entire formulation process. In comparative studies, oil-in-water emulsions made with liquid shea showed no significant changes in viscosity or droplet size over time, regardless of storage temperature. The result? Less need for controlled storage, shorter warehouse times, and a much lower risk of unwanted consistency changes at the end consumer. Liquid shea formulations are also less likely to separate or degrade, making them a worry-free choice for formulators
Robustness Through Simplicity
The benefits don’t stop at production. After a year of storage, emulsions made with 100% liquid shea remained robust and stable, while those with refined shea butter were highly sensitive to post-processing parameters, showing clear differences in texture and consistency. This robustness means fewer headaches for manufacturers and a more reliable experience for consumers. Here goes your key takeaway: Choose Liquid Shea for Peace of Mind and bullet-proofing your formulation.
Ready to make the switch? Discover more about the science and benefits of liquid shea in our latest article here or check our liquid shea landing page here.
