<P> Shea butter ( / ʃiː / , / ˈʃiːə / , or / ʃeɪ / ) is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree ( Vitellaria paradoxa ) . It is usually yellow in color when raw , with Unrefined , Refined , and Ultra-Refined Shea butter being ivory or white in color . Shea butter is a triglyceride ( fat ) derived mainly from stearic acid and oleic acid . It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer , salve or lotion . Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in some African countries . Occasionally , the chocolate industry uses shea butter mixed with other oils as a substitute for cocoa butter , although the taste is noticeably different . </P>
where is shea butter gotten from in nigeria
the nut of the African shea tree