Shea butter is fat thatβs extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Itβs solid at warm temperatures and has an off-white or ivory color. Shea trees are native to West Africa, and most shea butter still comes from that region. Shea butter has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries. Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids β combined with its easy-to-spread consistency β make it a great product for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning your skin.