Before shea butter reaches a jar, there is a tree, a harvest and the knowledge of the people who prepare it. This is where Zarenva’s shea story begins: with attention to the ingredient and respect for the work behind it.
From fruit to butter
Shea butter is obtained from the kernels of the shea tree’s fruit. Traditional preparation involves several stages, which may include gathering and drying the nuts, removing the shells, crushing and milling the kernels, and separating and filtering the fat. Practices vary between producers and regions.
The finished ingredient carries a history of skilled preparation. Understanding that process adds depth to a familiar name on a label.
The people behind the process
Our suppliers have shared photographs and footage of shea preparation in West Africa. These materials offer a view of the work behind the ingredient and a way to recognize the women whose knowledge and experience form part of its story.
Visit Before the Jar to explore the supplier films. They document ingredient preparation; our approach to quality explains the separate work involved in developing finished Zarenva products.
Shea in a finished body butter
A formulated body butter brings shea together with other ingredients to create a particular texture and experience. The proportions, supporting oils and method of preparation all help shape the result.
Our Velvet Nourish Body Butter preview introduces the rich, whipped texture we are developing around shea butter and palm kernel oil. The Velvet Nourish ingredient guide offers a closer look at the proposed blend.
Choosing a texture for your routine
Begin with how you want a product to fit into your day. You may enjoy a lighter texture after a morning shower, or prefer the slower application of a richer butter. Read the complete ingredient list and directions, and consider your own preferences around texture and fragrance.
Our body butter and lotion guide explores those differences. For hair care, discover the separate Silk Nourish concept, developed with its own intended use in mind.
A West African story, a Canadian chapter
Zarenva is taking shape in Kitchener, Ontario, with West African roots at the heart of the brand. Our first collection brings that connection into everyday body and hair care.
Follow our journey as we prepare the first Zarenva body and hair care collection. Join the Zarenva launch list to follow the collection from the beginning.
Botanical background: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Shea tree.