Some women working on shea butter
Shea butter dealers have projected a boom in business starting next month when the Harmattan intensifies.
They said the rise in patronage of shea butter, popularly known as “nkuto” occurs during every Harmattan season, which makes it logical to make the prediction.
This was revealed by a survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Tuesday.
The survey, which sought to determine the connection between Harmattan and the patronage of creams, also revealed that shea butter sold more than any other cream during the dry season.
Susana Akua Atta, who sells shea butter at Mallam market in Accra, explained that the cream was more capable of fighting dry skin as compared to other creams.
She also said shea butter had some ingredients, which makes it effective for addressing some health problems.
Yaa Aboagyewaa Mensah, who owns a cosmetic shop at Dansoman, a suburb of Accra, said the cream moisturises the skin and makes it look bright.
“We use Nkuto for babies, which makes them look beautiful,” she said.
Mr Appiah Kubi, who deals Nkuto in large quantities at Lapaz, told GNA that “the cream will make you look fresh all time. It makes your skin soft and relaxed.”
Adelaide Akosua Korantemaa, a beautician and skin therapist at Madina, said shea butter was better than all other creams.
She explained that it has very significant nutrients capable of militating against skin diseases such as pimples, rashes, boils and wrinkles.
She recommended the cream to everyone, saying “it is best fit for all type skin colours.”
Cynthia Appiah, a nurse, said shea butter is normally recommended for patients during the dry season.
She explained that unlike some creams which contain chemicals which could cause skin irritation and bleaching, Nkuto had natural composition which makes it appropriate for patients.
Shea butter is slightly yellowish or ivory-coloured natural fat extracted from fruit of the shea tree by crushing and boiling.
“It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturiser and an emollient, as cooking oil in West Africa, and sometimes used in the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter.
– GNA