Known for incorporating some of the most beneficial raw materials into its products, Shea Terra Organics delivers pure, natural, borderline miraculous skin, body and hair solutions. Surprisingly affordable, the range popped on my radar while researching facial oils a decade or so ago. When a certain model started to make a killing selling Argan Oil on a certain TV shopping network, it didn’t take me long to find Shea Terra Organics and their liquid gold for a fraction of the price. Fans of organic and wild harvested ingredients will love the Namibian Marula, African Baobab, and Madagascar Tamanu Oils – skincare doesn’t get cleaner than that.
Shea Terra Organics has grown significantly over the years and includes a multitude of options to cleanse, purify, and hydrate every skin type at any age. Having earned a cult following, the brand constantly evolves with innovative yet eco-conscious complexion boosting launches. I revisited the brand recently and found a staggering amount of newness. Current skincare obsessions are the Authentic African Black Soap Powder and Baobab & Coconut Water Face Masque.
While not a ‘soap’ per se, African Black Soap is an ash medley cooked in oil that has been used for centuries. Initially concocted to help heal skin infections, cleanse and more, it is superb as a modern day answer to acne, loss of firmness, and skin discoloration. The combination of cocoa pod ash, plantain peel ash, palm kernel oil, and camwood bark is indeed black in color but don’t panic – it will not stain your sink or shower. It dissolves fully and rinses off without a trace. Yes, the scent is all natural and is somewhere between smokey and burney but in the grand scheme of things, the results make it very much worthwhile.
Since my combination skin tends to get oilier in the Spring/Summer, I find the Shea Terra Organics Black Soap Powder to be a great face wash every other day. I use it down to my shoulders, which treats and prevents any clogged pores on the chest area. Pour some of the black crumbs into the palm of your hand, add a bit of water, and create a paste. Apply to wet or dry skin but if you opt for the latter go gently as you enjoy the exfoliating properties. The immediate smoothness and firmness are seriously impressive. Its deep cleansing and anti-inflammatory powers make it a great treatment cleanser that addresses uneven skin tone in need of a boost of firmness. If your hair deals with a frequent styling aids, use the Black Soap Powder as a weekly treat on the scalp to remove any stubborn product buildup. Safe for use on the face and body, it may be just a tiny bit drying if used daily, so be sure always to follow with a moisturizer! $18 – 8 oz.
Since I never turn down a product geared towards dull skin, the Shea Terra Organics Baobab & Coconut Water Face Masque has been my recovery method of choice of late. Simple in theory, this mixture of ground Baobab Fruit, Quasil (leaves from a Somali tree known as GOB) and freeze dried Coconut Water aims to brighten, plump, and resurface. Mix in a teaspoon of this flour like texture with any liquid. Water is recommended, but I have also used or a Hyaluronic Acid based toner (any infusion or essence will work for an added boost) successfully. Use a bowl or a cup for convenience and apply with a brush or fingers, leave on for 15 minutes, and rinse. Your face will feel tight but not uncomfortably so and while slightly pink complexion may occur after washing off the mask, it will return to a radiant glow within minutes. $24 – 5 oz.
Only plant based, never tested on animals and all 100% natural, explore the entire range at sheaterraorganics.com.
