Frequently Asked
Questions

TUNTUMM shea butter is 100% pure, raw, and unrefined shea butter handcrafted in Ghana, West Africa by founder Rebecca Yaa Serwah Tweneboah using traditional methods passed down through generations.

It contains no additives, preservatives, bleaching agents, or synthetic chemicals. Our shea nuts are hand-harvested from wild shea trees in Ghana's Northern Shea Belt, sun-dried, stone-milled, and whipped by hand into a silky, luxurious butter.

TUNTUMM currently offers four handcrafted whipped shea butter blends:

• Raw Whipped Shea Butter — 100% pure, unscented shea butter. The purest option, ideal for sensitive skin and babies.
• Shea & Coconut Oil Blend — Whipped shea enriched with cold-pressed coconut oil for extra nourishment and a light tropical scent.
• Jasmine & Ylang Ylang Blend — Shea, coconut oil, and raw honey infused with jasmine and ylang ylang essential oils. Aromatic and skin-brightening.
• Lavender Calming Blend — Shea, coconut oil, and raw honey with pure lavender essential oil. Soothing and perfect for evenings.

Raw, unrefined shea butter like TUNTUMM is minimally processed — the shea nuts are simply ground, extracted, and whipped with no chemicals, bleaching, or high-heat refining. This preserves all the natural vitamins (A, E, F), fatty acids, triterpenes, and anti-inflammatory compounds that make shea butter so effective.

Refined shea butter is processed with hexane solvents and high heat, which strips most of its beneficial properties, producing a white, odourless butter with significantly reduced therapeutic value.

TUNTUMM shea butter is always raw and unrefined — that is non-negotiable for us.

• Raw Whipped Shea Butter: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter — nothing else.
• Shea & Coconut Oil Blend: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil.
• Jasmine & Ylang Ylang Blend: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Raw Honey, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Essential Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Essential Oil.
• Lavender Calming Blend: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Raw Honey, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Essential Oil.

No parabens, no sulphates, no synthetic fragrance, no mineral oil, no preservatives. Ever.

Ghanaian shea butter from the Northern Shea Belt is globally considered among the highest quality. Benefits include:

• Deep skin moisturisation and long-lasting hydration
• Anti-inflammatory relief for eczema, psoriasis, and irritation
• Anti-ageing support through vitamins A and E
• Collagen production boost for firmer, more elastic skin
• Stretch mark prevention and gradual fading
• Scalp nourishment and hair conditioning
• Natural mild SPF protection (approximately SPF 6)
• Healing for dry, cracked heels, elbows, and lips

Yes. TUNTUMM raw shea butter contains high concentrations of triterpenes and cinnamic acid esters, which have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties that soothe eczema, psoriasis, and skin irritation.

Many of our customers report visible improvement in eczema symptoms within two to four weeks of consistent daily use. It is safe for all ages including babies and children with sensitive skin.

We recommend applying a small amount to clean, slightly damp skin and using our Raw Whipped Shea Butter (unscented) for the most sensitive skin conditions.

Raw African shea butter is uniquely rich in healing compounds that commercial moisturisers lack entirely or contain only synthetically:

• Vitamin A — promotes collagen synthesis and cell renewal
• Vitamin E — powerful antioxidant, protects against UV damage
• Vitamin F / Essential Fatty Acids — linoleic and oleic acid repair the skin barrier
• Triterpene alcohols — potent natural anti-inflammatory agents
• Cinnamic acid esters — natural UV protection and anti-inflammation

Unlike petroleum-based creams, raw African shea butter absorbs deeply without clogging pores, works across all skin tones, and contains zero known irritants.

Yes — TUNTUMM shea butter is excellent for natural, textured, and afro hair. It seals moisture into the hair shaft, reduces breakage, soothes a dry or flaky scalp, and adds shine without synthetic silicones.

Use a small amount on damp hair as a leave-in conditioner, sealant, or hot oil treatment. Our Shea & Coconut Oil Blend is particularly popular for hair care routines.

Raw, unrefined shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 0–2, meaning it is considered non-comedogenic and unlikely to clog pores for most people. Its high linoleic acid content actually helps regulate sebum production.

However, every skin is different. If you have highly acne-prone skin, we recommend patch testing a small amount first before full facial use, and always starting with a tiny, pea-sized amount warmed between your palms.

TUNTUMM shea butter is made in Ghana, West Africa — specifically sourced from the Northern Region of Ghana, which lies within the West African Shea Belt. This region stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia and is globally recognized for producing the finest quality shea nuts in the world.

Every batch is handcrafted and processed in Ghana before being carefully packaged and shipped worldwide.

TUNTUMM was founded by Rebecca Yaa Serwah Tweneboah, a Ghanaian woman who grew up watching her grandmother and mother process shea butter by hand in Northern Ghana. The name TUNTUMM means "black" in the Akan language — a tribute to the rich, dark shea nut at the heart of every jar.

Rebecca launched the brand to share authentic Ghanaian shea butter with the world, made exactly as it has been for generations, while supporting the women harvesters and makers in Ghana's Shea Belt communities.

Yes. TUNTUMM works directly with women harvesters and processors in Northern Ghana's Shea Belt. We pay above-market rates, buy consistently throughout the year, and consider our harvesters long-term partners rather than one-time suppliers.

All shea nuts are gathered from wild-growing shea trees — never farmed — which is both ecologically sound and in keeping with centuries of sustainable Ghanaian land stewardship.

TUNTUMM is a women-led brand committed to community empowerment at every level of the supply chain.

• Step 1 — Wild Harvest: Shea nuts are hand-picked from wild-grown shea trees in Ghana's Northern Region during peak season.
• Step 2 — Sun Drying: Nuts are naturally sun-dried under the West African sky to preserve vitamins, fatty acids, and healing compounds without heat damage.
• Step 3 — Stone Milling: The dried nuts are hand-milled using traditional stone techniques — no chemical solvents, no heat extraction.
• Step 4 — Whipping & Sealing: The extracted butter is whipped by hand to a light, silky texture, triple-filtered, and sealed under hygienic conditions.

No chemicals are used at any stage of this process.

Ghana's Northern Region sits within the heart of the West African Shea Belt — the natural habitat of the Vitellaria paradoxa (shea) tree. The combination of specific savannah climate, soil composition, and the fact that shea trees grow entirely wild (never cultivated) produces nuts with exceptional fat content and nutrient density.

Ghanaian shea is particularly prized for its high stearic and oleic acid content, which gives it superior moisturising and skin-healing properties compared to shea from other regions. The traditional processing methods used by Ghanaian women also preserve these qualities in ways that industrial processing cannot replicate.

TUNTUMM whipped shea butter is incredibly versatile. Here are the most popular uses:

• Body moisturiser — apply after showering to slightly damp skin for best absorption
• Facial night cream — use a pea-sized amount for deep overnight repair
• Lip treatment — apply directly to dry or chapped lips
• Scalp treatment — massage a small amount into roots to soothe dryness
• Hair sealant — apply on wash day to lock in moisture
• Stretch mark prevention — use the unscented Raw Whipped version on the belly, thighs, and breasts during pregnancy
• Baby moisturiser — safe for daily use on infant skin
• Cuticle softener — apply to nails and cuticles overnight

A little goes a long way. Start with a pea-sized amount, warm between your palms, and apply in circular motions.

Yes. TUNTUMM raw, unrefined shea butter is free from all synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives, making it one of the safest natural moisturisers for babies and newborns.

It is widely used across West Africa to moisturise baby skin, soothe nappy rash, and protect delicate skin from dryness — a tradition stretching back many generations.

For babies, we recommend the Raw Whipped Shea Butter (unscented) rather than the essential oil blends.

Because TUNTUMM shea butter is 100% pure and concentrated, a little goes a very long way. General guidance:

• Full body: a 10–20 pence / quarter-coin sized amount per body part
• Face: a pea-sized amount maximum
• Hair: a pea-sized amount to fingertip-sized amount depending on hair length
• Lips: a tiny swipe from your fingertip

Always warm the butter between your palms first — it will melt and spread much more easily.

Yes. TUNTUMM ships to the United States and worldwide. We offer free shipping on all US orders over $50. All orders are carefully packaged to preserve product quality during transit.

Delivery times depend on your location. Orders are processed and dispatched within 2–3 business days. Once shipped:

• United States: 5–10 business days (standard), 2–4 days (express)
• United Kingdom & Europe: 7–14 business days
• Ghana & West Africa: 3–7 business days
• Rest of World: 10–20 business days

You will receive a tracking number by email once your order has shipped.

We want you to love every jar. If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us within 14 days of delivery and we will work with you to make it right — whether that is a replacement, store credit, or a full refund.

As our products are natural and perishable, we are unable to accept returns of opened products unless they are defective or damaged in transit. Please contact us with photos if your order arrives damaged.

TUNTUMM raw shea butter has a natural shelf life of 18 to 24 months when stored correctly. Because it contains no preservatives, it is important to:

• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Store in a cool, dry place (room temperature is fine)
• Always use clean, dry hands or a spatula when scooping to avoid introducing moisture or bacteria

The natural, nutty scent of raw shea butter may become slightly stronger over time — this is completely normal and does not mean the product has spoiled.

Yes. TUNTUMM raw, unrefined shea butter is 100% natural and safe to use during pregnancy. It is widely used by pregnant women across West Africa and globally to maintain skin elasticity, prevent stretch marks, and soothe skin tightness as the belly grows.

We recommend the Raw Whipped Shea Butter (unscented) during pregnancy rather than the essential oil blends, as some essential oils are advised against in the first trimester. If you are unsure, consult your midwife or healthcare provider.

Absolutely. Shea butter has been used on skin of every tone, type, and age for centuries across Africa and beyond. TUNTUMM is made for everyone — darker skin tones, lighter skin tones, and everything in between.

Raw shea butter does not bleach or alter skin tone. It hydrates, protects, and nourishes — nothing more, nothing less. It is particularly beneficial for melanin-rich skin, which can be more prone to dryness and benefits greatly from the deep fatty acids in unrefined shea butter.