Tammie Umbel, Shea Terra's founder, has been exploring remote villages throughout Africa for the rarest, power-packed ingredients on the planet since 2000. Shea Terra works with indigenous tribes to discover these potent ancestral plants and minerals and offers these Superhero Ingredients through our concentrated formulas.

Argan Oil

One of the rarest, most exotic oils in the world, the golden oil of the argan plant is found only in a small region of Morocco. A close relative to the shea tree, the argan fruit kernel produces rich, anti-aging oil high in antioxidant vitamin E, polyunsaturated and fatty acids. The unique combination of antioxidant and moisturizing properties in this oil can help to maintain skin elasticity while preventing moisture loss that can contribute to the aging process. This oil can make the skin look softer while limiting the appearance of stretch marks, under eye circles, burns and wrinkles as well and damage from smoking, pollution or harsh sunlight. It can help to regulate sebum so the skin will not look greasy and manage the body's pH so the skin will be less likely to become irritated.

Shea Nilotik' Shea Butter

Cold pressed, never boiled, this rare East African shea butter is much creamier and softer than its West African sister. The nuts of this differing species produces a butter that is higher in olein and tocopherols. This unrefined butter is exceptional for aging skin and after sun care. Unlike West African shea butter, which can build up in hair, Shea Nilotik' Shea Butter is also ideal for damaged hair.

Moroccan Lava Clay

We coined it Moroccan Lava Clay, for a lack of a better name, as this clay is found only in Northern Africa. In our opinion there is no better clay in the world. Ghassoul clay, sometimes erroneously called rhassoul clay, has a unique composition. One of its most active ingredients is silica known to enhance the regeneration of skin. Silica is also beneficial for strengthening the hair and nails. Ghasl means cleansing in Arabic, and this is the origin of the word Ghassoul. Not only does the clay purify and cleanse the skin, but it is very effective against blemishes. It can also serve as a wash for skin conditions such as eczema.

Since 2000, Shea Terra has been on a quest for natural beauty wisdom throughout Africa, exploring remote villages, trekking through miles of desert on camel back, and sailing into the depths of Nubia. Our journey has allowed us to tap into a wealth of indigenous knowledge and share these remote beauty secrets with the world. Through our diverse line of skin and hair care products, you can embark on this journey of beauty wisdom with us.

Ghassoul in Ancient Egyptian History and Moroccan Traditions

Ghassoul is a mineral clay found under the bed of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It is a sedimentary rock formation from the Tertiary age and its use as a beauty product dates back to the 8th century. The beneficial properties of ghassoul were even mentioned in Egyptian papyrus. Ghassoul is an essential part of traditional Moroccan Hammam rituals, which are similar to steam baths and spa but with greater cultural significance for its role as a place of important meetings and celebrations. Hammam rituals is usually the start of Moroccan wedding traditions. The bride and female family and friends gather in hammams the night before the wedding for its cleansing and purifying rituals. Ghassoul clay is used to enhance the cleansing effect of the ritual. This clay is actually so essential and valuable In Moroccan culture that it is part of the offering made by the groom's family to the bride.

Shea Terra is founded by Tammie Umbel, an enterprising super mom, who built the company while homeschooling 14 of her children. Shea Terra grew out of Tammie's vision to develop natural skin care treatments that would not only heal and beautify those who use them, but also empower and enrich the lives of many impoverished villages and families throughout Africa.

Since early 2000, Shea Terra Organics has been working with cooperatives and conservation groups to source natural, organic ingredients in a sustainable and ethical way that would create economic opportunities and preserve wildlife. We share these indigenous, time-tested healing ingredients through our breadth of product lines, which include facial care, body treatments, hair herbals and maternity & newborn remedies.