I've had a few customers ask me recently why their latest jar of moisturiser smells slightly different from their previous one. "Is something wrong?" they wonder. "Has the formula changed?"

The answer is beautifully simple: nothing's wrong at all. In fact, it's proof that what you're using is genuinely natural and unrefined. Let me explain.

The nature of natural shea butter

One of the key ingredients I use in our products is organic, unrefined shea butter. And here's the thing about truly natural shea butter – it's not identical from batch to batch. Sometimes it has a nuttier scent, other times it's smokier, and occasionally it's quite mild.

This isn't inconsistency. It's authenticity.

Why the scent varies

Shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree, which grows wild across Africa. Just like wine grapes or coffee beans, the characteristics of shea nuts are influenced by:

The growing season
Rainfall, sunshine, soil conditions – all of these affect the nuts. A particularly rainy season might produce nuts with a different profile than a drier year. Nature doesn't follow a formula, and that's precisely what makes it so powerful.

The harvest timing
Shea nuts harvested earlier in the season can have different characteristics from those harvested later. It's all part of the natural cycle.

Traditional processing methods
Unrefined shea butter is processed using traditional methods – often roasted over open fires. The type of wood used, the temperature, the roasting time – these all contribute to the final scent profile. Some batches are nuttier, some are smokier, some are more subtle.

Regional differences
Shea butter from different regions of Africa can have distinct characteristics, much like how olive oil from Italy tastes different from Spanish olive oil.

What this means for your skincare

Here's what's important: whilst the scent might vary slightly, the beneficial properties remain consistent. The vitamins, fatty acids, and skin-nourishing compounds that make shea butter so wonderful for mature skin are present in every batch.

You're still getting:

• Deep, lasting hydration
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Vitamins A and E for skin repair
• Natural protection and nourishment

The scent variation is simply a reminder that you're using something real, something that comes from nature, not a laboratory.

Refined vs Unrefined: Why I choose unrefined

I could use refined shea butter. It's been processed to remove colour and scent, making it identical batch after batch. It's predictable. It's uniform.

But here's what else refining removes: many of the beneficial compounds that make shea butter so extraordinary for your skin.

Unrefined shea butter retains all its natural goodness. Yes, it means the scent varies. Yes, it means the colour might be slightly different from jar to jar. But it also means you're getting the full spectrum of skin-loving nutrients that nature intended.

I'd rather give you something truly effective than something merely consistent.

Embracing natural variation

When you use Skin Elixir products, you're using ingredients in their most natural, potent form. This means:

• The shea butter might smell nuttier in one batch, smokier in another
• The colour might vary slightly from ivory to pale yellow
• The texture might be ever-so-slightly different depending on the season

These subtle variations aren't flaws – they're features. They're proof that what you're putting on your skin is real, unprocessed, and full of natural goodness.

What stays the same

Whilst the scent of the shea butter might vary, here's what never changes:

• The quality of ingredients I source
• The care I put into making each batch
• The effectiveness of the formulation
• The love and attention in every jar
• My commitment to giving you the very best natural skincare

A Sign of authenticity

In a world where so many products are standardised, homogenised, and made identical through chemical processing, these natural variations are actually something to celebrate.

They're proof that you're using genuinely organic, unrefined ingredients. They're evidence that I haven't taken shortcuts or used synthetic substitutes. They're a reminder that nature is beautifully imperfect – and that's exactly what makes it so perfect for your skin.

So next time you open a jar and notice the scent is slightly different, smile. You're experiencing the authentic nature of truly natural skincare. Your skin is getting the real thing, in all its variable, wonderful glory.

That's the Skin Elixir difference.

Shona x

P.S. If you ever have questions about your products – whether it's about scent, texture, or anything else – please do reach out. I'm always happy to chat about the ingredients I use and why I've chosen them. Your understanding and trust mean everything to me.