About Us

After serving as a Peace Corp Volunteer in Cameroon, West Africa, Karite Gold founder Sharon Moore returned to the village to continue her study of medicinal botanicals. She spent an additional nine years in various regions of West Africa observing methods of traditional healing, collecting evidence, and conducting clinical research. Sharon developed tremendous respect for the natural healing arts as she lived with various tribes, observing and learning the nearly magical, yet natural healing practices of the people.

At one point during her stay, Sharon entered a village in a remote region of Cameroon to locate a botanical specimen requested by a U.S. researcher. As she entered the village, she approached several older village women roasting fish at the roadside to find a place to stay for the night. Although communication was very difficult (the women spoke neither French or Pidgin), her introduction to these villagers would prove to be an adventure that would positively change her life and the health of countless others!

Sharon was amazed to discover that the elderly women of this village had nearly flawless skin with no signs of aging! Virtually no wrinkles, scars, or blemishes. Despite a lifetime of labor with their hands, their hands were soft, with healthy cuticles and nails. Sharon also noted and was impressed by the glossy and beautiful character of the women's hair. Sharon decided to remain in the village to discover the secret of their physical condition. she accepted their kind invitation to settle in one of the fish cooks' rooms.

The next afternoon a Catholic Priest stopped by, as the village was in the remotest part of his parish. As a Canadian, he was delighted to see another person from the Western World. As their initial conversation waned, Sharon asked if he knew the source of the miracle she had observed in the village's elderly women. He laughed and said, "Oh yes, that is Shea Butter. When I go home to Montreal, I always take several pounds to my mother and sister. Shea Butter is all they use for skin care and my mother looks younger every time I see her!"

Upon further investigation, Sharon discovered that Karite Shea Butter had been carefully researched and that it had been used sparingly as an ingredient in expensive French moisturizers since the 1930's. Karite Shea Butter was not widely known, however, and either inadvertently or by design, had been kept a secret. Sharon immediately began using Shea Butter and experienced remarkable softening and smoothing of the skin. Living in the varied climatic conditions of Africa had taken a toll on her skin. The rain forest has its charms, but insect bites, rashes, and the harsh elements are not among them.

11 years of research and experimentation with Karite Shea Butter has resulted in the Karite Gold products; the highest quality, natural, and most effective products available to anyone wanting smooth, soft, and healthy skin and hair. This ancient discovery, known and used primarily by continental Africans for centuries is now available to everyone!