Shea butter products are one of the most effective and popular skin care creams and soaps on the market today. Shea butter is actually a substance that is derived from a nut that comes from the Savannah Region of Africa. It is derived from the Karite tree, it is also known as the Shea-Karite tree. The butter is made from the nut that grows on the tree. The nuts are picked, cracked, pounded and boiled for several hours.