Unrefined Shea Butter has a characteristic nutty smell which is widely acceptable by most users. It usually has an ivory or yellow color.
On the other hand, refined Shea Butter will generally be cured of this characteristic smell and color by the use of various chemicals, including bleaching agents.
This makes refined Shea butter white in color and without the characteristic nutty smell.
A good part of refined Shea butter usually will contain residue chemicals and trace of toxic substances which have been used during the refining process.
Furthermore, the refining process damages a substantial part of the natural vitamins and minerals present in Shea butter.
Generally, raw and unrefined Shea butter is best.