Novel shea butter polyoxyalkylene glycol phosphate esters prepared by the reaction of a polyoxyethylene glycol (PEG) or polyoxypropylene glycol (PPG) or mixtures thereof with shea butter, preferably mild-processed shea butter (MPSB), followed by phosphation under specific mild-processing conditions. These materials are useful as cosmetic and personal care ingredients, allowing for the delivery of highly desirable active ingredients present in shea butter, including natural antioxidants, in a water-soluble form that is substantive to the skin and hair.