Ingredient Library
Shea Butter
Butyrospermum parkii
Shea butter is a rich plant butter pressed from the nuts of the African shea tree, full of fatty acids and vitamins that deeply nourish, protect, and soften. It suits very dry, mature, and sensitive skin.
A natural history
Shea butter comes from the nut of the African shea tree, which grows across the dry savanna belt south of the Sahara. For centuries it has been pressed and whipped by hand to protect skin and hair against a climate of relentless sun and wind, and because that work is traditionally done by women, shea has long been called women's gold.
It reached the wider world as a treasured emollient, the rich base of countless balms and creams.
What it does for your skin
Shea butter is a classic emollient that softens skin and helps it hold moisture. A review of plant oils notes that shea butter is rich in an unsaponifiable fraction of antioxidant and soothing compounds and helps support the skin barrier through an occlusive, moisture sealing effect.[1] In a formula it gives a cushioning, deeply softening feel that helps dry skin look smooth and comfortable.
References
[1] Lin TK, et al. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
Found in these formulas
Questions, answered
Yes. Shea butter is a classic emollient rich in antioxidant, soothing compounds that softens skin and helps it hold moisture by sealing the barrier.
It cushions and deeply softens, giving dry skin a smooth, comfortable feel and helping reduce moisture loss.
Its soothing, unsaponifiable fraction makes it gentle and well tolerated by most skin, including dry and sensitive types.
You'll find shea butter in our Night Lip Mask.