Why do we use Shea Butter?
Of all the natural butters used in skincare, few are as beloved or as universally recognized as Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii). Hailed as a “superfood for the skin,” this rich, creamy emollient has been used for centuries in Africa to nourish, protect, and heal the skin.
As a foundational ingredient in our ingredient philosophy, many of our most hydrating products, we believe in its power to restore comfort to dry and sensitive skin.
What is Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter?
Shea Butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). The butter is packed with a high concentration of fatty acids, vitamins, and other compounds that are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Its unique composition is what makes it so valuable:
- Fatty Acids: It’s particularly rich in oleic acid and stearic acid, which are excellent at softening and moisturizing the skin. It also contains linoleic acid, which is crucial for a healthy skin barrier.
- Vitamins: It is a natural source of Vitamin A and Vitamin E, two powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin.
- Non-Saponifiables: A significant portion of Shea Butter consists of these healing compounds that won’t turn into soap when mixed with lye. These substances, including triterpenes, are responsible for its potent soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Source:
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Forms of Dermatitis – This scientific review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology discusses the importance of lipids and fatty acids, like those found in Shea Butter, for skin barrier health.
The Good: 3 Key Benefits of Shea Butter in Creams
Shea Butter is a multi-functional hero ingredient, acting as an emollient, an occlusive, and a soothing agent all in one.
1. It Provides Intense, Long-Lasting Moisturization
This is Shea Butter’s primary role. As a rich emollient, it sinks into the skin to soften and smooth it. It also has occlusive properties, meaning it forms a protective layer over the skin’s surface that seals in moisture and prevents water loss (a process called Transepidermal Water Loss, or TEWL). This dual action makes it incredibly effective for dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin.
2. It Soothes and Calms Irritated Skin
Shea Butter’s anti-inflammatory properties are well-documented. The presence of compounds like triterpene alcohols helps to calm irritation and reduce redness. This makes it a go-to ingredient for managing skin conditions characterized by dryness and inflammation. It is often recommended by dermatologists for people with eczema or psoriasis to help soothe and protect the skin barrier.
Source:
- National Eczema Association: Moisturizing and Eczema – This resource from a leading patient advocacy group highlights emollients like Shea Butter as essential for managing dry, itchy skin conditions.
3. It’s Rich in Skin-Nourishing Antioxidants
The presence of Vitamin A and Vitamin E gives Shea Butter antioxidant properties. These vitamins help neutralize damaging free radicals from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, which are responsible for breaking down collagen and causing premature aging.
The Bad: Are There Any Considerations?
Shea Butter is overwhelmingly safe and beneficial, but there are a few points to consider depending on your skin type and preferences.
- Texture and Feel: Shea Butter is very thick and rich. For those with dry or mature skin, this luxurious feel is a huge benefit. However, for those with oily skin types, it may feel too heavy or greasy, especially for daytime use.
- The Pore-Clogging Question (Comedogenicity): This is the most common concern. Shea Butter has a very low comedogenic rating (typically 0 to 2 out of 5), meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. Its composition is more similar to the skin’s own lipids than highly comedogenic butters like cocoa butter. However, those prone to congestion may prefer a guaranteed non-comedogenic option like Jojoba Oil.
- Quality Matters (Refined vs. Unrefined): Unrefined Shea Butter retains all its natural vitamins and has a nutty, smoky scent. Refined Shea Butter is processed to remove the color and odor, making it more stable and aesthetically pleasing in cosmetic formulas, though some of the vitamin content may be reduced.
Source:
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils – This scientific review discusses the properties of Shea Butter, highlighting its rich concentration of linoleic acid and anti-inflammatory triterpenes, which support skin barrier function and make it suitable for non-comedogenic formulations.
The Verdict
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a true skincare staple for a reason. Its unique blend of fatty acids, vitamins, and soothing compounds makes it one of the most effective natural ingredients for nourishing, protecting, and moisturizing the skin. While its rich texture may not be for everyone, its ability to restore comfort to dry, irritated, and compromised skin is unparalleled.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shea Butter
For most people, no. Shea Butter has a very low comedogenic rating (0-2 out of 5), meaning it is unlikely to clog pores. However, those with very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lighter, non-comedogenic oils.
Yes, Shea Butter is excellent for eczema-prone skin. Its rich emollient and occlusive properties help to form a protective barrier, lock in moisture, and its anti-inflammatory compounds can help soothe the dryness and irritation associated with eczema.
Unrefined (or raw) Shea Butter is in its purest form, retaining its natural beige color, nutty aroma, and highest levels of vitamins. Refined Shea Butter has been processed to remove the color and scent, making it white and odorless, which is often preferred for cosmetic formulas.
Find Shea Butter in Our Products
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