Shea Butter
Snapshot
Rich, fast-melting plant butter that softens dry, sensitive skin, supports the barrier, and calms visible irritation; often used for eczema-prone skin and lips.
What It Is
Shea butter is the lipid-rich fat from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It’s used topically as an emollient to soften, smooth, and help seal moisture into the skin.
Where It Comes From
Harvested across sub-Saharan Africa, shea kernels are dried, crushed, and extracted to yield butter. Refining can reduce scent and color; unrefined retains more natural compounds.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Dominant fatty acids are oleic and stearic. The unsaponifiable fraction is notable for triterpene alcohols and their esters (e.g., lupeol, amyrins, butyrospermol), plus phytosterols and tocopherols—components linked to soothing and antioxidant effects.
Health Benefits
Regular use improves skin softness and helps reduce transepidermal water loss. In eczema-prone skin, creams with shea butter extract have shown symptom improvements comparable to ceramide-type emollients. In sunscreens and lip products, shea butter can boost SPF and enhance UV filter photostability, but on its own it is not adequate sun protection.
Recommended Dosage
Topical use as needed. Warm a pea-sized amount between palms and apply to damp skin 1–3× daily. For lips or small dry patches, dab as often as needed. If layering with humectants (e.g., glycerin), apply shea last to seal.
How To Use It
After bathing, smooth a thin layer over still-damp skin. Spot-treat rough areas (heels, elbows) or use as an overnight hand or lip mask. Choose refined if you prefer minimal scent; unrefined if you want maximal natural compounds.
Who Should Use It
People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin seeking a simple, plant-based occlusive; anyone looking to soften rough texture on hands, feet, or lips.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Generally well tolerated. Patch test if acne-prone. Not a substitute for a tested broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Allergy is rare, but individuals with latex sensitivity should consider refined shea and patch test first; refined shea typically lacks detectable protein allergens.
Final Thoughts
A versatile, barrier-loving staple, shea butter earns its spot for straightforward, soothing moisture—alone or as the finishing “seal” in your routine.
Scientific Studies
Akihisa T, Kojima N, Kikuchi T, et al. Anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects of triterpene cinnamates and acetates from shea fat. Journal of Oleo Science. 2010.
http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20484832
Hon KL, Kung JSC, Ng WGG, Leung TF. Patient acceptability, efficacy, and skin biophysiology of a cream and cleanser containing lipid complex with shea butter extract versus a ceramide-precursor product in atopic dermatitis. Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2015.
http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26314567
Sarruf FD, Sauce R, Cândido TM, et al. Butyrospermum parkii butter increased the photostability and in vivo SPF of a molded sunscreen system. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020.
http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32385930