If you have dry or sensitive skin, various humectants and emollients can enhance moisture levels, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, lanolin, and squalane. However, one ingredient that stands out for effectively combating dryness and is widely used in both skincare and haircare is shea butter.
Whether included in a product formulation or used in its natural form, shea butter offers numerous benefits—from diminishing premature fine lines and wrinkles to alleviating skin conditions like eczema.
Shea Butter
Type of Ingredient: Moisturizer
Key Benefits: Provides hydration, offers antioxidant properties, and soothes irritation.
Who Should Use It: Generally suitable for anyone with dry skin.
How Often You Can Use It: You can use it as often as desired, provided you don't have an allergy.
Pairs Well With: Other oils and cocoa butter.
Ingredients to Avoid Combining With: There are no known ingredients that conflict with shea butter.
To know more on skincare ingredients shop our skincare ingredients dictionary on Amazon. Click here to shop.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin
Hydrating: Shea butter is excellent for hydration and soothing the skin. It penetrates well and protects the face from extreme temperatures.
Plumps Skin: Shea butter helps moisturize, nourish, and calm the skin. It’s ideal for dry skin and can create softer, hydrated, plumper skin, particularly during the dry winter months. It’s also commonly found in lip balms to relieve chapped lips and in moisturizers that help prevent stretch marks.
Fades Scars and Heals Skin: Shea butter can help diminish scars from acne and other causes, as well as heal sunburned, cracked, and peeling skin. It can soothe skin allergies, such as those caused by poison ivy and insect bites, along with conditions like contact dermatitis and psoriasis. Some users have even reported relief from rheumatism symptoms (though this claim is not scientifically proven). Overall, shea butter is considered very safe, with the Environmental Working Group classifying it as non-toxic.
Neutralizes Free Radical Damage: The various components in shea butter can help counteract free radical damage, potentially reducing signs of aging.
Raw vs. Refined Shea Butter
When shopping for shea butter products, you may see terms like "raw" and "refined." Refined shea butter refers to processed versions, which tend to be less potent and contain fewer vitamins and minerals. You may also notice color differences, with raw products often appearing yellow compared to the more common white of refined shea butters.
Shea Butter vs. Cocoa Butter
Both shea butter and cocoa butter are emollients that provide excellent moisture to the skin. However, cocoa butter is rich in vitamin A, while shea butter is higher in vitamin E and fatty acids. They also have distinct fragrances, with cocoa butter having a chocolate scent due to its origin from cacao.
How to Use It
Shea butter can be applied on its own, but it is also a common ingredient in cosmetics. Incorporating shea butter into a moisturizer with other ingredients for easier application, as it tends to be a thick solid at room temperature. If you prefer to use it on its own or create your own products, buying in bulk online from a wholesaler is a good option. Raw shea butter can be directly rubbed onto the skin for moisturizing and barrier protection, while refined shea butter is typically included in lipsticks, balms, body creams, and butters.
Possible Side Effects
Like any skincare ingredient, shea butter may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, presenting as irritation, redness, or rash-like breakouts. Those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution and consider avoiding shea butter.
FAQs
Can shea butter lighten skin?
Shea butter can lighten marks such as hyperpigmentation and acne scars. As previously mentioned, it can help fade scars both from acne and non-acne-related causes.
Does shea butter clog pores?
Many acne-prone patients are worried about excessive moisturizing, fearing it will clog the pores. Shea butter is non-comedogenic and should not clog the pores.
Kaye's Beauty Book is here to help you choose better products that suit your skin, hair and lifestyle. All of the products mentioned are carefully researched and selected to ensure that the most credible information comes to you. If you do buy a product from one of our links, Kaye's Beauty Book may earn a commission.
II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II
Comments