Shea Butter Benefits for Skin: How to Use, Where to Buy + DIY Recipes!

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You’ve probably seen shea butter benefits touted on all kinds of skincare labels from body lotions and soaps to primers and make-ups.

But why is it such a popular choice in the world of beauty?

For several reasons; this moisturizer is perfect for many skin types and provides some amazing all-around moisture that will carry you all throughout your day, no matter what life throws at you!

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is the ideal moisturizer for many skin types and is found in many beauty products.

It is made from extracting the fat from a shea nut and has been used for many, many years to aid in the healing and treatment of many skin ailments.

It’s high absorbability makes it a great addition to any skincare routine and it won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or oily.

Shea butter can help with inflammation of the skin, help heal chafing or chapping, and even has anti-aging properties.

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Shea Butter for Skin Quick Facts

Shea Butter Scientific Name:

The scientific name for shea butter is Vitellaria paradoxa.

Shea Butter Comedogenic Rating:

Shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 2 so it is not very likely to clog your pores.

Shea Butter Extraction Method:

Shea butter is extracted from the kernels of the nut found on a shea tree.

Shea Butter INCI Name:

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Shea Butter COSING Number:

55024

Shea Butter Skincare Recommendations:

Shea butter is recommended for individuals who have dry to normal skin or those who are seeking anti-aging effects in their moisturizer.

Shea Butter Absorption:

Shea butter contains both linoleic acid and oleic acid which balance each other out to make it easily absorbed by the skin. Shea butter also absorbs very fully so it will not leave skin heavy or oily after application.

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Shea Butter Composition: Fatty Acids

Palmitic Acid (C16:0)	4%
Stearic Acid (C18:0)	38%
Oleic Acid (C18:1, ⍵-9)	49%
Terpenoids	30,000 mg/kg
Linoleic Acid (C18:2 ⍵-6)	5%
Phenols	3,600 mg/kg
Vitamin E	220 mg/kg (α-tocopherol; 141 mg/mg)

Shea Butter Benefits for Skin

Shea butter can benefit your skin in so many ways.

• It can help make your skin appear younger by keeping it plump and moisturized
• Aid in fighting inflammation and soothe irritation
• And it can even help protect your skin from environmental damage.

Shea butter is often found in moisturizers since it is an emollient which helps to hold moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated.

Popular Shea Butter Uses for Skin

Some of the most popular uses for shea butter are as a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and happy.

It is also used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Shea butter is also often used to aid in treatment of eczema and acne as well as helping fade or reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Shea Butter Substitutes

Shea butter is a softer butter. Because of this, mango butter can be a good substitute for shea butter in skincare recipes. 

If you are someone who doesn't particularly like the smell of shea butter in your products, mango butter is a great alternative. 

Warnings/Contraindications for Shea Butter

Shea butter is fairly safe to use, there are very few warnings in association with used shea butter as a topical moisturizer.

Even people with tree nut allergies do not often observe allergic reactions when using shea butter.

It is always recommended to do a patch test on a less sensitive area of the skin prior to applying it to your face, and talk with your doctor about adding shea butter to your skincare regime if you have tree nut allergies, or a skin condition.

Now that you know all about Shea Butter Benefits for Skincare, you're probably ready to make some recipes.

Check out the skincare recipes below that all include shea butter as an ingredient!

Shea Butter Skincare Recipes

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