Shea Butter

INCI NAME: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Shea butter (INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter; also known as Vitellaria paradoxa butter) is a rich plant lipid prized for deep emollience and long‑lasting comfort. It contains skin-softening fatty acids plus an unsaponifiable fraction associated with antioxidant and soothing activity.

Shea butter mainly works by reinforcing surface lipids and reducing moisture loss. Instead of pulling water into skin like a humectant, it helps seal hydration in—making it valuable when skin feels tight, flaky, or exposed to cold, wind, and dry indoor air.

In barrier creams and body care, it restores suppleness and improves rough texture. It can make compromised skin feel more comfortable by smoothing micro‑flaking and supporting a healthier-feeling barrier.

Shea butter is also a texture-defining ingredient, adding a cushiony “buttery” slip that feels luxurious while providing practical protection—especially on cheeks, hands, elbows, and lips.

It pairs well with ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in barrier-repair routines and can help buffer stronger actives by adding lipid comfort.

Shea Butter benefits:

  • Deeply softens and smooths dry skin
  • Helps reduce moisture loss
  • Supports a more comfortable skin barrier
  • Improves rough, flaky texture
  • Adds protective richness
  • Provides antioxidant support

Shea Butter is best for:

  • Dry to very dry skin
  • Compromised or flaky barrier
  • Body care and rough areas
  • Cold-weather dryness
  • Lips and hands needing protection
  • Sensitive skin needing cushioning

Aliased with:

  • Shea Butter
  • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
  • Vitellaria Paradoxa Butter

Cautions:

Shea butter’s richness can feel heavy for very oily or acne‑prone skin. If you’re congestion-prone, use on drier zones or choose lighter textures.

If you have nut allergies, patch test. Many people tolerate cosmetic shea butter well, but individual sensitivity is possible.

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