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What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is an off-white to ivory, semi-solid fat extracted from the kernels of the African shea tree. Renowned worldwide as a skin-soothing and barrier-repairing powerhouse, shea butter's exceptional performance comes from its unique fatty acid profile and remarkably high unsaponifiable fraction.

The phytosterol/unsaponifiable fraction defines shea butter's superiority in healing and anti-inflammatory applications, making it one of the most valued ingredients for dry, sensitive, eczema-prone, and aging skin.

Fatty Acid Profile: Stearic and Oleic Acid Dominant

Shea butter's effectiveness comes from its balanced composition of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, creating exceptional barrier support and deep hydration:

Why This Matters: The high stearic acid (35-50%) provides firmness and stability, while oleic acid (40-55%) delivers deep penetration and moisture retention. This combination creates a rich, protective barrier that's ideal for dry, damaged, and mature skin.

Bioactive Compounds: Beyond Fatty Acids

Shea butter is exceptionally rich in unsaponifiable compounds that provide superior healing and anti-inflammatory benefits:

• Unsaponifiable Fraction: 8-11% (among the highest of all plant fats) — Exceptional healing, anti-inflammatory, and barrier repair properties
• Triterpene Esters (Cinnamic Acid Esters): Major component of unsaponifiables — Anti-inflammatory, UV protection, soothing, and heal-wound benefits; responsible for shea butter's therapeutic effect
• Tocopherols (Vitamin E, multiple isomers): 163-1100mg/kg — Antioxidant, supports skin barrier and healing
• Lupeol & Karitene: Wound healing, anti-itch, and sun protection
• Carotenoids (Vitamin A precursors): Mild retinoid-like activity (but not a sunscreen substitute)
• Phenolics, vitamins A/D: Minor; contribute to restorative claims

Skin Benefits: What Shea Butter Does

Barrier Repair & Deep Hydration

Shea butter's unique unsaponifiable content supports rapid barrier repair, sealing moisture in and protecting against environmental stressors. The high oleic and stearic acid content provides long-lasting, deep hydration that's ideal for dry, rough, and cracked skin.

Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory

Rich triterpene esters (cinnamic acid esters) calm redness, itch, and discomfort. Shea butter is exceptionally effective for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and reactive skin, providing powerful anti-inflammatory benefits that support healing and comfort for rough/dry/cracked wound/scar healing, and chronic inflammation.

Elasticity & Texture Improvement

The combination of oleic acid and unsaponifiables improves skin flexibility and comfort for rough/dry/cracked skin, supporting elasticity and texture improvement for mature and aging skin.

Mild UV Defense

Naturally blocks minor UVB rays (SPF ~3-4), boosts after-sun repair, and complements photo-protective routines (not a stand-alone sunscreen substitute).

Emollient & Occlusive Protection

Rich structure, cushion, and 'body' in balms, butters, lip sticks, soaps, body/scalp butters, and all-in-one creams create a protective barrier that locks in moisture and shields skin from environmental damage.

Hypoallergenic & Safe

Generally safe for all skin types, non-comedogenic (0-1 rating), and suitable for reactive skin conditions—considered hypoallergenic in most cases.

Best For These Skin Types & Concerns

Products Featuring Shea Butter

Experience the barrier-repairing and deeply hydrating power of shea butter in our carefully formulated products:

Body Care

• Whipped Body Butter - 4 Coastal Scents | Shea & Mango Butter — Delivers intensive moisture with triple-butter formula (shea, mango, cocoa). Supports barrier repair with fatty acids your skin needs. Absorbs quickly with cloud-like, whipped texture. Soothes eczema-prone and sensitive skin. Provides all-day hydration without heaviness. Nourishes with vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants.
• Magnesium + Arnica Soothing Lotion - Lightweight Body Lotion with Lavender — Supports muscle relaxation with 150mg bioavailable magnesium chloride. Soothes overworked muscles with traditional arnica-infused oil. Promotes restful sleep with calming lavender aromatherapy. Absorbs in minutes with lightweight, non-greasy formula. Nourishes skin with shea butter, mango butter, vitamin E.

Facial Care

• Radiance Revival Hyaluronic Facial Cream - Anti-Aging Moisturizer | 2oz - 4oz — Intense hydration with hyaluronic acid drawing moisture deep into skin layers. Plumps fine lines holding up to 1000x its weight in water for visible smoothing. Supports elasticity with argan oil rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. Deep nourishment with shea butter providing vitamins A and E. Soothes and calms with aloe vera and calendula reducing redness. Gentle exfoliation with goat milk powder containing natural lactic acid. Promotes renewal with allantoin supporting skin healing.

How to Use Shea Butter

Application Instructions

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly
2. Warm a small amount between hands until melted
3. Apply to face, body, or targeted areas while still warm
4. Massage gently until absorbed
5. Use alone or layer over serums for enhanced barrier protection

Layering Tips

• Morning: Apply after serums and before sunscreen for barrier support
• Evening: Use as final step for overnight deep hydration and repair
• For eczema/psoriasis: Apply to affected areas 1-2x daily for anti-inflammatory and healing benefits
• Body use: Excellent for dry patches, rough elbows/knees, cracked heels, and all-over moisture
• Lip care: Ideal for lip balms, providing cushion and long-lasting protection
• Hair care: Deep conditioning for dry, damaged hair and scalp health

Hair & Scalp Benefits

Shea butter is excellent for hair care:

• Deep conditioning and moisture retention
• Scalp soothing and anti-inflammatory support
• Frizz control and shine enhancement
• Heat protection and damage repair

Texture & Sensory Profile

Feel: Rich, creamy, silky when melted; unrefined is creamy with natural aroma; refined is lighter and more neutral
Absorption: Moderate to quick, depending on batch; leaves skin soft and protected
Color: Off-white to ivory (unrefined); white (refined)
Aroma: Nutty, earthy (unrefined); neutral (refined)
Stability: Highly stable, 18-24 months shelf life

Storage & Shelf Life

Shelf Life: 18-24 months when properly stored
Storage: Cool, dark place; avoid repeated melting/re-cooling
Stability: Natural tocopherols and triterpene esters provide excellent oxidative stability
Quality: Unrefined shea butter retains more bioactives; refined is lighter but has fewer therapeutic compounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shea butter clog pores?

No. With a comedogenic rating of 0-1, shea butter is non-comedogenic to very low comedogenic and safe for all skin types, including acne-prone and oily skin. Its rich texture absorbs well without clogging pores.

What makes shea butter so effective for healing?

Shea butter's exceptional unsaponifiable content (8-11%)—among the highest of all plant fats—provides superior anti-inflammatory, healing, and barrier repair properties. The triterpene esters are responsible for its therapeutic effects on eczema, psoriasis, and wound healing.

Should I use refined or unrefined shea butter?

Unrefined shea butter retains more bioactive compounds (triterpene esters, tocopherols, carotenoids) and provides superior therapeutic benefits. Refined shea butter is lighter, more neutral in scent, and easier to formulate with, but has fewer healing compounds.

Can I use shea butter on my face every day?

Yes! Shea butter is gentle enough for daily use and is considered hypoallergenic in most cases. Its non-comedogenic rating makes it suitable for facial application, even for sensitive and reactive skin.

Does shea butter provide sun protection?

Shea butter naturally blocks minor UVB rays (SPF ~3-4) and boosts after-sun repair, but it is not a sunscreen substitute. Use it to complement your photo-protective routine and support skin recovery after sun exposure.

How long does shea butter last?

Shea butter has an 18-24 month shelf life when properly stored in a cool, dark place. Its natural tocopherols and triterpene esters provide excellent oxidative stability. Avoid repeated melting and re-cooling to maintain quality.

Is shea butter good for eczema?

Yes! Shea butter is exceptionally effective for eczema due to its powerful anti-inflammatory triterpene esters and high unsaponifiable content (8-11%). It calms redness, itch, and discomfort while supporting barrier repair and healing. Apply to affected areas 1-2x daily for best results.

Can I use shea butter on my hair?

Absolutely! Shea butter is excellent for hair care, providing deep conditioning, moisture retention, scalp soothing, frizz control, and heat protection. It's especially beneficial for dry, damaged hair and scalp health.

Related Ingredients

Explore other rich, moisturizing butters and deeply nourishing oils in our collection:

• Mango Butter — Non-greasy tropical emollient with silky feel
• Cocoa Butter — Protective barrier for harsh conditions
• Avocado Oil — Penetrating nutrition for very dry skin
• Macadamia Oil — Rich omega-7 for barrier restoration
• Tallow — Bioidentical lipids for deep repair

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"This information is for educational purposes. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."