Shea butter is an organic compound that consists of natural fats and other amazing ingredients. It originates from the African Continent but is used all over the world. There are various benefits of shea butter for the skin. It is rich in many useful ingredients that improve skin health.
The components of shea butter include fatty acids and vitamins. The fatty acids include oleic acid and stearic acid, while vitamins include A and E. All these ingredients are very nourishing and hydrating to the skin. Some people think that the thick consistency of the shea butter can clog pores and cause acne.
If you are one of those who want to know what is shea butter good for? This article will help you find the facts and true nature of shea butter. We will discuss in detail the science and research-backed benefits of refined and raw shea butter, with its various uses in the skincare industry.
African Shea Butter Benefits
Natural shea butter is derived from Africa from two different regions. These regions are collectively called the Shea Belt. The rich fatty acid composition of shea butter oil gives it unique qualities, such as skin protection, skin calming, skin healing, and anti-aging effects, by boosting collagen production. There are two types of shea butter based on their origin. Both of the varieties are derived from different trees and have slightly different compositions and qualities.
The two different shea butter origins are given below.
West African Shea
It is the most common form of natural shea butter, which is extracted from the Vitellaria paradoxa tree from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. This variety of shea butter is harder.
East African Shea
This is the finer variety of shea butter, derived from the Vitellaria nilotica tree. It is soft, has a milder scent, and has a low melting point.
Benefits of Shea Butter for the Skin
Moisturization
The most common use of shea butter oil in the skincare industry is as a moisturiser. Shea butter melts into the skin and nourishes it from within. It also forms a layer on the skin that retains moisture. Raw shea butter is a key ingredient in skincare products such as lotions, lip balms, body balms, and body butters.
Skin Barrier Repair
The emollient property of raw shea butter benefits the skin. It helps in skin barrier repair by nourishing deeply. It forms a protective layer that fights stressors, water loss, and infections, giving the skin barrier time to repair itself.
Skin Soothing
There are many shea butter benefits for the skin, one of which is its soothing and calming nature. Shea butter soaks into the skin and soothes and heals it. It calms the skin and improves skin redness, inflammation, irritation, and dryness.
Anti-aging
Vitamin A and E in shea butter are known to fight premature ageing by boosting collagen production, improving elasticity and firmness, promoting hydration, and strengthening the skin barrier.
Sun protection
Another benefit of shea butter for the skin is its sun protection. It is not a primary use of shea butter; however, it provides added sun protection against the UV rays.
Dandruff and hair repair
For hair, it can be used as a pre-shampoo mask to nourish and repair dry, damaged, and frizzy hair, restoring the moisture and shine. Natural Shea butter hydrates the scalp and reduces dandruff.
Shea Butter Uses in Everyday Skincare
Here are some of the most common uses of natural shea butter in the skincare routine.
Moisturiser
Shea butter uses include nourishing and moisturizing. It is used in various products for lasting hydration. Its moisturizing properties are so good that it is even used in products for people with skin conditions.
Lip Balm
Lip balms are a winter essential. Lips easily get dehydrated and chapped, which is why shea butter is used in lip balms to moisturize deeply. It also soothes lip irritation.
Hair Mask
Shea butter is a major component of pre-shampoo hair masks, as it nourishes the scalp and adds shine and moisture to hair ends. It removes frizz and prevents breakage and split ends.
Skin Conditions
Shea butter is known to relieve eczema and psoriasis in patients. It is used in formulations for eczema patients like Soteri Skin Eczema Relief Cream, which provides lasting hydration and mitigates eczema flare-ups.
Minor Burn Healing
A study reveals that shea butter products are effective for healing and soothing minor burns. A refined blend of shea butter with other oils and ingredients can be more beneficial for the skin with minor burns.
If you are looking to soothe your burn with shea butter, ensure you do not purchase it in its raw form, as studies show that applying raw shea butter can exacerbate the lesion.
Stretch Marks Creams
Stretch marks are a physiological phenomenon of the skin during weight gain, weight loss, and pregnancy. Many people develop insecurities due to the presence of the marks. Shea butter contains vitamin A, which promotes skin elasticity and diminishes the appearance of stretch marks.
Body Butters
Showers can dry out your skin, especially in winter (hot water). Shea butter is widely used in body butter to provide intense hydration after showers.
Raw vs. Refined Shea Butter
Shea butter, when obtained from the trees, undergoes a series of processing steps to refine it for use in skincare formulations. Below is the chart comparing both.
| Properties | Raw Shea Butter | Refined Shea Butter |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Ivory to pale yellow/beige | White |
| Scent | Earthy, nutty aroma | Neutral, odorless |
| Texture | Grainy or solid | Smooth, creamy, and uniform. |
| Nutrients | High levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds (like cinnamic acid) | Some vitamins and healing properties are lost during high-heat or chemical (hexane) refining. |
| Best for | Therapeutic use, dehydrated skin, and eczema | Commercial products, sensitive skin, and products with longer shelf life. |
How to Choose the Right Shea Butter
When you select a shea butter product, remember the following points before making the final decision.
- Skin Type: Some extremely sensitive skin types can show a reaction to latex and other ingredients in raw shea butter.
- Skin Issues: for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, choose raw shea butter. When buying shea butter for minor burns, look for blends with avocado or almond oil.
- Odour Sensitivity: Some people are extremely sensitive to fragrances; they should choose a refined shea butter with no fragrance.
When you look for raw shea butter, find a product that is ivory to pale yellow in colour with a slight nutty odour and a thick texture. However, when you look for refined shea butter, stay away from products with parabens, added preservatives, and fragrances.
Shea butter products with parabens, fragrance, and artificial colours can irritate eczema-prone and sensitive skin. Raw shea butter has a short shelf life, so it is recommended to buy a small quantity first. Raw shea butter has a higher concentration of vitamins and fatty acids.
If you are looking for shea butter for minor burns, then you must look for refined shea butter formulations with ingredients like avocado oil, glycerin, etc.
When you buy skin creams with shea butter, you must read the ingredient list and check if “raw shea butter” is mentioned.
If this seems overwhelming to you, then just go for a trusted brand that is backed by science and dermatologically approved, like Soteri Skin, which has an eczema relief cream formulated with high-quality shea butter and other ingredients that control skin pH and moisture.
Safety Tips and Precautions for First-Time Users
Shea butter application is usually considered safe for all skin types. However, if you are using it for the first time, it is advised to do a patch test before and be mindful of a few factors before application.
Patch Test
Before applying shea butter for the first time, you should perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of shea butter to the neck or forearm and wait for 24-48 hours for any redness, swelling, or irritation. If no reaction occurs, continue use. If the skin exhibits signs of reaction, discontinue.
Use Unrefined Raw Shea Butter
Choose unrefined and raw shea butter whenever possible, as refined shea butter might contain fragrances and other additives that might irritate the skin.
Allergy considerations
Raw shea butter contains latex, which is an allergic compound. People with latex allergy should not use shea butter.
Individuals with nut and peanut allergy rarely react to shea butter; however, they should perform a patch test before use.
Start with small amounts.
Whenever you start a new product for the skin, you must start with small amounts to look for any possible allergy or reaction.
Storage
The shelf life of raw shea butter is largely dependent on storage. Always store it in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight.
Eye-contact
Avoid direct contact with the eye.
Consult dermatologist
If you have any existing skin condition like eczema and psoriasis, and you are already on prescription medicines, then you should ask your healthcare provider before using shea butter. However, shea butter products formulated for eczema patients, like Soteri Skin’s eczema relief Kit, are safe to use.
Sunscreen alternative
Although shea butter provides some protection from UV rays, it is not an alternative to actual sunscreen.
Clean hands and a spatula
Always use clean hands or a clean spatula to take shea butter out of the jar; this will keep the product contamination-free.
FAQ’s
Is shea butter antibacterial?
Yes, shea butter has antibacterial properties. It is known to fight against bacteria like taphylococcus. The components like steroids and flavonoids in shea butter impart it the anti-bacterial properties. Due to its anti-bacterial properties, shea butter helps with acne and other skin infections.
Does shea butter help with stretch marks?
Yes, stretch marks are common during pregnancy, weight gain, or weight loss. They appear due to a lack of collagen and elasticity of the skin. Stretch marks are a type of scar, and they cannot be completely removed, but shea butter helps diminish their appearance by intense hydration, boosting collagen, and increasing elasticity.
Is shea butter good for burns?
Yes, shea butter helps soothe minor burns, but you must remember the following important points before using it for burns.
- Shea butter should be used for minor burns only after initial cooling. Do not apply it immediately.
- Shea butter is not an alternative to medical treatment for burns; it serves as an accessory to help soothe the skin.
- Raw shea butter can have adverse effects on the burn; always look for product blends with other oils like avocado oil.
Can you mix shea butter with other skincare oils or ingredients?
Yes, you can mix shea butter with a wide range of ingredients and oils. Some of them are listed below.
- Cocoa butter
- Honey
- Aloe vera
- Avocado oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
Conclusion
Shea butter is a naturally occurring skincare hero that is very beneficial for healthy skin and hair. In today’s era, when skincare is all about changing trends, harsh formulations, exfoliating acids, and actives, shea butter is an ingredient that adds so much health to the skin without being harsh. It has been used by the women of Africa for centuries. Shea butter is a star ingredient that is gaining popularity in the skincare industry.
Shea butter benefits for skin include hydration, nourishment, barrier support, water loss prevention, anti-aging, and soothing. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help people with eczema and psoriasis.
When picking up a cream with shea butter from the skincare aisle, make sure to read the label. Try to go for trusted brands like Soteri Skin. Look for ingredient lists and buy products free from parabens, fragrances, and preservatives.
