What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a well-known ingredient that you’ve likely heard of before. But did you know it is from West Africa? It is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree.
In communities where it is produced, shea butter has been used for thousands of years as a versatile all-in-one remedy for skin and hair care, a cooking oil, and a traditional medicine. Produced by women-led cooperatives from the sacred tree, it is an ancient practice passed down through the generations along the maternal line, deeply rooted in history and culture.
Today, shea butter is good for the skin because of its unique combination of fatty acids, vitamins, and plant compounds that help nourish and protect the skin barrier.
3 Benefits of Shea Butter
If you've ever wondered how shea butter helps your skin, the answer lies in its ability to moisturize, soothe, and protect. Here are three of the most notable benefits.
Highly Moisturizing
Shea butter is best known for one thing: deep hydration. Its rich and balanced fatty acid profile, particularly stearic acid and oleic acid, makes it an excellent moisturizer.
Stearic acid gives shea butter its solid texture at room temperature while helping to strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and soften the skin. Oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, closely resembles the composition of human sebum, allowing it to naturally replenish and retain moisture.
You can guess why shea butter is a common ingredient in face and body moisturizers. It’s a fan favorite for dry, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin types due to its nourishing and soothing properties.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties
Not only is shea butter an excellent moisturizer, but it can also help calm and soothe the skin? Not only does it possess anti-inflammatory properties, but it also offers antibacterial benefits!
Shea butter contains natural plant compounds called triterpenes, which can help reduce inflammation by slowing the production of inflammatory cells. In addition, some of its fatty acids and bioactive compounds, including triterpenes, exhibit mild antibacterial properties that may help fight certain strains of bacteria.1
Rich in Antioxidants
Shea butter happens to be quite loaded with antioxidants, particularly vitamins A and E, which are naturally present in the butter. These vitamins help neutralize free radicals before they can break down collagen and accelerate visible signs of aging.
They also support the skin's natural defense mechanisms against everyday environmental stressors such as sun exposure, pollution, and oxidative damage. By helping to protect and maintain healthy skin, these antioxidants contribute to a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
Refined vs Unrefined
Walk into any beauty aisle and the different forms of shea butter can be a little discreet on the packaging. Before reaching for the first one you see, it’s worth understanding what sets refined and unrefined shea butter apart.
Many of the shea butter unrefined benefits come from the fact that it undergoes minimal processing, helping preserve naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds.
Unrefined shea butter retains an abundance of vitamin E, vitamin A, and other nourishing compounds. It is minimally processed, leaving behind its earthy, nutty scent and its typical yellow color. Refined shea butter, on the other hand, is heavily processed through a variety of techniques, from heat treatment to chemical solvents. This removes much of its natural color and scent. By appearance, it is white.
Notes:
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We do not recommend using shea butter on open wounds or cuts, as it may trap bacteria and interfere with healing.