Botanical Butters
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich, nourishing botanical butter that helps deeply moisturize and soften the skin, support the skin barrier, reduce moisture loss, and promote a smoother, more supple, healthy-looking complexion.
Key Benefits
- Deeply conditions dry-feeling skin
- Helps reduce moisture loss
- Supports the skin barrier
- Softens rough texture
- Promotes a supple, comfortable skin feel
How It Works
Ingredient Details
INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Ingredient Type: Botanical Butter
Best For
Dry skin · Very dry skin · Rough or flaky skin · Barrier-compromised skin
What It Is
What It Does
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter FAQs
Common questions about this ingredient in skincare.
What is shea butter?
It is a semisolid botanical fat extracted from the kernels of the African shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, and listed in cosmetics as Butyrospermum Parkii Butter.
How does shea butter moisturize?
Its lipids soften the skin surface and form a light protective layer that helps reduce moisture loss, improving comfort and suppleness.
Is refined shea butter less effective?
Refining can reduce odor, color, and some minor unsaponifiable compounds, but refined shea butter still provides valuable emollient and occlusive properties.
Can oily or acne-prone skin use shea butter?
Some people tolerate it well, while others may find rich formulas heavy. Product texture, concentration, and the rest of the formula matter more than the ingredient alone.
Is shea butter safe for nut allergies?
Shea is botanically a tree-nut product, but reported topical allergy appears uncommon. Anyone with a serious allergy should consult an allergist and patch test the finished product.
What does research support?
Human formulation studies support good skin compatibility and useful emollient performance, but results from a multi-ingredient product cannot be attributed to shea butter alone.
Shop the ingredient
Products Featuring Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
