Shea Butter
Shea butter is a byproduct of shea nuts that are harvested from the Vitellaria paradoxa tree in West Africa; it is also known as the “karite tree” (which means “tree of life”) because of its many healing properties. Shea butter is produced through an arduous process of harvesting, washing, and preparing the shea nuts from which oil is then extracted. There is evidence that food, skin balms, soaps, shampoos, traditional medicines, cooking, and lamp oils have been made with shea butter in Africa for thousands of years. Its use has been documented as far back as the 14th century. Recently, use of shea butter has become prevalent in hair and skincare products throughout North America.
Used In: Super Shea Butter Cream & Super Shea Butter Oil.
Common Uses For Shea Butter
To Fight Inflammation & Reduce Pain.
Shea oil is rich in triterpene, a compound thought to reduce pain and inflammation. One 2013 study of 33 people with osteoarthritis of the knee found that those who used a shea oil extract for 16 weeks had less pain and could bend their knees better.
To Moisturize The Skin.
Oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids are all found in shea oil. These fatty acids, which help water and oil mix, also help your skin absorb shea butter. This can be helpful if you’re looking for a facial moisturizer that doesn’t leave a greasy feel. Read about more ways shea butter can benefit your face.
To Treat Certain Skin Ailments.
Shea butter is a great skin soother. In a 2015 study involving 25 people with mild to moderate eczema, those who used a cream containing shea butter three times a day for two weeks had 79% percent less skin itching and a 44% increase in skin hydration.
To Reduce Wrinkles & Signs Of Aging.
According to a 2014 review of studies in the American Journal of Life Sciences, shea butter has been shown to boost collagen production in rats. Collagen helps plump up skin and reduce the look of wrinkles.
To Treat Bug Bites.
Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the skin from bug bites. It rids you of the swelling, as well as subsides the aggravating itch.
For Sun Protection.
Shea butter can also help absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun —an important factor in skin damage. However, doctors still recommend that you use sunscreen.
For Dermatitis & Dry Scalp.
Shea butter is effective in soothing a dry, itchy scalp or dandruff. It absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue or clogging the pores.
To Protect Against Cuts While Shaving.
Shea butter not only protects the skin from the razor, but it also provides your skin with the moisture it needs after shaving.
Sources: Vitellaria paradoxa. In: Brunken, U., et al. 2008. West African Plants — A Photo Guide. Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Frankfurt/Main; https://www.healthline.com/health/shea-butter-for-hair; https://www.healthline.com/health/shea-butter-allergy#benefits; https://blackdoctor.org/shea-butter-benefits/
WARNING
Shea butter itself seems to be unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, however, some people with a latex allergy report having a sensitivity to shea butter, and a latex-type compound has been identified in shea butter. According to the American Latex Allergy Association, no known scientific studies have documented a connection between latex allergy and shea butter. The ASBI recommends using certified premium grade A shea butter, which has been tested for quality and safety.
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