Shea butter is fat that Is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is solid at warm temperatures and has an off-white or ivory color. Shea trees are native to West Africa, and most shea butter still comes from that region.
Shea butter has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries. Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids — combined with its easy-to-spread consistency — make it a great product for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning your skin.
Curious? Here are 8 reasons to add it to your routine, how to use it, and more.
1. It is safe for all skin types
Shea butter is technically a tree nut product. But unlike most tree nut products, it is very low in the proteins that can trigger allergies.
In fact, there is no medical literature documenting an allergy to topical shea butter.
Shea butter does not contain chemical irritants known to dry out skin, and it does not clog pores. It is appropriate for nearly any skin type.
2. It is antioxidant
Shea butter has significant levels of vitamins A and E, which means it promotes strong antioxidant activity.
Antioxidants are important anti-aging agents. They protect your skin cells from free radicals that can lead to premature aging and dull-looking skin.
3. It is antibacterial
A 2012 study suggests that oral doses of shea bark extract can lead to decreased antimicrobial activity in animals.
Although more research is needed, this could indicate possible antibacterial benefits in humans.
Because of this, some speculate that topical application may decrease the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
4. It is antifungal
Shea tree products have been established as powerful ingredients to fight skin infections caused by fungi.
While shea butter may not be able to treat every kind of fungal infection, we know that it kills spores of the fungi that causes ringworm and athletes foot.
5. It may help prevent acne
Shea butter is rich in different kinds of fatty acids. This unique composition helps clear your skin of excess oil (sebum).
At the same time, shea butter restores moisture to your skin and locks it in to your epidermis, so your skin does not dry out or feel “stripped” of oil.
The result is a restoration of the natural balance of oils in your skin — which may help stop acne before it starts.
6. It may help relieve congestion
A 1979 study suggests that shea butter may help alleviate nasal congestion.When used in nasal drops, shea butter may reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
It could also help reduce mucosal damage, which often leads to nasal congestion.
These effects could be beneficial when dealing with allergies, sinusitis, or the common cold.
7. It may help relieve arthritis pain
Arthritis is caused by underlying inflammation in the joints.
A 2016 animal study on shea oil concentrate suggests that it can help reduce inflammation while also protecting joints from further damage.
Although this study focused on knee joints, these potential benefits could extend to other areas of the body.
8. It may help soothe sunburn and other skin burns
Research suggests that oils may be beneficial for superficial (first-degree) skin burns, such as sunburn.
Sheas anti-inflammatory components may reduce redness and swelling. Its fatty acid components may also soothe the skin by retaining moisture during the healing process.
Although the researchers in this study established that the use of shea butter, aloe vera, and other natural products is common, more research is needed to assess their efficacy.
Where do all of these benefits come from?
The benefits of shea butter come from its chemical makeup. Shea butter contains:
ls skin and locks in moisture
- Inoleic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids, ingredients that balance oils on your skin
- Vitamins A, E, and F, antioxidant vitamins that promote circulation and healthy skin cell growth
- Triglycerides, the fatty part of the shea nut that nourishes and conditions your skin
- Cetyl esters, the waxy part of the shea nut butter that condition
