Shea Butter

INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Also known as: Karité butter

EmollientsemollientbotanicalModerate evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

2/5

Irritancy

0/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

1%–100%

How It Works

A heavy plant butter rich in stearic and oleic acids plus triterpenes. Deep occlusive emollient for very dry skin.

Long-chain fatty acids form an occlusive layer; triterpenes provide mild anti-inflammatory action.

pH Range

5.0–7.0

Benefits

Deep emollience
Anti-inflammatory
Suitable for very dry skin
Body & face

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Severe drynessEczemaStretch marks

Best For

Dry
Mature
Eczematous

Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order

8/10

Final occlusive/SPF layer.

Max Safe Concentration

100%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–100%

Seasonal Use

Winter all-star.

Nutrition Connection

Edible shea butter used traditionally in West African cuisine.

Skin Signals When You Need It

Severe winter xerosis

For Estheticians & Professionals

Unrefined raw shea has stronger anti-inflammatory triterpene content but smells nutty.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Shea Butter.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review

Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.

Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Nano-hyaluronic acid significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity after 8 weeks.

Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Ceramide-dominant emollients improved skin barrier function by 63% within 6 weeks.

Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C
Cutis, 2006

View Study →

Systematic Review

Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Ceramide NP Squalane

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility