SHEA BUTTER – BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII

Shea butter is found in the nuts that grow on Shea-Karite tree, which exclusively grows in the tropics of Africa. It is extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree which begins to bear fruit after about 15 years. Shea Butter nourishes the skin with Vitamins A, E and F.

 

SHEA BUTTER – BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII

“Shea butter, otherwise known as Butyrospermum Parkii, has been used topically for generations in West Africa. Derived from the nuts of the shea tree, this natural ingredient is rich in fatty acids that provide non-comedogenic moisture.”

Shea butter may remain solid at room temperature but is easily spreadable and has many cosmetic applications. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, allantoin, and phytosterols.

While shea butter is technically derived from tree nuts, it is low in the IgE-binding proteins that trigger immune responses (1).

Usually, this makes it safe for those with peanut or tree nut allergies. According to a 2019 review, there doesn’t appear to be any documentation of allergic response to topically applied shea butter.

Emollients containing shea butter were found to significantly improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in infants and adolescents (2).
Shea butter can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars. It also appears to accelerate the healing of sunburned, cracked, or peeling skin. It can help reduce the severity of skin conditions like psoriasis (3).

Shea butter is naturally rich in allantoin. Allantoin is used in cosmetics for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.