AN-Beurre de karité
Shea butter
| Type of ingredient | Moisturizer |
| Origin | Shea butter is a vegetable lipid that comes from the shea nuts of Africa and is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. The polyphenols in shea butter, antioxidants, have anti-ageing benefits and properties similar to those of green tea. Shea butter also contains five essential fatty acids (a significant amount from stearic and oleic acids), a category that includes phytosterols, vitamins E and D, allantoin (good for healing skin irritations) and vitamin A. |
| Main benefits | Moisturising, antioxidant, soothes irritation |
| Characteristics | Shea butter as well as being anti-oxidant, is used to help moisturise, nourish and soothe the skin. It is ideal for dry skin and can create softer, hydrated and plumper skin, especially during the dry winter months. Shea butter is also found in many lip balms to help with chapped lips as well as moisturisers that help prevent stretch marks. It helps fade scars caused by acne and non-acne related causes, it also heals sunburned, cracked and peeling skin. It soothes skin allergies and insect bites, as well as skin conditions such as contact dermatitis and psoriasis. |
| Target group | In general, anyone with dry skin |
| Frequency | As much as you like, if you don’t have any allergies. |
| Association | Other oils, cocoa butter |
| Dissociation/ Contraindication | Non applicable |
| Side effects | Many acne-prone people worry about over-moisturizing, fearing it will clog pores. Shea butter is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. Also, shea butter should be avoided if you are allergic to nuts. |
| Use | Shea butter can be used on its own, but it is just as commonly used as an ingredient in cosmetics, so it is up to you how you use it. However, shea butter is best incorporated into a moisturiser with other ingredients, so it is easier to spread, as it is usually a thick solid at room temperature. |