I’m a big fan of using natural oils like coconut and olive oil for skin and hair care, but there’s another powerhouse moisturizer I’m really into—pure shea butter. The name itself sounds luxurious, right? No matter if you have dry skin like mine or oily and combination skin, shea butter can work wonders. My teenagers love it because it helps balance their skin.
Shea butter is quite thick and solid when it’s at room temperature, but it has a rich, creamy texture. This makes it perfect for use as an eye cream, lip balm, or body butter. It does more than just moisturize, too. Thanks to its unique properties, shea butter provides anti-inflammatory benefits and delivers anti-aging fatty acids directly to the skin. People often recommend it for sunburns, dark spots, and sensitive skin. The benefits are numerous!
So, what exactly is shea butter? Shea butter comes from the seeds and kernels of the shea tree, which is native to West and Sub-Saharan Africa. For centuries, people in Africa have used shea butter both internally and externally to soothe and treat the skin. It’s an ancient remedy that doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy despite being solid and off-white at room temperature.
Shea butter truly is a skin superfood and has been used worldwide to improve skin and hair. It also has a rich history of medicinal uses, from wound care to treating conditions like leprosy. While coconut oil is liquid and cocoa butter is hard at body temperature, shea butter melts on contact with the skin, making it easy to use, cut, and measure.
I love how quickly it absorbs without staining clothes. Shea butter has a strong, nutty smell with hints of earthy honey, thanks to its cinnamic acid content. Luckily, the scent doesn’t linger all day.
Raw shea butter is packed with nutrients and can address some skin conditions when included in a healthy lifestyle. It’s safe for kids and babies too, as a study in 2015 showed an eczema cream with shea butter worked as effectively as standard products. Of course, always consult a doctor if you have any skin concerns, and those with nut allergies should be cautious.
Interestingly, some cultures even cook with shea butter, although I haven’t tried it myself. There are mixed views on its edibility since it might interfere with the digestion of other proteins, so I stick to using it externally.
Versatility is one of its major strengths. You can use shea butter by itself or easily blend it with other natural skincare products. I personally use it daily in various forms, from homemade lotion bars and body butter to lip balms and healing salves. It’s hydrating for both skin and hair, though pure shea might weigh down hair unless you have thick curls. That’s why it’s often mixed into hair care products, where it usually appears further down the ingredient list under the name “Butyrospermum Parkii.”
When I couldn’t find a natural shampoo and conditioner that met my standards, I created my own skincare line, Wellnesse, including a Curly Conditioner with shea butter. It helps seal hair cuticles, supports healthy curls, and can prevent breakage with its fatty acid content and mild UV protection. Shea butter is also beneficial for managing dandruff.
For skincare, you can effortlessly incorporate shea butter into your routine. Even though it seems thick, it melts right into the skin. Some of my favorite ways to use it include in DIY products mixed with essential oils for added benefits, like dryness and anti-aging.
There’s quite a range in shea butter quality based on the manufacturer and source. Eastern African shea nuts, for example, tend to have higher fat and oleic acid, while Western African ones are richer in stearic acid. If you haven’t enjoyed shea butter in the past, it could be down to the brand or its freshness. Shea butter can go rancid after 2 to 3 years, especially if exposed to heat or sunlight.
The American Shea Butter Institute advises going for shea butter with higher cinnamic acid content, classified as Grade A. I prefer raw, unrefined, Grade A shea butter, as refined types can lose beneficial antioxidants and vitamins and might contain bleach, which I avoid putting on my skin.
To enjoy its maximum benefits, choose a high-quality shea butter. Look for one that is raw and unprocessed to avoid potential toxins from the extraction process. You might find unrefined shea butter containing tiny nut particles, so it’s smart to strain it to prevent irritation. I gently heat mine to melt it and then strain through a cheesecloth before using it in natural beauty recipes.
Shea butter is a versatile addition to your skincare routine. How will you use it? Keep it handy on your bathroom counter and see where it fits into your family’s routine!
