Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter)
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, commonly known as Shea Butter, is a rich, creamy natural moisturiser widely used in UK skincare and haircare. Extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, it melts at body temperature, leaving skin feeling soft, supple and nourished without a greasy after-feel.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare formulations, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter functions as an emollient and occlusive agent. Its unique fatty acid profile, rich in stearic and oleic acids, helps restore the skin’s lipid barrier, lock in moisture and improve smoothness. It is a staple in lip balms, body butters, creams and hair masks, providing luxurious texture and long-lasting conditioning benefits.
Key benefits
- Intensely moisturises dry skin
- Helps soften rough patches and elbows
- Improves skin elasticity and smoothness
- Conditions and tames frizzy hair
- Forms a light protective barrier against moisture loss
- Adds creamy texture and richness to balms and creams
Best for
dry skin, very dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, dehydrated skin
Where it comes from
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is obtained from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which grows across the savannah belt of West Africa. The butter is extracted from the kernel inside the nut through traditional crushing and refining methods.
Products with Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter)
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.