Ingredient guide · S

Shea Butter

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, commonly known as shea butter, is a rich, creamy natural moisturiser widely used in British skincare and lip balms. It melts at body temperature, leaving skin feeling soft and nourished without a greasy after-feel. A staple in clean-beauty and eco-conscious routines, it is prized for its gentle, protective qualities.

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter — Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is obtained from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria para… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter functions as an emollient and occlusive agent that helps restore the skin’s lipid barrier and prevent moisture loss. Its natural fatty-acid profile, particularly stearic and oleic acids, allows it to soften, smooth and condition the skin while improving the texture and spreadability of balms, creams and lip products. It is frequently used in UK formulations for its ability to deliver a luxurious, cushiony feel and to support skin comfort in both leave-on and rinse-off products.

Key benefits

  • Intensely nourishes and softens dry skin
  • Helps reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier
  • Provides a smooth, non-greasy finish on lips and body
  • Conditions and tames frizzy or dry hair
  • Adds creaminess and richness to balm and cream textures
  • Offers a soothing feel on sensitive or irritated skin

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 nuts are harvested, crushed and traditionally hand-processed into a rich, off-white butter.

Products with Shea Butter

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Shea Butter than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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