Shea Butter
Shea butter is a rich, creamy natural moisturiser extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Popular in UK skincare and haircare, it leaves skin feeling soft and supple without greasiness. It is a staple ingredient in body butters, lip balms, creams and hair masks.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, shea butter functions as an emollient and occlusive that helps to soften and smooth the skin while forming a light protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. Its natural fatty acid profile, including stearic and oleic acids, allows it to melt at body temperature so it spreads easily and absorbs without leaving a heavy film, making it ideal for lip balms, body butters, face creams and hair conditioning treatments.
Key benefits
- Deeply moisturises and softens dry skin
- Helps improve skin elasticity and smoothness
- Calms and soothes irritated or sensitive skin
- Conditions and adds shine to dry or frizzy hair
- Forms a light protective barrier against environmental stressors
- Helps lips feel soft and supple
Best for
dry skin, very dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, eczema-prone skin
Where it comes from
Shea butter is obtained from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which grows across the savannah belt of West and Central Africa. The nuts are harvested, crushed and rendered to produce the rich, off-white fat used in cosmetics.