Shea Butter For Natural Moisturizing

Shea butter or shea nut butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), is a natural fat extracted from the seed of the shea or karite tree by crushing and boiling. The shea tree grows naturally in West Africa.

Shea butter’s main use is as moisturizer in skin care preparations. But you may be surprised to hear that shea butter is also edible and can be used in food preparation where it is sometimes substituted for cocoa butter in making chocolate.

Shea Butter Uses

Shea butter is known most for its inclusion in skin care preparations as a moisturizing ingredient, although claims have been made that it also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Products containing shea butter are marketed as being effective in treating a range of conditions including fading scars, eczema, dry skin, blemishes, skin discolorations, stretchmarks and wrinkles. It is high in vitamins A and E and catchins (antioxidants). In addition, shea butter contains cinnamic acid, which is a natural UV filter.

One of the reasons that shea butter is so popular as a moisturizing ingredient is because it is rapidly absorbed into the skin without greasiness. It may be incorporated into soaps and body washes in small concentrations to deliver oil, which can help to seal in moisture after washing. In addition to skin care preparations, shea butter is also used in hair conditioners to to manage dry, brittle hair.

I’m a huge fan of shea butter, not only for its moisturizing ability, but also because it is a naturally derived ingredient free of chemicals. It’s ideal for managing dry and hair conditions. You can find shea butter in a range of skin care preparations including:

• La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume – 20% shea butter and other emollients provide soothing relief for dry and irritated skin
• La Roche Posay Lipikar Surgras Bar – shea butter enriched to cleanse without harshness
• Keys Solar Rx – infused with shea butter, this natural, chemical free sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is tolerated by the most sensitive of skin types
• Dr Hauschka Blackthorn Body Wash – this mild, gentle formulation contains shea butter and suitable for sensitive and all skin types