For centuries, shea butter has been a popular product for moisturizing and protecting skin. Why is this plant-based oil such a common ingredient for lotions, creams, and other moisturizers? To discover why shea butter has so many enthusiastic fans, explore our guide.
What is shea butter?
In its natural form, shea butter looks like a yellow, white, or ivory substance. It has a firm, slightly oily texture that becomes soft and pliable when warmed to body temperature. Shea butter is primarily composed of oleic and stearic fatty acids, which are also found in olive oil, sunflower oil, and the human body.
What is shea butter made from?
Shea butter has its origins in Africa. It’s made from the nuts of vitellaria trees that typically grow in the Sahel region. The traditional process for extracting shea butter from vitellaria nuts involves boiling the nuts and then skimming the fat off the surface of the water.
Shea butter vs. cocoa butter
These two moisturizers are both made from plant-based fats and have similar textures, but they’re still quite different. Shea butter tends to be softer and creamier, and it has a more neutral smell. On a chemical level, shea butter has more vitamins and antioxidants than cocoa butter.
The benefits of shea butter for skin
Here are some of the many reasons people love using shea butter.
Deep moisturizing
Shea butter contains the same fatty acids that your body naturally produces to hydrate the skin. It’s also an emollient substance that helps pull moisture into the skin and trap it there. These properties make shea butter ideal for those with dry skin.
Skin smoothing
Shea butter contains high levels of triterpenes. These compounds help improve collagen levels, so they’re linked to skin that appears softer, smoother, and bouncier.
Antioxidant
Shea butter naturally has an SPF of 3 or 4, so it provides a subtle yet helpful bit of sun protection
Anti-aging
Another one of the shea butter benefits is its ability to visibly reduce signs of aging. People who regularly use may notice the reduced appearance of age spots and fine lines.
How to use shea butter
Some people like to use shea butter as a daily moisturizer. Others add it only when they notice their skin feeling particularly dry. To find the right routine for you, experiment with using shea butter every other day and increase or decrease your use until you find your ideal schedule.
How do you use a shea butter deep moisturizing mask?
Different moisturizing face masks have different instructions, so check your label carefully for tips on how to apply them. The normal method includes applying a shea butter deep moisture mask to your skin, letting it sit for around half an hour, and then gently washing your face.
Should you leave shea butter on your face overnight?
Leaving shea butter on your face overnight is a great way to let it fully absorb into your skin. Some face masks are specifically formulated for overnight wear. Just make sure you have a protective barrier on your pillow to avoid damaging your bedding.
Find top-quality shea butter products at Rodan + Fields
At Rodan + Fields, we pride ourselves on offering the best natural ingredients to our customers. Our high-quality shea butter helps you get hydrated, glowing skin. We have all sorts of stellar options that contain shea butter, including our new Hydra Mask Gel Cream and Active Hydration Body Replenish Cream.
We know everyone is different, so we make sure to offer multiple types of shea butter lotions. People who need intense hydration might like our Hydra Mask Gel Cream, while those who are prioritizing anti-aging might prefer the REDEFINE regimen.
Frequently asked questions about shea butter
Here are some other essential things to know about using shea butter for your face and skin.
Is shea butter suitable for all skin types?
Shea butter is safe to use on most types of skin. However, some people who are already prone to oily skin report that shea butter is too heavy for their skin. Try testing it on a small area to see how your skin reacts.
Are there any side effects of using shea butter?
The shea nut tree is related to the latex tree, so avoid using shea butter if you have a latex allergy. Some people also find that shea moisture lotion may make their skin feel greasy or more prone to pimples.
Is shea butter comedogenic?
Does shea butter clog pores? Shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 0 to 2, which is fairly low. This means it’s unlikely to clog pores and directly cause acne. Most dermatologists rate shea butter as non-comedogenic.
Does shea butter get rid of wrinkles?
Shea butter isn’t a miraculous product that can entirely erase deep wrinkles. However, its moisturizing and collagen-boosting properties have been linked to anti-aging. Researchers report that using shea butter reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Ultimately, shea butter proves the impressive power of natural products. Though it might start out its life as a humble nut, this ingredient finds its way into all the top lotions and moisturizers. Explore Rodan + Fields’ fantastic shea butter products to try out the power of shea butter yourself.
