Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter — answers to shea butter
Appears in 2 scanned products.
A fat pressed from the nuts of the shea tree, solid at room temperature, rich in fatty acids and small amounts of plant sterols.
Why it’s used
It softens and conditions skin, helps thicken formulas, and gives balms and creams a rich, occlusive feel that slows moisture loss from the skin's surface.
What the evidence says
Shea butter has a long history of use and has been reviewed as safe for cosmetic use by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It is a known, though uncommon, source of contact allergy in sensitive individuals, likely tied to trace plant compounds rather than the fat itself.
Context
Common in both rinse-off soaps and leave-on balms and lotions; its emollient effect is more noticeable in leave-on products where it stays on the skin.
Educational information, not medical or safety advice. Consult a professional for allergies or medical concerns.