“Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter?”Here!shea butter
Appears in 2 scanned products.
In personal care
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.
Rumors
Shea butter clogs pores and causes acne.
Not gradedhealth and safety evidence
Sources cited — no verdict reached.
What was measured is not yet noted.
- Safety Assessment of Butyrospermum parkii (Shea)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics (Industry review) · Funded by Cosmetic Ingredient Review; Personal Care Products Council (industry) · Authors declare a conflict of interest
Who’s saying this
- WhollyKaw — a brand: sells tallow shaving soaps, after-shaves and grooming products
How we know who this is
- “About WhollyKaw — Small-Batch Grooming Made in the USA” (their page)
- “Tallow soaps, after-shaves, and grooming gear made in New Jersey since 2014.” (their page)