Shea butter is a natural fat moisturizing skin with anti-inflammatory benefits, but may cause rare allergic reactions.
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), widely recognized for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-smoothing properties. Its high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins makes it a popular ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products. While generally safe for topical application, rare allergic reactions and potential acne aggravation should be considered.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Not typically ingested; usage varies topically.
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). The nuts are typically dried, crushed, roasted, and then ground into a paste. This paste is then boiled in water, allowing the shea butter to rise to the surface where it is collected and processed.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Moisturization increases skin hydration by attracting and retaining moisture, strengthening the skin barrier. This prevents dryness and enhances skin health, texture, and appearance.
Skin soothing alleviates irritation and inflammation by reducing inflammatory responses, protecting the skin, and hydrating it. It provides relief from redness, itching, dryness and pain, improving skin comfort and barrier repair.
Deep moisturization enhances skin hydration by delivering substances deep into the skin, improving elasticity and reducing fine lines. It strengthens the skin barrier and promotes a supple, radiant complexion.
This benefit reduces inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in reduced pain, swelling, and improved function. It is beneficial for conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, and skin conditions.
Regular application of fatty acids can potentially improve skin texture and elasticity. This benefit is achieved through moisturizing and maintaining the skin's lipid barrier.
Possible Side Effects
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Latex allergy can cause reactions ranging from skin irritation to anaphylaxis. Cross-reactivity with certain fruits and vegetables is rare but possible due to shared allergenic proteins.
Allergic reactions are adverse immune responses to normally harmless substances, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include skin issues, swelling, breathing difficulties, and anaphylaxis requires immediate epinephrine injection.
Shea butter, especially in high concentrations, can clog pores, potentially aggravating or causing acne breakouts, particularly in acne-prone individuals. The resulting breakouts are typically mild to moderate.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies have explored the composition and effects of shea butter on skin health. Research indicates its efficacy in improving skin hydration and reducing inflammation. Further research is warranted to fully understand its long-term effects and potential benefits for specific skin conditions. Key search terms for evidence include: 'Shea butter skin hydration', 'Shea butter anti-inflammatory', 'Vitellaria paradoxa skin'.
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