What is shea butter? A scientific look at a natural emollient.

Shea butter is a natural vegetable fat extracted from the nuts of the butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which is a species endemic to West Africa. It remains solid at room temperature and has a characteristic colour ranging from white to ivory. Thanks to its unique properties, it has been valued for centuries and used in cosmetics and dermatology, among other applications.

Composition and biological properties.

The properties of shea butter are due to its unique and exceptionally rich chemical composition. It contains:
✔ Fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, stearic, oleic) - regulates the skin's moisture level
✔ Vitamins A, E and F - antioxidants to promote cell regeneration
✔ Triglycerides - nourishing and moisturising the skin
✔ Cetyl esters - to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity

Interestingly, because shea butter is a natural product, it can vary in both composition and colour depending on where the shea nuts are harvested.

A few words about the Shea butter harvest.

Shea butter, otherwise known as 'Africa's gold' and is extracted in a traditional way by local communities in West Africa. The process is not only labour-intensive, but also deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of the local peoples, especially the women who have been involved in its production for generations.

Butter trees grow wild in the savannahs of West and Central Africa. They are not grown on plantations, which means that shea butter comes from natural ecosystems. The fruits are harvested by hand by local communities. They are not plucked from the trees, and only the ripe ones that have fallen to the ground on their own are selected.

The traditional method of producing shea butter has remained almost unchanged for hundreds of years, and is a multi-step and time-consuming process.

15 benefits of shea butter in skin care!

Shea butter is used not only in cosmetics, but also in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, its unique texture and wealth of nutrients make it primarily valued as an intensely regenerating and moisturising skincare ingredient. Here are 15 key benefits that shea butter offers your skin:

1. is safe for all skin types

No cases of allergies to topically applied shea butter have been reported in the medical literature. It also contains no irritants or pore-clogging ingredients, making it suitable for almost all skin types.

2. has strong moisturising properties

Shea butter is prized primarily for its moisturising action. When applied to the skin, these oils are quickly absorbed, rebuilding the lipid barrier and preventing moisture loss.

3. does not make the skin oily

Thanks to its balanced linoleic and oleic acid content, shea butter is easily absorbed and does not leave a greasy film on the skin.

4. exhibits anti-inflammatory effects

The plant esters it contains help reduce skin inflammation by reducing the production of cytokines and other inflammatory cells.

5. acts as a powerful antioxidant

Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which have powerful antioxidant properties.

6. shows potential antibacterial activity

Shea tree bark extract shows antibacterial properties.

7. has antifungal properties

Products derived from the shea tree fight skin infections caused by fungi.

8. stimulates collagen production

Shea butter contains triterpenes - chemical compounds that inhibit the degradation of collagen fibres, and help to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines.

Promotes skin cell regeneration

With a combination of moisturising and antioxidant properties, shea butter promotes cell renewal, contributing to healthier looking skin.

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

By stimulating collagen production and promoting cell regeneration, shea butter reduces the effects of photo-ageing, i.e. wrinkles caused by external factors.

11. offers additional sun protection

Although shea butter cannot replace UV sunscreen, it does contain a natural sunscreen of SPF 3-4 to help protect the skin.

Relieves symptoms of eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter provides relief from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.