Shea Butter For Skin: Benefits That Will Make You Go Nuts

Shea butter is an all-natural goodie that can work wonders for just about any skin type. Not only does it offer significant nourishment, but it's also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help soothe irritated or damaged skin. 

Read on to discover how shea butter strengthens, protects, and hydrates your complexion and even your hair!

What is shea butter for face?

Shea butter is a creamy fat found in nuts growing on shea trees in African countries. It is solid at room temperature but it melts on contact with your skin, just like coconut oil, but less comedogenic. 

From its humble origins in West Africa to its rise among the beauty and skincare elite, this nourishing super ingredient is one of the natural world's best-kept secrets. It has a long history of use in treating skin problems and is known for its exceptional moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. These components help to nourish and protect the skin from dryness, wrinkles, and sun damage. This goodie has also been found to reduce skin inflammation and promote collagen production, making it a great choice for those with eczema or psoriasis. It’s no wonder that shea butter has become a popular ingredient in many skincare products. Its countless benefits make it a go-to natural remedy for beautiful, healthy skin.

Pros & Cons of using shea butter for face

Pros

• It contains high levels of fatty acids, which act as a barrier to protect the skin from moisture loss. This makes shea butter for dry skin a must
• Contains anti-aging properties, which means shea butter is effective against wrinkles and signs of aging.
• It can soften scar tissue.
• Shea butter is suitable for sensitive skin (like sunburn skin), it calms irritation thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Soothes the skin and alleviates the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema

Cons

• Though shea butter is classed as non-comedogenic, it can be kind of heavy or too oily for those with acne-prone and oily skin
• Shea butter can cause allergic reactions, though the probability is low. Always patch test in a small area before applying it to your face.

Shea butter specifications

Clean

Shea butter is a natural ingredient which means you can rest assured that you're not slathering harsh chemicals onto your delicate facial skin, so it is considered to be a clean ingredient.

Vegan

Since it is made from the nuts of the African shea tree, shea butter is vegan and cruelty-free!

Pregnancy safe

Shea butter for face is considered safe during pregnancy. In fact, it can help you soothe your skin woes, treat stretch marks and hydrate your skin easily. 

Breastfeeding safe

Just like during pregnancy, shea butter is considered safe for use while breastfeeding since it doesn’t penetrate the bloodstream.

Active ingredient

Shea butter for skin is used as an active ingredient in beauty products thanks to its active components, such as terpene alcohols, phytosterols, latex, and vitamins A and E, which are extremely beneficial or skin.

Comedogenic

There are mixed data regarding this information. While some people claimed shea butter is non-comedogenic, others state that its oily and heavy texture could clog the pores. To err in the side of caution, stay away from shea butter if you have oily or acne-prone skin. 

EWG (Environment Working Group) Score 

Shea butter for face has a score of 1 on the EWG scale, which means that it has a low possibility of causing cancer, allergic reactions, being toxic, and can be used with very low restrictions.

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: A

The CIR gave shea butter an “A”, so it’s considered safe to be used in skincare products and cosmetics.

PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using shea butter

When to use shea butter?

Shea butter can be used in both morning and night routines. However, it is highly recommended to use it before going to bed to repair your skin while you sleep. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to check when to use a product with shea butter

What skin type is shea butter good for?

Shea butter is nearly appropriate for any skin type looking to hydrate and soothe their complexion. But, for acne-prone and oily skin, it is not the best option to take given the fact it may clog your pores.

What you can’t mix shea butter with?

Shea butter can be mixed with other active ingredients and won’t irritate your skin. However, we always advise you to not mix ingredients at home since they may worsen your skincare concerns. It is better to choose formulated skincare products that contain the ingredient in the right doses. 

Top Picks

Bestsellers

1. White in Moisture Cream
2. Tako Pore Blackhead Scrub Stick
3. Black Snail Restore Cream
4. Blue Sapphire Collagen Hydration Mask
5. Gold Cf-nest White Bomb Eye Cream
6. Peach Hand Cream
7. Pikachu Lip Balm - Jasmine

$5 and under shea butter skincare products

1. The Clean Vegan Mask in Shea Butter - Nourishing
2. Real Nature - Shea Butter Sheet Mask
3. Airy Fit Shea Butter Sheet Mask
4. Pyunkang Yul Sample Pouch White
5. Real Nature Bamboo Sheet Mask
6. Honey Moisture Foot Mask
7. The Face Shop Real Nature Face Mask Lemon
8. All Clean Balm
9. Tea Tree Moisture Foot Mask
10. Whoa Whoa Soothing Mask
11. Milk Fondant Mask (Banana)
12. First Skin Lightening Mask

Products that contain shea butter that are worth the price

1. Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm
2. Moistfull Collagen Eye Cream

Shea hair products

1. Haeyo Mayo Hair Nutrition Mask

FAQ’s

Is shea butter good for your skin?

Yes, it is! That’s why shea butter is included in many moisturizers, as it hydrates the skin. Besides, thanks to its fatty acids, shea butter improves the skin’s natural barrier while protecting it from environmental aggressors. And, if that wasn’t enough, shea butter also stimulates collagen production, helping you treat wrinkles and fine lines.

Is it good to put shea butter on your face every day?

It is a surrounding yes! You can put shea butter on your face every day to help your skin retain moisture and keep it supple!

How does shea butter improve skin?

Shea butter is a goodie that works as a skin conditioning agent, which means it will make your skin appear smoother and reduce signs of aging, it also helps to improve your skin tone because it is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.

What are the side effects of shea butter?

Even though shea butter is a miracle sent from the gods, pure shea butter on your face could lead to breakouts, so be careful!

There's a low possibility as well of experiencing adverse reactions to nuts of the shea tree.

The best thing you must do if an unpleasant reaction happens is to get immediate medical attention.

Is shea butter good for hair?

Yes, it is! Shea butter helps with hair growth because it contains fatty acids, vitamins A and E, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. But shea butter also gives hydration and softening to your hair.

Tips & Tricks to include shea butter in your skincare routine

• Use face masks with shea butter to avoid skin dehydration and of course to get rid of impurities.
• Add shea butter eye creams to give intense nourishment and firm the delicate skin around your eyes, preventing fine lines and crow’s feet from forming.
• Incorporate a shea butter-based moisturizer to give your skin the hydration your skin deserves. You can pick the best shea moisture products from our stock.

In Asian Beauty Essentials we’ve got the best shea butter-based products for you!