Shea Butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African Shea tree, also known as karité. Shea has been used for centuries from East to West Africa for its moisturising and healing properties. Today, Shea Butter is widely recognised as a powerful cosmetic ingredient and was more recently re-popularised during the rise of the Natural Hair Movement, as a natural alternative for the care of Black hair and skin.
Shea butter contains a wide variety of chemical compounds that include:
- Fatty acids: Shea butter is high in oleic acid and stearic acid, which help to moisturise and protect the skin.
- Triterpenes: Shea butter contains compounds such as lupeol and cinnamic acid, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin E: Shea butter is rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.
- Allantoin: This compound has healing and soothing properties, and can help to reduce inflammation and irritation.
One of the most significant benefits of Shea Butter is its ability to deeply moisturise and nourish dry and damaged skin. Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that help to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier and prevent moisture loss. This makes it an excellent choice for those with dry, itchy, or flaky skin, as well as for those with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
In addition to its moisturising properties, Shea Butter is also an effective anti-inflammatory. It contains compounds such as cinnamic acid and tocopherols, which can help to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and free radicals. Shea butter is also said to promote collagen production, which helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We've put together our top 5 reasons, why we will never get tired of Shea Butter.
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It's extremely moisturising - Shea butter is an excellent natural moisturiser for both hair and skin. Its high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins help to nourish and hydrate, leaving skin and hair noticeably softer, glowier, and healthier! It's also been found effective for the treatment of dry, cracked feet too!
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It's an anti-inflammatory - Shea butter contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for those suffering with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It can help to reduce redness and inflammation, soothe raw irritated skin, and promote healing.
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Protects skin from damage - Shea butter is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect skin and hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. It improves collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting a more radiant complexion.
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Healthy Hair - Not just for skin, Shea butter contains essential fatty acids that can help to your hair too! It was popularised as a tool for creating twist-out, and braid-out hair styles and can be used to help lock moisture into the hair. However Shea Butter can be slightly heavy on the hair and should be used sparingly.
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It's versatile - Shea butter is a very versatile ingredient and is used in everything from chocolate to lip balms and body butters. We love that it can be used in a wide variety of ways. It's safe to use for the whole family and can be used daily to support your healthy hair and skin needs.