Hey there, how’s it glowin’? The last time we touched on a nourishing skin nutrient, we shared some of the most notable skin and hair benefits of Manuka honey. Today, we’re continuing the conversation surrounding impressive skincare ingredients, particularly those that are known for their hydrating properties, by sharing the best features of…

Keep scrolling to learn the skincare benefits of shea butter and more!

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a nut fat that comes from the seeds of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which can be found in western and eastern parts of Africa. Within the shea seed, there are two kernels and once removed, they’re ground into a powder and boiled in water. Once the butter rises to the top, it becomes solid and is ready to be used either in cooking and/or for cosmetic purposes.

Shea butter contains five essential fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and arachidic. These acids work hard to effectively fight oxidative stress (the result of environmental toxins contaminating your skin cells) and increase cell turnover rate, as well as tighten and strengthen skin. It also has several antioxidant, anti-aging, and emollient properties, which contribute to the many notable features of this ingredient.

Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin

Provides Hydration

One of the most notable skincare benefits of shea butter is its ability to provide hydration.

The thick consistency of shea butter helps the skin absorb the benefits of this ingredient that much more effectively. The richness of the tree nut oils soak into the deeper layers of the skin, acting as refatting agents, which restore lipids and create moisture, providing ultimate hydration. Another reason shea butter is easily absorbed into the skin is because of its high levels of linoleic and oleic acid, which balance each other out. This allows them to rapidly penetrate the skin without leaving behind a sticky, oily residue. 

Deters Signs of Aging

Dry, itchy skin is a common factor that can lead to premature aging, but the topical use of shea butter can promote new cell generation, which prevents fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Another factor is frequent sun exposure but lucky enough, this ingredient can help shield your skin against harsh UV rays thanks to its content of vitamin E. However, if you do happen to burn from the sun, shea butter can help soothe irritation and inflammation, which brings us to our next benefit.

Soothes Irritation + Inflammation 

Shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties can help ease redness and swelling when it comes to first-degree burns. Its content of fatty acids also works to soothe the skin and kick the healing process into high gear. But burns aren’t the only triggers for irritation and inflammation. If you suffer from chronic dryness or have skin that’s easily bothered by changes in weather, applying shea butter to affected areas may provide the relief you’ve been itching for (literally). When applied, this ingredient signals to the skin to slow down the production of inflammatory cells, reducing signs of stinging, soreness, and sensitivity.

Can Anyone Use Shea Butter?

The good news is that shea butter is suitable for all skin types. Yes, acne-prone peeps, you read that right. Those with oily and/or acne-prone skin tend to shy away from this ingredient because they think it’ll clog their pores and lead to breakouts. Although this can happen, it isn’t likely. Our advice is to always proceed with caution and slowly incorporate a product with shea butter into your routine. If it’s providing all the benefits without the breakouts, there’s no need to kick it to the curb.

Now, you may be thinking, what about allergies?

Shea butter contains a minimal amount of the tree-nut proteins that trigger allergic reactions, so no need to worry if you’re sensitive to nuts. Phew!

The Best MOZ Products with Shea Butter

We not only carry one product with this star ingredient, but two! Our mineral-rich Arabica Coffee Scrub was designed for the day-to-day maintenance of clean and healthy-looking skin. Once applied, the cleansing and moisturizing Arabic seed oil, shea butter, and Dead Sea salt components of this scrub work together to help exfoliate dead skin, fight against fine lines and wrinkles, cleanse pores by removing dirt and bacteria, improve swelling, inflammation, and redness, and reduce the look of cellulite and stretch marks. For a further look into this luxurious scrub, click here! And while you’re at it, you can check out one of our fan favorites, our Dead Sea Mud Mask, which is formulated with Manuka honey and shea butter. Our natural mud mask absorbs excess oil, helps remove dead skin, dirt, and other impurities, and improves the appearance of breakouts and acne scars. Once applied, it works to refine the skin’s texture and clarity, leaving behind a fresher, smoother, and more hydrated complexion.

When it comes to providing emollient-rich hydration, no ingredient does it butter than shea. With that said, we hope you enjoyed learning the skincare benefits of shea butter! Follow us on socials and let us know if you currently incorporate this nourishing ingredient into your skincare routine! If you do, we’d love to know which areas you’ve noticed improvement, whether on your face or body. Until next time, folks!