Shea Butter

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a popular ingredient in skin care products due to its nourishing and moisturizing properties. Derived from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for dry or damaged skin.

But did you know that shea butter can also provide natural sun protection? While shea butter alone is not enough to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, it can be used as a complementary ingredient in sunscreens or as a post-sun treatment to soothe and repair sun-damaged skin.

Shea butter contains a high concentration of vitamin E, which has been shown to have some UV-protective effects. Additionally, the fatty acids in shea butter can help to create a barrier on your skin, which can help to prevent moisture loss and protect your skin from environmental stressors, including sun damage.

When used in combination with other natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, shea butter can help to enhance the sun protection provided by a sunscreen. And because shea butter is a natural ingredient, it is gentle on your skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.

After sun exposure, shea butter can also help to soothe and repair sun-damaged skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and inflammation, while its moisturizing effects can help to prevent peeling and promote faster healing.

Overall, shea butter is an excellent ingredient to include in your skin care routine, especially if you are looking for natural sun protection or after-sun care. Look for products that contain shea butter and other natural ingredients for the best results.

BOTANICAL NAME: Butyrospermum parkii

EXTRACTION: Mechanical extraction

DESCRIPTION: The Shea tree, or the Vitellaria paradoxa, is native to the drier parts of west and Central Africa.  This tree produces a fruit from which the butter is extracted.  This butter has been used since ancient times for sun protection. 

KEY COMPONENTS:

  • Vitamin E: Shea butter contains high levels of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and cigarette smoke.
  • Vitamin A: Shea butter is also rich in vitamin A, another antioxidant that helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental damage.
  • Cinnamic acid: Shea butter contains cinnamic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Oleic acid: Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is found in high levels in shea butter. It has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

FOUND IN: Peppermint Bar Soap, May Chang Bar Soap, Lavandin Bar Soap, Coffee Scrub Bar Soap, Patchouli Bar Soap, POMADE - Bay Rum, POMADE - Muskoka, Rosey Cheeks Facial Cream, Skin Care Starter Kit for Normal to Dry Skin