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Know your ingredients: Shea Butter

Posted by beautifulwithbrains | July 10, 2008 .

What it is:
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) is a slightly ivory-colored natural fat obtained by cold pressing of the seeds of the karite tree.

What it does:
Shea Butter is used in many rich moisturizers and creams because, being high in fatty acids, it is an excellent skin emollient. It is quickly absorbed into the skin and doesn’t leave any greasy residue. It helps to soften skin and add moisturizer. It also helps skin retain elasticity.
Shea butter is also high in natural phytosterols, making it an anti-inflammatory agent. It is effective at treating fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. Offers protection to the skin against weather, aging and sun exposure effects while helping to repair and slow cellular degeneration. It also provides natural sun protection. However the level of protection is variable (from none to approximately SPF 6), so sun-sentitive people shouldn’t rely on shea butter for sun protection.
It is used in hair conditioners to add and maintain moisture in dry brittle hair and to revitalize and prevent breakage.

Side effects:
Shea butter has no side effects.

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