Shea butter in cosmetics what is it

Greetings to all readers of my blog. I have seen shea butter on sale more than once. I have seen it both as an independent product and as part of cosmetic products. I became interested in what kind of substance this is and how it is useful. It turns out that we call it shi. Have you heard of this? Let's look at the properties and uses of shea butter, as well as recipes for beauty with it.

How to get shea butter + composition

This product is extracted from the fruits of the African tree Butyrospermum parkii. Or rather, from fruit seeds. The name of the tree is quite long and difficult to pronounce. Therefore, local peoples called it se (shi) or karite (karite). This is how these common names came about. The peoples of Africa have been using the healing properties of this tree for a very long time. The oil is obtained by cold pressing.

It is hard in consistency and ranges in color from white to cream. Has a well-defined nutty aroma. At a temperature of 30-35 degrees, the consistency becomes like ghee. This product is consumed internally and is also used in cosmetology.

In cosmetic products, this 100% natural oil can be found under the name shea butter.

Shea butter consists of triglycerides. These are substances that are formed from oleic, stearic, and palmitic fatty acids. Plus, the oil contains unsaponifiable fats. These are caristerols, which are contained in the pulp of shea seeds. The uniqueness lies in this “ensemble” of fatty acids and unsaponifiable fats.

The researchers noted that the peoples of Africa use this product on their skin. And they have virtually no skin diseases, and their skin looks smooth and elastic.

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Valuable properties of shea butter

This cosmetic product stimulates the processes of replenishment of the hydrolipid mantle located on the surface of the epidermis. Shea nourishes tissues well, softens them and relieves irritation.

Thanks to its unique composition, shea butter is used to treat skin. It perfectly soothes dermatitis and is suitable for treating acne.

This product has a calming effect on tissues, stimulating their protective functions. Therefore, it is often used for diaper rash on the skin of babies. Shea butter will also help soothe itching after an insect bite.

Shea butter accelerates the healing of cuts, small wounds and cracks. It can be used for muscle injuries and sprained ligaments.

Shea butter stimulates blood circulation in capillaries. The pure product is applied to the affected area and rubbed in with massage movements.

The product has practically no contraindications. The only thing is latex intolerance. It turns out that shea butter contains natural latex. Therefore, this remedy is contraindicated for people allergic to this substance. True, such allergies are extremely rare.

Application of shea butter in cosmetology

Of course, shea butter gained the greatest popularity in cosmetology. And this is not surprising, because the effect of the product on the skin is truly unique. Shea butter is considered a vehicle in cosmetology. Since it penetrates deep into tissues and delivers nutrients to cells. Necessary cosmetic components combine perfectly with oil. And once they get into the tissue, they are also quickly released.

This is why shea butter is added to cosmetic products. It can be seen in hair, face and body products. It is actively used as a lip balm and in sunscreen cosmetics. Unsaponifiable fats in shea stimulate the formation of collagen. That is why the oil is recommended for the care of aging skin. But the barrier functions of tissues are enhanced by triglycerides. The cosmetic properties of Shea are as follows:

1. restorative function;
2. anti-inflammatory;
3. tightening;
4. nourishing;
5. healing;
6. softening;
7. transport.

Despite the fact that shea butter is 99% fat, it does not clog pores.

Recipes for masks and creams with shea butter

When making home remedies, choose quality oil. I recommend this - 100% natural shea butter. The price for it is quite affordable, considering that the jar is 100 g. It will last you for a long time 🙂 Well, now the recipes.

For hair growth. Take 45 ml of melted shea butter + 30 ml of castor oil. Add literally 2-3 drops of rosemary ether to the resulting mixture. Apply the mixture to the roots of your hair and distribute a little throughout the strands. Warm your head; you can wrap it with cling film and a towel. Leave the mask on your hair for an hour. Then wash everything off with shampoo. It is enough to use the mask once every 7 days. The course lasts 8-12 weeks.

To strengthen hair. If you want to strengthen your hair, restore its shine and beauty. Take 45 ml of shea butter + 30 ml of burdock oil and 5 ml of vitamin E. Apply to the roots of the hair, massage well. Distribute a little mask over your hair. Wrap your head in plastic and a towel. It is enough to leave the product on your hair for 40-60 minutes, then you need to rinse it off.

For oily facial skin. Dry the lemon peel and grind it in a coffee grinder. Add one tablespoon of this peel to the egg yolk. Leave the mixture in a closed container for 15 minutes. Then add 5 ml of shea butter + 5 ml of walnut oil. Apply the mask to a cleansed face and leave for up to half an hour. Then rinse with water. This mask nourishes and tones the skin, tightens pores.

For dry facial skin. If you have this skin type, make a mask with ripe avocado. Add 5 ml of melted shea butter to two tablespoons of avocado pulp. The same amount of jojoba oil and honey. Mix and apply to the skin and leave for a quarter of an hour. If the mixture turns out to be thick, then add the egg yolk. After the mask, you need to apply a nourishing cream.

For dry, aging skin. Prepare the following recipe:

1. 2 tsp melted shea
2. 20 ml almond oil
3. Two to three drops of chamomile essential oil
4. A couple of drops of lavender essential oil

The ingredients must be mixed while warm. When the cream has cooled, you can put it in a glass container and put it in the refrigerator. It is better to use the cream at night. Take the product each time with a clean spoon, not with your fingers.

For body. During the cold season, you can make a soothing skin cream. Take two tablespoons of coconut + shea butter + grape seed oils. Heat them in a steam bath, let cool slightly and mix well with a whisk. The result will be an airy cream that needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It can be used for hands, face and body in winter and in the off-season. The cream will prevent chapping, peeling and irritation.

For the spring-summer period, add sea buckthorn and aloe vera to shea and coconut butter in equal proportions. The last component perfectly protects from ultraviolet radiation, while not interfering with an even tan. Aloe vera can be purchased in ampoules at the pharmacy. The preparation method is the same as for winter cream. The consistency will give you a cream lotion.

If you are not a fan of homemade cosmetics, I advise you to pay attention to the Organic Essence brand . This company specializes exclusively in the production of natural cosmetics from shea butter. The products are so diverse that everyone can find something suitable. Shea butter is used as a base, additional components are 98.8-100% organic.

The products are certified in accordance with the USDA Organic standard (USA). Those. face, body, and lip care products do not undergo thermal or chemical treatment. Numerous positive reviews confirm the quality of this cosmetics.

Or pay attention to the tools that I described below.

Shea butter – in finished cosmetics

Many famous brands contain shea butter. I am a fan of the Vichy brand. Therefore, I will mainly recommend their products. Vichy's dry skin products have shea butter everywhere. You can also find shea butter in KORA and Bioderma cosmetics. Here are some of the effective remedies:

1. Idealia Day Cream is a very effective product for moisturizing dry skin. The cream contains glycerin, which softens the skin and helps retain moisture. A useful substance such as adenosine stimulates the production of your own collagen and elastin, reducing wrinkles. And of course, shea butter delivers the necessary components to the cells, making the skin smooth and elastic. You can read more about this cream in my article about Idealia series creams.
2. Nutrilogie 1 and Nutrilogie 2 - these creams are simply a salvation for dry and very dry skin. They contain a set of wonderful oils. These include jojoba, apricot kernel, coriander, shea butter and macadamia. These oils perfectly nourish dry facial skin and eliminate tightness. Read about the last ingredient in the article “properties of macadamia oil.” In addition to its nourishing and softening properties, the light texture of the cream allows it to be used under makeup.
3. Night care cream Vichy LiftActiv Supreme - this product helps to actively fight aging. In addition to apricot kernel oil and shea butter, it contains 5% rhamnose. This component promotes the active production of collagen and elastin in tissues. The cream also contains thermal water of volcanic origin. Which moisturizes, restores and soothes the skin.

In Africa, women collect shea fruits (or shea) and prepare oil from their seeds. For many, this is the only source of income, which is why oil is called “women’s gold.” However, in terms of value for our skin, it is truly comparable to precious metal.

1. What is shea butter
2. Benefits of shea butter
3. What's in it
4. Shea butter for beauty and healthy skin
5. Precautionary measures
6. Cosmetics with shea butter

What is shea butter

This is oil from the seeds of the fruit of a tree with the Latin name Vittellaria paradoxa. In Mali it is called shea, in Senegal it is called karite. This amazing tree grows only in the natural conditions of West Africa. Numerous attempts to open shea nurseries have failed.

Oil in West Africa is extracted using a technology that is based on manual labor. This is practically a ritual in which only women take part. During the cooking process, almost all the beneficial properties of the oil are preserved. However, due to repeated heating, it loses some of the vitamins A and E.

Natural shea butter can be stored for 2-3 years without the need for preservation. Local residents eat it, use it to treat various diseases and, of course, apply it to the skin.

According to scientists, the skin of lucky people who have free access to shea butter is healthy in all respects.

In the industrial production of shea butter, cold-pressed technology is often used in order to preserve the beneficial substances to the maximum. But sometimes chemical methods are also used, which reduces the cost of the product, but, alas, reduces its quality.

Shea butter has long been used to heal the skin. © iStock

Shea butter is hard, but softens easily at a temperature of 35 degrees - that is, just in your hands. The smell can be different: hand-prepared and much more expensive oil smells smoky, while industrial oil has a pleasant nutty aroma.

Benefits of shea butter

Shea butter has many beneficial properties.

Helps moisturize the skin by preventing moisture evaporation.

Improves cell regeneration.

Has a powerful protective effect.

What's in it

Shea butter is a unique complex of monounsaturated (oleic, linoleic) and saturated (stearic) fatty acids necessary for the skin to maintain turgor, firmness, elasticity and youth. It also contains other beneficial substances, vitamins and minerals.

If you go into details, you can find in the oil composition:

stearic acid, 50%;

linoleic acid, 6%;

oleic acid, 40%;

triglycerides that enhance tissue barrier functions;

caristerols (phytosterols), related to lipids of skin cell membranes, capable of slowing down the aging process;

terpene alcohols - they effectively fight free radicals and inflammation, are powerful UV filters, and protect collagen fibers;

natural latex, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation, increases skin elasticity and strengthens the hydrolipid barrier;

tocopherol (vitamin E), which has an intense anti-inflammatory, healing, antioxidant and even oncoprotective effect;

vitamin A (retinol), which stimulates healing, regeneration and metabolism at the cellular level.

Shea butter nourishes and moisturizes the skin and is good for hair. © iStock

Shea butter for beauty and healthy skin

Thanks to its rich composition, shea butter helps deliver effective components to skin cells. All this makes it a super valuable ingredient in cosmetics. And the oil has been used in the beauty industry for more than 20 years. Used both in pure form and in the composition:

lip balms;

hair products (shampoos, conditioners, masks);

moisturizing, nourishing and protective face creams;

hand and body creams;

sunscreen and regenerating agents;

Shea butter is especially valued as an ingredient in anti-age cosmetics, as it stimulates the slowed-down metabolic processes of aging skin and cell regeneration.

Precautionary measures

Shea butter almost never causes allergies, but there are cases of individual intolerance to the product. This rather concerns the oil in its pure form, since it is contained in very small proportions in cosmetics. But for allergy sufferers, it is better to do a sensitivity test before using the product.

Cosmetics with shea butter

Lip balm Cicaplast Lèvres, La Roche-Posay, with a hypoallergenic formula protects and restores the skin of the lips, suitable even for children.

Nourishing balm Neovadiol Magistral, Vichy, strengthens thinned, weakened skin during menopause, making it denser and more elastic.

Soothing multi-regenerating balm Cicaplast Baume B5, La Roche-Posay, relieves dryness, restores the protective barrier, provides comfort. Suitable for use on the face (including lips) and body for irritation, peeling, and damage. Effectively soothes the skin after hair removal.

Balm for skin restoration for sunburn Capital Idéal Soleil, Vichy, soothes the skin after exposure to the sun, neutralizes the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. Suitable for sensitive skin.

Hair mask oil 3-in-1 “Triple restoration”, Garnier Fructis, nourishes hair, giving it softness and shine.

Shea butter (karite) is included in the list of the most valuable cosmetic oils, which have, first of all, softening, moisturizing, strong protective and restorative abilities. They are widely used in the cosmetic field, in particular in skin and hair care.

Shea butter is isolated from the fruit pulp of the Shea tree (Shea butter, Vitellaria paradoxa, Butyrospermum parkii). A tree can live for several centuries, and maintains high productivity throughout the century. Grows mainly in Western and Central African countries (Ghana, Mali, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, etc.).

Shea butter has a pleasant and light nutty aroma, sometimes with a slight hint of coconut. The consistency of the product is solid and remains so at temperatures up to 27 degrees; as the temperature rises, the oil melts quickly. This feature makes it convenient to use in skin care (move a piece of oil over the skin, saturating it with life-giving components). Only organic (non-chemical) unrefined oil is suitable for use, in which a huge amount of useful substances is concentrated. More than 80% of shea butter consists of triglycerides; it also contains squalene, phytosterols and xanthophyll, vitamins (E, A (carotene) and tocopherols), triterpene alcohols.

Shea butter is used in Western countries for skin care and cosmetics production; in African countries it is actively used for food (fat) and medicinal purposes.

Properties and beneficial effects of shea butter.
The oil's excellent softening ability is effective against excessively dry and rough areas of body skin (hands, elbows, knees, feet, etc.). This property of shea butter makes it indispensable for dry and dehydrated skin with signs of flaking, unevenness and roughness. The ability to influence the synthesis of collagen and elastin, as well as the restorative and rejuvenating properties of the oil, fights visible signs of aging and aging of the skin, increases firmness and elasticity, improves skin turgor, smoothes wrinkles, and improves complexion. Oil can improve the condition of skin affected by stretch marks only if treatment was started immediately after their occurrence.

The high protective ability of shea butter makes it an effective and indispensable remedy against the effects of ultraviolet rays, as well as the aggressive effects of external environmental factors.

Shea butter also exhibits moisturizing and nourishing properties, which allow it to be used on absolutely any type of skin and hair, including sensitive ones. The soothing properties of the oil will come in handy for the skin of babies, especially in the presence of diaper rash, and will also be useful after insect bites.

Shea butter is mainly known as an effective cosmetic product; few people know that its equally high healing properties can be useful in the treatment of various diseases. Shea butter also has some medicinal properties that are effective against many skin diseases, in particular psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. It can also speed up the healing of minor cuts, wounds, and cracks in the skin. It exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in case of injury to ligaments and muscles, in case of joint diseases, it also has anti-edematous properties, and stimulates capillary blood circulation. Pure oil is applied to the affected area with light circular movements.

The oil should be stored tightly closed in a cool place away from light; in its original packaging, the shelf life is up to two years.

Shea butter application in cosmetology.
Shea butter has found wide application in the field of cosmetology; it is one of the most common components of care, anti-aging and sun protection cosmetics for the skin of the face and body, as well as hair. The oil is universal, so it will suit everyone. The oil is also included in massage mixtures and is an ideal remedy against stretch marks during pregnancy (and not only). Daily self-massage of problem areas with this oil will increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Shea butter for face.
Like any other cosmetic shea butter, it is well tolerated by the skin in its pure form, nourishes, moisturizes, softens it, and is suitable even for the delicate and sensitive area around the eyes, cracked and dry skin of the lips, neck and décolleté. To increase the effect, it is good to combine the oil with essential oils and other beneficial ingredients and use it in the form of masks with different effects, depending on the result you want to get. Shea butter is an excellent base for preparing homemade restorative, nourishing and rejuvenating creams. Before using as a basis for preparing care mixtures and formulations, it is recommended to melt the oil in a water bath.

This versatile and natural cosmetic product will also help protect your skin from the sun, wind and cold temperatures. The oil is applied forty minutes before going outside; after absorbing the product, the skin must be blotted with a paper napkin to remove oil residues.

Shea butter is good to use as a night nourishing and restorative product. While warm, lubricate the entire surface of the face with oil. Before going to bed, pat your face dry with a cosmetic napkin.

Recipes for masks and creams with shea butter for the face.

Cream with shea butter for sensitive, dry and aging skin.
To two teaspoons of pre-melted shea butter, add four teaspoons of almond butter. The mixture should be constantly stirred until completely cooled, gradually adding essential oils of chamomile (three drops) and lavender (two drops). Transfer the cooled cream into an empty, clean glass jar from any cream and place in the refrigerator. Store the cream for no more than two weeks. Use as needed (at least twice a day).

Rejuvenating cream for mature skin with signs of aging and wilting.
Also melt two teaspoons of shea butter using a water bath, add two teaspoons of macadamia oil, a teaspoon of avocado oil and the same amount of jojoba. Remove from the bath and stir constantly. As it cools, add essential oils of rosemary (two drops) and rosewood (three drops) to the mixture. Transfer to a jar with a lid and place in the refrigerator. Store for no more than two weeks.

Revitalizing night cream for dry, sensitive skin with signs of aging.
Combine a tablespoon of ordinary rose water (not alcohol-based, available at the pharmacy) with a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. In a separate bowl, using a water bath, dissolve a teaspoon of beeswax, two teaspoons of shea butter and one and a half tablespoons of vegetable oil (olive, almond, peach, apricot, etc.). Mix everything well, the butter should all melt completely. Then squeeze vitamin E from one capsule into the mixture, add a small amount of lecithin (at the tip of a teaspoon). Stir the mixture thoroughly and add a mixture of rose water and aloe. Next, remove the composition from the bath and begin to beat intensively with a mixer. Add essential oils of tangerine (two drops) and chamomile (three drops) to the warm mixture while whisking. Transfer the finished cream into a jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for storage.

Recipes for masks for dry skin with shea butter.
A mask will help to tone and nourish dry and dull skin: grind the peel of a previously dried lemon using a coffee grinder. Take one level tablespoon of this flour, combine with egg yolk, cover tightly with cling film and move aside for twenty minutes. Next, add a teaspoon of liquid shea butter and the same amount of walnut oil to the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly and apply to a cleansed face; after twenty minutes, remove the mask with warm water.

Nourishing and softening mask for very dry skin: crush avocado (banana) pulp, take two tablespoons and mix with a teaspoon of liquid shea butter, add to the mixture the same amount of jojoba oil (or wheat germ) and honey (melt in advance) . Apply the composition to cleansed skin and leave for twenty minutes, rinse with warm water. If the mixture is too thick, add another half of the yolk.

Lip treatment with shea butter.
Place half a teaspoon each of beeswax and shea butter in a special bowl, melt in a water bath, add the same amount of honey and cocoa butter. Stir everything well to a homogeneous liquid mass, remove from the bath and stir a little, add a drop of cinnamon oil and two drops of mint oil (can be replaced with lemon balm or chamomile). Store the product in an individual jar in the refrigerator. Good to apply at night, as well as in cold and windy weather.

Softening hand mask with shea butter.
The following remedy will help soften rough and dry skin of your hands: add calendula and walnut oil to melted shea butter. Take the ingredients one teaspoon at a time and mix thoroughly. Massage the skin using the product. Remove any remaining oil with a paper napkin.

Treatment mask for acne with shea butter.
This mask works well against acne: combine 100 ml of melted shea butter with liquid honey, add a tablespoon of walnut oil and 1 ml of salicylic acid. Apply the composition to the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes, and leave for twenty minutes. Rinse off with warm water. It’s best to make this mask at night; you don’t need to apply anything else to the skin. Store the product in the refrigerator.

Shea butter for hair.
Shea butter has no less beneficial effects on the hair and scalp. It also nourishes, moisturizes, eliminating dryness and brittleness, improves blood circulation in the skin, stops hair loss, strengthening hair follicles. When regularly included in hair care, the oil makes hair manageable, shiny and healthy.

The oil should be applied to dry hair, paying special attention to dry ends. The head is covered with polyethylene and wrapped in a towel. This mask should be kept on for an hour to two, you can leave it overnight, and wash your hair in the morning in the usual way. To achieve better results, it is recommended to add other vegetable and essential oils to the oil, depending on the goal.

Recipes for hair masks with shea butter.
To improve the condition of split ends: combine two tablespoons of shea butter (melt in advance) and almonds, add beaten egg yolk and three drops of ylang-ylang ether. Apply the mask to dry hair, wrap with film and a towel, after an hour, or more if time permits, rinse with warm water and shampoo.

For enhanced hair nutrition: combine a tablespoon of burdock oil with two tablespoons of flaxseed oil, add a tablespoon of liquid vitamin E in oil. Separately, melt 40 g of shea butter and mix with the rest of the mixture. The application method is the same.

Despite the fact that it is still an oil, it still does not weigh down the hair or make it excessively oily.

Shea butter is universal, apply it for any skin and hair problem. You will see for yourself its effectiveness.