Shea Butter Benefits: What It Really Does for Your Skin and Hair
Skin Care Guide | 6 min read
What shea butter really does for your skin and hair
The benefits that have made it a staple in African homes for generations.
Shea butter has been part of our families' routines for generations, long before it showed up in fancy jars at department stores. It's one of the best-selling products in our store, and for good reason. Here's what it does for your skin and hair, and how to get the most out of it.
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Shea butter benefits at a glance
BACKED BY RESEARCH
Deeply moisturizes dry skin
Its fatty acids seal water in. This is what shea does best.
BACKED BY RESEARCH
Softens rough patches
Elbows, knees, heels and hands.
HAIR FAVORITE
Dry hair and breakage
Seals moisture into natural hair.
NATURALLY SOOTHING
Calms irritated skin
Rich in natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
CUSTOMER FAVORITE
Even-looking skin tone
Many customers use it daily on dark spots and uneven areas.
Shea butter benefits for skin
Shea butter is mostly made of fats called stearic and oleic acid. When you smooth it on, those fats form a light layer that slows down water loss from your skin. That's why it's so good for dry, ashy or tight-feeling skin, especially in a Chicago winter.
It also melts at body temperature, so it sinks in instead of sitting on top like petroleum jelly. For the best results, put it on right after a shower while your skin is still a little damp.
Is shea butter anti-inflammatory?
This is where shea stands out from most other butters. It's unusually rich in natural compounds called triterpene cinnamates. In a well-known 2010 study, researchers found these compounds had strong anti-inflammatory activity, with one called lupeol cinnamate working best.
That's a big part of why shea feels so soothing on dry, irritated or itchy skin, and why it's been trusted for generations to calm and comfort.
Shea butter benefits for hair
For natural hair, shea is a sealant: it locks in the moisture from water or a leave-in conditioner so your hair stays soft longer. Here's how many of our customers use it:
LOC method: Liquid (water or leave-in), then Oil, then Cream. Shea can be your cream step.
Ends: a pea-size amount on the ends helps prevent breakage and split ends.
Scalp: a small amount soothes a dry, flaky scalp.
Less breakage means you keep more of the length you grow, which is why so many people with natural hair keep a tub on hand.
Is shea butter good for your face and acne-prone skin?
Shea is generally considered low on the pore-clogging scale, and many people with dry or normal skin use it on their face every day for a soft, dewy glow.
If your skin is oily or acne-prone, start small: a tiny amount at night on dry areas only. A little goes a long way.
Which shea butter should you use?
Not sure which? Our raw vs. whipped vs. yellow guide compares them side by side.
Questions people ask us
Can I use shea butter every day?
Yes. Most of our customers use it daily on their body, and many use it on their face too.
Is shea butter good for ashy skin?
Very. Ashiness is dryness showing on darker skin, and shea is one of the best things for it. Apply after bathing and again before bed if needed.
How long does shea butter last?
Raw shea keeps well for a year or more when stored sealed in a cool, dry place, and a big tub goes a long way.
Can men use shea butter?
Of course. It's great after shaving, on beards, and on dry hands and feet.
For general information. Talk to your doctor about ongoing skin conditions.