5 top shea butter moisturizers

Visit shea butter is a concentrate of benefits thanks to its rich composition of essential fatty acids, such as oleic acid and stearic acid, and vitamins (A, D, E, F). These components give it unique moisturizing, soothing and anti-aging properties. Shea butter is non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types, including combination, dry and those requiring extra moisturizing. It is ideal for year-round use to keep skin hydrated.

The benefits of shea butter for the skin

Deep Hydration

Thanks to its high fatty acid content, shea butter plays a key role in maintaining skin hydration. By reinforcing the hydrolipidic film, it protects the epidermis from dehydration, while leaving it soft and supple.

Soothing action

For dry skins and prone to tightness, shea butter is a genuine repair balm. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, attributed to terpene alcohols, make it a precious ally against cracks, eczema and light burns.

Ageing prevention

Shea butter is not only an exceptional moisturizer, it is also recognized for its ability to combat the damaging effects of the sun and skin aging, thanks to its capacity to stimulate cell renewal. It also helps restore the skin's suppleness, helping to reduce signs of ageing such as wrinkles, thanks to the combined action of vitamin A, vitamin D and phytosterols. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, shea butter also helps prevent the appearance of new wrinkles. It's important to note that premature aging of the skin is often caused by the deterioration of skin proteins under the effect of free radicals.

The best shea butter moisturizers

The unique composition of shea butter

Shea butter is extracted from the kernels of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is composed of triglycerides containing oleic, stearic, linoleic and palmitic fatty acids, as well as unsaponifiable compounds. Frequently used in the cosmetics industry, shea butter is valued for its high content of unsaponifiable fractions (e.g. triterpenes, tocopherol, phenols and sterols), which give it powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In a study on lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage cells, shea butter showed anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting iNOS, COX-2 and cytokines via the NF-κB pathway. Further research on atopic dermatitis showed that cream containing shea butter extract was as effective as a ceramide precursor product.

How to use

Versatile, shea butter enriches a multitude of cosmetic products, from balms to creamsand masks. Its rich texture makes it ideal for deeply nourishing all skin types.

Source: Lin, T.-K.; Zhong, L.; Santiago, J.L. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 1970. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070