An active ingredient that has been adored since the dawn of time, shea butter is a magical ingredient in cosmetics. What are its benefits? How to use it? Let's talk about it.

Mother Nature delivers everything we need on a platter to take care of ourselves. Shea butter is one of those 100% natural nuggets that we can't do without once tamed. Although it is often found in cooking, it is especially in cosmetics that it has conquered hearts...

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What exactly is shea butter?

Shea butter is a natural fatty substance extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, a tree that grows mainly in West Africa. It has been used for centuries in the regions where the tree is cultivated, both for food and for skin and hair care. Its manufacturing process begins with the collection of the fruits of the shea tree. The fruits then resemble large plums containing a nut, it is this part that is used to extract the butter. How is it done? The nuts are first shelled to remove their outer shell. They are then lightly roasted, which gives shea butter its characteristic smoky aroma.

Appearance-wise, shea butter has a creamy texture and a pale yellow color. It is very rich in fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids. These fatty acids give it moisturizing, nourishing, and protective properties for the skin and hair. It is no longer a secret that shea butter is used in many cosmetic products such as moisturizers, body lotions, lip balms, and hair products. It is known for its skin-soothing properties, helping to moisturize and soften dry areas, reduce irritation and itching, and promote cell regeneration.

Shea butter, a (very) powerful moisturizing active ingredient

Shea butter is known to be particularly moisturizing, and is used in particular to deeply moisturize the skin. The reason? Its composition is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, but not only that:

1. Essential Fatty Acids: Shea butter contains a high amount of essential fatty acids, such as oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. These fatty acids are essential for maintaining skin moisture by forming a protective barrier that prevents water from evaporating from the skin. They help seal in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.

2. Vitamins: Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E. Vitamin A promotes cell regeneration, which contributes to healthy, well-hydrated skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and helps maintain its elasticity.

3. Emollient properties: Shea butter helps soften and smooth the skin thanks to its emollient properties. It easily penetrates the upper layers of the epidermis, allowing fatty acids and vitamins to deeply nourish the skin.

4. Anti-inflammatory: Shea butter contains anti-inflammatory compounds like triterpenes and cinnamates, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin. Particularly beneficial for sensitive or irritation-prone skin, shea butter really does have it all.

5. Absence of water: Contrary to popular belief, a cosmetic product does not need water to be moisturizing. Shea butter is a 100% natural product and does not require the addition of water. This means that it is more concentrated in moisturizing agents and provides longer-lasting hydration.

Shea butter, ideal for frizzy and dry hair

While it is particularly appreciated for the skin, shea butter is also a valuable ally for taking care of frizzy and dry hair! Its moisturizing, nourishing and restorative properties allow dry and damaged hair to regain all its panache by helping to restore it. Just like a good keratin hair treatment , shea butter can help seal the hair cuticles, making it smoother and less prone to frizz. Not to mention that it can also help reduce the appearance of split ends and improve the overall texture of the hair. Another of its great assets is the thermal protection it offers to the hair, by forming a protective barrier on the strands, it helps prevent damage caused by the heat of styling tools such as hair dryers, straighteners or curling irons. It can also protect hair from the sun's harmful UV rays, which is why it is widely used in hot countries.

How to use shea butter?

This magical ingredient can be used in different ways to take care of your beauty. Here are some suggestions on how to use it to maximize its benefits.

As a moisturizing body balm

Since it is sufficient in itself, shea butter can be applied pure and directly to the skin to deeply moisturize it. Take a small amount of shea butter and heat it to melt it like a vegetable oil between your hands. Then apply it to your skin by massaging gently in circular movements, until it is well absorbed. It can be used all over the body, insisting on dry areas such as elbows, knees or heels! To be applied in summer and winter for baby skin, it is particularly appreciated for dry skin.

As lip balm

Shea butter is an excellent natural lip balm . Simply take a small amount of butter, melt it between your fingers and apply it directly to your lips. It will help nourish, moisturize and soften dry and chapped lips. Ideally, apply shea butter as a "night mask" in the evening after your skincare routine, brushing your teeth and before bed. Left on overnight, it will act deeply and ensure a luscious and nourished mouth when you wake up.

As massage butter

Shea butter is also great for massages. Its creamy texture and ability to melt on contact with the skin make it an excellent choice for moisturizing the skin while providing a soothing sensation and a delicious smell during and after the massage.

As a miracle skin treatment

Shea butter can also be used for specific care such as treating stretch marks, soothing skin irritations (such as eczema, sunburn or psoriasis) or preventing scars. In these cases, it is still best to consult a healthcare professional for specific advice.

To best preserve your butter, make sure to keep it at room temperature.