Ingredient dictionary

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Also listed as: Shea Butter

A rich fat pressed from the kernels of the African shea tree, used to soften and smooth skin and hair. It is on the label of 85 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Butyrospermum Parkii Butter does

Softens and smooths dry skin
Adds richness to creams and balms
Helps hair feel softer and less dry
Helps slow water loss from skin

Shea butter is the fat pressed from the kernels inside shea tree nuts, which grow across the African savanna. People in many parts of West Africa have long made it by hand. Unrefined shea keeps its natural color and nutty scent, while refined shea is filtered for a milder finish.

Formulators like it because it is rich in fatty acids, mainly stearic and oleic, that help skin and hair feel soft. It is solid at room temperature but melts near skin temperature, so it spreads smoothly on contact. In large amounts it can feel thick, so it is often blended with lighter oils.

Good for

People with dry skin or dry, thick hair who like a rich, cushiony feel.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is shea butter good for dry skin?

Yes, it suits dry skin well. It softens the top layer of skin and helps slow water loss, so skin feels smoother. It works best on damp skin, since it seals in moisture already present. Very light lotion fans may find it too rich.

Is shea butter safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally well tolerated, and many people with sensitive skin use it without trouble. Still, anyone with known allergies, especially to tree nuts, should check the label and do a small patch test first. If redness, itching, or stinging appears, stop using it.