24, September 2025
The Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin
Incredible skincare ingredients do grow on trees – and shea butter is one of the best. Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, this rich, nourishing oil has been used for centuries to hydrate, soothe and protect skin. Here’s why it’s got a reputation as a skin saviour.
What is Shea Butter?
"Vitellaria paradoxa MS 6563" by Marco Schmidt[1] is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Shea butter (it’s pronounced ‘shay’!) is a creamy, nutrient-dense fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s been a staple in African skincare rituals for centuries, with archeological evidence showing its use in Burkina Faso in the years 100-150 AD.
Today, you’ll find shea butter on the ingredients lists of face creams, lip balm, hand & body lotions and more. It is also loved as an ingredient in shampoo, conditioner, hair masks and other hair products. To find out why, read our blog: The Benefits of Shea Butter for Hair.
Women’s Gold
Shea butter is often dubbed 'women's gold' because of the vital role it plays in women's livelihoods in West and Central Africa. The shea industry provides vital income to rural communities from Senegal to South Sudan, with many women involved in picking and production. According to the Global Shea Alliance, across Africa, 16 million women work collecting shea nuts and fruits for processing.
What Does Shea Butter Do for Skin?
So, shea butter is a natural skincare superfood that’s loved the world over – but what exactly can it do for skin?
Intensely Moisturises
Shea butter is probably best known for its moisturising prowess. A powerful emollient (skin softener), it melts into skin easily, leaving it looking and feeling noticeably smoother. That’s because it’s packed with fatty acids, which are known to help lock in moisture. The butter’s rich, nourishing texture makes it especially good for dry or rough skin and areas prone to dryness, like elbows and knees.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier
As well as delivering deep moisturisation, shea butter is known to help strengthen the skin barrier. This invisible, outermost layer defends against pollution and harsh elements like cold and wind. So, shea butter is great for exposed skin and hard-working hands, especially in winter. In short, if you spend a lot of time outside in Nature, shea’s a great shout!
Fights Free Radicals
Shea butter is loaded with antioxidants, including vitamins A and E. Antioxidants help protect your skin by neutralising free radicals – unstable molecules caused by things like UV rays, pollution and smoke. Left unchecked, free radicals can damage collagen, trigger inflammation and speed up visible aging. The antioxidant elements of shea butter neutralise these molecules, helping skin to look and feel healthier.
Smooths and Firms
Shea butter is known to help keep skin firm by supporting the production of collagen. One study found that it boosted collagen levels and reduced the breakdown of existing collagen in just a few days. That’s why shea has a reputation for leaving skin looking smoother, firmer and more radiant.
Soothes and Calms
With anti-inflammatory compounds that are known to help reduce redness and soothe stressed-out skin, shea butter can bring comfort and calm. Smooth shea-based products on to sunburn, razor burn, new stretch marks or very dry skin, for much-needed moisture and relief. Whilst many people with sensitive skin report good results from shea butter, it’s best to do a patch test if your skin is particularly prone to reactions or allergies. And if your skin is irritated, broken or sore, you should always consult a health professional before applying anything new.
Organic Shea Butter for Skin
We use organic shea butter as the base for our hand & body lotions and in our Shea & Argan haircare range. It is wild-harvested and supports women’s co-operatives in Ghana.
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