FEATURES

antioxidant

anti-inflammatory

nutritive

antiseptic

antibacterial

emollient

cell-regenerative

protectant

sun protectant

absorbs quickly

penetrates deeply

BENEFITS

antioxidant

protecting

anti-aging

nourishing

cleansing

moisturizing

healing

balancing

improves hyper + hypopigmentation

improves microcirculation

improves suppleness

redness reducing

rejuvenating

smoothing

softening

soothing

fades scars

• softens

soothes

reduces dryness

improves skin flexibility

reduces redness

diminishes swelling

protects cells from oxidation

reduces the appearance of fine lines

conditions skin

protects

healing

moisturizes deeply

• prevents chapping, cracks and stretch marks

lubricates

helps eliminate scarring

increases local capillary circulation

APPLICATIONS

Especially good for: dry skin, mature skin, chapped and climate damaged skin, after-sun care, scars, inflammation, psoriasis, eczema, stretch marks, bruises, wounds

before + after suncare

blemished skin

capillaries

chapped + cracked skin

damaged skin

delicate skin

dermatitis

dry + brittle hair

dull + lifeless skin

eczema

mature skin

hyper + hypopigmentation spots

irritation + itching

psoriasis

rough skin

stretch marks

sunburns

wrinkles

emollient

menstrum

preservative

base oil

Also called karite butter, shea butter is the natural fat obtained from the fruit of the karite tree in West Africa. Shea butter is a plant lipid similar to cocoa butter and is used as an emollient and moisturizer in cosmetics. It is deeply penetrating, melts at body temperature, and acts as a menstrum (a carrier for other medicinals) that releases quickly, which make it a superior moisturizer to others in its class. Its skin conditioning abilities outweigh even avocado oil (known for skin conditioning) because of the high amount of unsaponifiable fat it contains (up to 65%). It has mild antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, and contains some of the same moisturizing ingredients as sebum. High in vitamin E, an anti-aging antioxidant that increases micro-circulation, it also contains the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin A. The EFAs contained in shea butter act as skin protectors and rejuvenators. Additionally, shea butter contains 5-10% of phytosterols that stimulate new formation and growth of cells. In Africa, its continent of origin, shea butter is widely used as a moisturizer and softener for hair. Its exceptional healing properties are exhibited by promoting and accelerating wound healing, and it is proctective against severe weather conditions. Shea butter is also naturally equipped with a sunscreen (cinnamic acid) giving it an SPF ranging from 2-6 and blocking up to 30% of UV radiation. Its cinnamic acid ester content also accounts for some of its healing properties. A high linoleic acid content makes it excellent for soothing chapped, burned, or irritated skin. Furthermore, shea butter is safe for babies. See natural moisturizing factors.

more on shea butter . . .

ABOUT THE PLANT

Shea butter comes from the shea tree, Butyrospermum parkii, which is native to Africa.

ABOUT THE OIL

Shea butter is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin E. It contains a plant sterol known as stigmasterol that helps reduce stiffness. For this reason it is included in many creams and massage oils for stiff joints. Its high linoleic content makes it excellent for soothing chapped, sunburned, or irritated skin in blends or on its own. Applied daily, it can soften and lighten age spots.

Shea butter is also known as karite butter or African butter.

Shea Butter is a lovely ingredient to include in home-crafted beauty products such as lip balm and moisturizers as it promotes long-term epidermal health and well-being.

Shea butter solidifies as ~70 degrees F and liquifies when warmer.

OF INTEREST

Nutrients

:

β-carotene

cinnamic esters

essential fatty acids

linoleic acid

minerals

oleic acid

phytosterols

stimgasterol

vitamin A

vitamin E

Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy