Whether hand cream, shower gel or body lotion: If you read through the ingredients of common care products for the skin more closely, (un) refined shea butter is often listed. But what is actually behind it?
Shea butter is made from the fruits of the shea tree, which is native to Africa. More precisely, it is the nut-like kernels whose shells contain the coveted vegetable fat. For the production, the shea nuts must first be dried and peeled by hand to remove the pulp. The shells are then roasted in an oven and made into a pulp with a mortar, which is mixed with water and beaten until a white-yellowish fat mass settles on the surface – and can be skimmed off. Only when this has cooled down and hardened is referred to as unrefined shea butter. However, this is usually only found in (certified) natural cosmetics. You can read why this is so as follows.
Content: What is shea butter made of?
Shea butter smells slightly nutty, and some claim that the scent is reminiscent of chocolate. However, that in all likelihood depends on the particular strain. It only retains its yellowish color if it remains unrefined – i.e. pure. In other words, if the shea butter is white, it has been refined for further commercial processing. As a result, it no longer contains valuable beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), which is supposed to counteract natural skin aging, among other things. To the other ingredients of who care for the skin and hair include:
- Allantoin: has an anti-inflammatory effect and is supposed to counteract skin irritation. It also has wound-healing properties, which is why it is used to reduce scars.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol): is an antioxidant that the body cannot produce on its own. It counteracts skin aging and promotes skin moisture.
- Linoleic acid: can soothe the skin and improve skin hydration. The essential omega-6 fatty acids firm up the complexion and make it more resistant.
- Oleic acid: is rich in vitamins and helps the skin to more easily pass important ingredients through the skin’s natural barrier.
- Palmitinsaure: supports the skin cells to bind moisture. For this reason, the ingredient should be particularly suitable for the care of dry skin.
- Stearic acid: binds moisture. It is to be understood as a kind of film that lies over the skin to protect it from external influences.
What are the benefits of shea butter?
As in most products exclusively valuable ingredients are lost. Nevertheless, in a weakened form, as found in many cosmetic articles (creams, lotions), it has positive properties:
- it has a moisturizing effect
- it supplies the skin with moisture
- it has a calming effect on the skin
- it is suitable for all skin types
- it is therefore very well tolerated
- it counteracts skin aging
- it supports cell regeneration
- it is said to prevent stretch marks
on the other hand, it not only has valuable beta-carotenes, but should also be absorbed into the skin faster – without leaving a film of fat.
How to use shea butter correctly
As already mentioned at the beginning, shea butter is suitable for equally. Regardless of whether you choose a refined or unrefined product – the method of application remains the same: Always take only a small amount and distribute it evenly on the skin or, for example, in the ends of your hair. However, keep in mind that refined shea butter can leave a thin film of fat on the skin, so that it is best to use it overnight. however, it is absorbed more quickly into the skin and can also be used during the day without any problems.
Another tip: Shea butter can also be used as a bath additive. Add a small amount to the water and enjoy (and your skin) a nourishing full bath.
Important buying tips for shea butter
Refined shea butter often contains fragrances and preservatives. It is therefore advisable to only use unrefined products – especially if you have sensitive skin. In addition, shea butter can be contaminated with harmful substances if there is no corresponding certificate on the packaging. Pay attention when buying recognizable by certificates such as the one for natural and organic cosmetics. And the price is also an important indicator of good quality: If the shea butter comes directly from Africa, where it was painstakingly handcrafted, you should be taken aback by a particularly cheap bargain. Of course, a high price is still no guarantee of fair working conditions and sustainable raw materials, so products with the Fairtrade seal are still the better choice.
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