Is Shea butter good for your skin?

Shea butter is one of the best-kept secrets in the world of skincare. We use a high proportion of shea butter in our natural soap and in our range of luxury whipped body butters. So what's all the fuss about? Read on to find out why shea butter is so good for your skin.

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the African Shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa. It's a 100% natural ingredient that has been harvested and used for centuries in Ghana to help fight the signs of ageing and skin damage from the harsh African sun. A great natural moisturiser, shea butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins that work to smooth and nourish the skin.

Shea butter is packed with antioxidants

Shea butter is naturally rich in vitamin E and A which help to fight the signs of ageing. These antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals - damage caused by pollution, sun exposure, or toxins that ultimately leads to premature ageing and dull, tired-looking skin.

Shea butter is highly moisturising and incredibly hydrating

Shea butter contains vitamin F and high levels of fatty acids which work wonders on dry skin. With high levels of oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, shea butter absorbs quickly into the skin and helps repair and protect the skin's natural barrier. Shea butter soothes and moisturises dry skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties provide welcome relief to the itching that comes with eczema and psoriasis.

These properties work hand in hand to generate new, healthy skin cells for a more youthful glow.

More skin-loving benefits of shea butter

• It won't make your skin feel oily
• It's antimicrobial
• It's anti-fungal
• It has an SPF of 3-4
• It helps to boost collagen production which may help to reduce fine lines and plump the skin.

Other uses for shea butter

• Apply to scars and stretch marks to reduce their appearance
• Apply to insect bites to reduce stinging
• Smooth onto razor burns to soothe the skin
• Apply to the hair and scalp to help prevent hair breakage and to treat dandruff
• Massage onto sore muscles to soothe and reduce inflammation.

We also use raw fairtrade shea butter at a whopping 50% in our range of whipped body butters, and our customers just can't get enough of it!