Shea butter

The shea butter is extracted from the seeds of the Vitellaria paradoxa, a tree native to West Africa. It belongs to the family of occlusive emollients, which do not moisturize by adding water but by retaining the water already present in the skin.

The fatty acids—especially oleic and stearic acid—form a film that reduces transepidermal water loss, supporting the work of the skin barrier. What sets it apart from other plant-based fats is the unsaponifiable fraction, which is particularly abundant in shea butter: it contains triterpenes, phytosterols, and vitamin E, explaining why this butter does things an oil cannot—support elasticity and reduce reactivity, in addition to nourishing the skin.

It works on dry skin and on thickened areas—elbows, knees, and heels—as well as in face creams for those whose skin cracks in winter. It performs best when applied to still-damp skin, because its job is to seal in the water already present. The comfort is immediate, while softness develops over a couple of weeks.

It is an ingredient that works for the whole body: on the face in formulas designed for the cold season, and on the body where the skin is thicker and generally less cared for. Its richness provides lasting comfort with small amounts, and the texture it leaves is enveloping without feeling heavy.

On our blog, you can find an in-depth article on the properties and benefits of shea butter in cosmetics.