BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the kernels of the shea tree. The saponifiable fraction consists primarily of stearic and oleic acids, along with smaller amounts of palmitic, linoleic, and arachidic acids.(1–3) In addition, it contains a significant unsaponifiable fraction with bioactive substances, such as tocopherols (vitamin E), which have skin-improving properties.(1) At the molecular level, shea butter extracts have been shown to inhibit several cellular inflammatory pathways and can thus reduce skin irritation.(1–3) Shea butter can therefore soothe rough and chapped skin and has even been shown to be effective in the supportive treatment of eczema.(2)
(1) Ugwu-Dike, P., & Nambudiri, V. E. (2022). A review of ethnomedicinal uses of shea butter for dermatoses in sub-Saharan Africa. Dermatologic Therapy, 35(3), e14786.
(2) Belibi, S. E., Stechschulte, D., & Olson, N. (2009). The use of shea butter as an emollient for eczema. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 123(2), 41.
(3) Maanikuu, P. M. I., & Peker, K. (2017). Medicinal and nutritional benefits of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 7(22), 51–57.
