Active ingredient

Shea Butter

INCIButyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on April 28, 2026.

What it is

Shea butter is a plant-derived lipid pressed from Vitellaria paradoxa nuts, used in skincare as a rich emollient and occlusive. Its triglyceride and unsaponifiable fractions — including triterpenes and phytosterols — soften dry skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. Pairs broadly with most actives. No major conflicts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safe

Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Topical shea butter is considered safe during pregnancy and lactation per Mother to Baby. Refined shea butter has a low allergenicity profile and is widely used in maternity and infant body care.

Mechanism in detail

What Shea Butter does

Rich plant butter with emollient fatty acids. Delivers lasting comfort on body, hands, feet, lips, and baby skin.

Evidence

What the research says

soothesSoothes eczema-prone skin, on par with ceramidesIn a topical trial, a shea butter extract cream calmed the itch of children with eczema-prone skin (pruritus 6.7→6.0) and lifted quality of life, with no efficacy difference versus a ceramide moisturizer. A gentle barrier ally.Read the study →Hon KL, Tsang YC, Pong NH, et al. Patient acceptability, efficacy, and skin biophysiology of a cream and cleanser containing lipid complex with shea butter extract versus a ceramide product for eczema. Hong Kong Med J. 2015;21(5):417-25.

Where it helps