Shea Butter

What Shea Butter Is

Contrary to its name, Shea butter is not a derivative of milk or dairy products. The cream colored substance is actually made from the seeds of the Shea tree, which grows primarily in Africa.

Perhaps this rich substance gets its name from its rich, buttery consistency. The soothing, healing, and moisturizing properties of Shea extracts were discovered in ancient Africa. Today, it is available in many forms and in a variety of products for consumers all over the world.

Uses

Shea butter is commonly used in lotions, skin creams, and moisturizing agents. In addition to daily skin hydration, Shea butter is an excellent treatment for dry, tight, and cracked skin.

Other uses include treatment for:

• Sunburns
• Mild skin rashes
• Diaper rash
• Minor burns
• Mild skin irritations
• Stretch marks, such as those associated with pregnancy
• Itchy skin
• Dry scalp
• Eczema
• Dry or damaged hair
• Shaving or razor irritation
• Anti-aging
• Superficial wound protection
• Softens calluses and rough patches

Forms and Products

Shea butter is available in its raw, or cold pressed, form as well as in refined and highly refined forms. It is used alone, and as an ingredient in dozens of health and beauty products.

Alone, Shea has a bland, but not unpleasant, scent. Other scents may be added to the raw form in order to make it more enjoyable to use, although it works very well without them.

Popular products containing She butter include:

• Hand and body lotion
• Baby lotion
• Body wash
• Bar soap
• Liquid hand soap
• Body scrub
• In-shower moisturizing lotions or creams
• Bath soaks
• Foot creams
• Massage and bottle oil
• Lip balm
• Shampoo
• Hair conditioner
• Leave-in conditioner
• Hair serum
• Body sprays
• Anti-aging complexes and serums

Where to Buy

If you are interested in unrefined Shea butters, check natural skin care, health, and nutrition stores. There are many online stores and specialty retailers that carry the raw butters as well as many other Shea products.

For more conventional products with Shea as an added ingredient, you'll have to go no farther than your closest drug, department, or grocery store. Many popular brands, such as Johnson and Johnson and St. Ives, carry products that include Shea.

Pricing

Shea butter products range in price. A four ounce container of raw Shea can be purchased for between 10 and 15 dollars. The richness of Shea usually only requires small amounts, so its price can be very economical for average use. Many drug store products containing the ingredient are also quite inexpensive.

Additionally, there are many specialty products and high-end brands with products containing Shea butter. One example is L'Occitane hand cream, sold by Sephora. The cream contains 20 percent Shea along with honey and almond and coconut oils. A five ounce bottle of L'Occitane's hand cream retails for around 25 dollars.

Choosing Products

While its moisturizing qualities are beneficial, they are also somewhat heavy. Some people prefer lotion blends and products containing Shea rather than the raw form because of their lighter texture. Many lotions and creams are whipped to create an airier form.

Products with a higher concentration of Shea extract may be heavier and contain deeper moisturization. Choose according to the level of moisturization you need.