BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER
Shea butter is a fat obtained from the seeds of the shea tree. The saponifiable fraction is predominantly composed of stearic and oleic acids and smaller amounts of palmitic, linoleic and arachidic acids.(1-3) It also contains a significant unsaponifiable fraction with bioactive substances, such as tocopherols (vitamin E), which have skin-improving properties.(1) On a molecular level, shea butter extracts have been shown to inhibit several cellular inflammatory pathways and can therefore reduce skin irritation.(1-3) Shea butter can therefore soothe rough and cracked skin and is even 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 from the shea tree-(Vitellaria Paradoxa). Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 7(22), 51-57.
