All About Shea Butter

Shea Butter- we have heard about its great moisturizing properties, how it lathers and penetrates the skin, only making it softer, more supple, and feel amazing. Shea butter added into cosmetics is very beneficial because it glides onto the skin, without leaving any oily residue.

Shea butter comes from the African Shea Tree( Vitellaria paradoxa), and starts in the form of the fatty part of the nut derived from the tree. The benefits of shea butter are numerous: it has healing properties, and has been known to treat a variety of skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis and sunburn. It also helps fade scars, decrease the appearance of wrinkles, and minimize stretch marks and scars.

The healing properties of shea butter can be connected to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols, namely oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids. The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter are derived from cinnamic acid, and in studies done in Japan, demonstrated a great swelling reduction when applied. The antioxidant property of shea butter can be attributed to the fact that shea butter contains vitamins A and E, as well as catechins, plant antioxidants also found in green tea. While it is unclear how well vitamins A and E in raw Shea butter are absorbed, there is evidence to suggest that cinnamic acid esters in Shea fat help to prevent skin damage from ultraviolet radiation.

For best results, unrefined Shea butter, or grade A, is preferred. The fake, processed, and preservatised forms of shea butter are not recommended and can even lead to allergic reactions.

You can find Shea Butter in many of Glam Girl Naturals products such as : Glam Girl Lipsticks and Lipglosses, Eye gel, & Brow Gel.


Reference: National Geographic, Green Living. Shea Butter Benefits. Karyn Meier.