One of the most well known cosmetic butters, shea butter is extracted from the Karite (shea) nut tree.
You can buy shea butter in both refined and unrefined forms, each involving a different extraction process. Refined shea butter is extracted using high heat natural solvents, while unrefined organic shea butter is extracted by hand or through the use of a mechanical process.
In its unrefined organic form, shea butter is known to be high in vitamins A, E and F, unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids. It is considered to be useful in promoting good skin balance and helping the skin to look healthier. Unrefined shea butter has a higher concentration of antioxidants than refined shea butter.
Oleic acid, stearic acid and linoleic acid are some of the main components of shea butter, which are absorbed into the skin quickly.
Unrefined organic shea butter has numerous benefits and can be used in many ways for the skin and hair.
Body moisturiser
Made of a thick consistency and more concentrated than most body moisturisers and lotions, cosmetic butter is known for providing significant hydration, as it effectively penetrates the skin and holds the body’s moisture.
Shea butter is often considered a superfood for the skin, due to its unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids.
Hydrated skin generally looks more healthy and youthful, which is why shea butter is so commonly used as a body moisturiser.
Anti-ageing
Shea butter is considered to be a good anti-ageing product as it helps stimulate the production of collagen, which improves elasticity of the skin. This helps reduce the visibility of wrinkles, fine lines and stretch marks.
Applying shea butter to the skin helps show off a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Give your skin a boost of antioxidants
High in vitamin A and E, shea butter can be an effective product for giving your skin a boost of antioxidants.
The antioxidants found in shea butter can help protect your skin from the damage of free radicals, which often lead to dull-looking skin.
Haircare
Shea butter is often used within hair products to help promote healthy hair.
As well as effectively moisturising the skin, shea butter can be used to help seal in hair’s moisture. Other benefits to the hair, include conditioning the scalp, which may help alleviate dandruff and strengthening the hair follicles, which can result in less breakage.
Shea butter is sometimes used in hair styling products to smooth frizzy hair.
Hand and foot cream
With its strong moisturising properties, shea butter is a popular product for using in hand and foot creams.
Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive creams that may include various chemicals, you could make hand and foot creams at home.
Unrefined organic shea butter can be used on its own or mixed with other ingredients to create your own natural product. If you buy shea butter online, you can get creative by mixing it with various essential oils, creating a delicious smelling, natural hand and foot cream.
Homemade soap
Many store bought soaps can often leave your skin feeling dry afterwards. Making your own soap using natural ingredients such as unrefined organic shea butter ensures your skin will receive a good dose of moisture.
With people becoming more conscious about what ingredients they use on their skin, making your own soap allows you to use only natural ingredients and ensure there are no unwanted chemicals.
Shaving cream
Due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter may be used as a substitute for shaving cream. It can provide moisture while shaving, or can be used afterwards to soothe the skin post-shave.
While some people may not find shea butter effective enough as a shaving cream on its own, you could create your own homemade shaving cream in conjunction with other ingredients.
Sun protection
While it should not be substituted for sunscreen, shea butter may help provide additional sun protection for your skin.
Cosmetic butters, with their thick texture, are considered by some to create a barrier between the skin and natural elements, which can provide a layer of protection. Though it is not recommended that shea butter be used in place of sunscreen completely.
It is more commonly used to help soothe sunburn, due to it containing vitamin E and A, which are beneficial for irritated skin.
Soothing inflamed or irritated skin
Natural ingredients can often be effective for soothing sensitive skin that is inflamed or irritated, and with its combination of vitamins and being anti-inflammatory, shea butter is often a popular choice.
Shea butter can be useful in soothing inflammation and irritation caused by sunburn, windburn, dry skin, itchy skin or insect bites. Its anti-inflammatory components may also help reduce redness and swelling.
Balance the skin’s oil production
Cosmetic butter can be combined with essential oils and other products to help replenish the skin’s moisture, while also balancing the skin’s oil production.
Shea butter contains linoleic acid and oleic acid, which balance each other out, allowing your skin to absorb the product more easily without leaving behind an oily residue.
Buy shea butter online
If you’re looking to buy shea butter in Australia, make sure to purchase pure, natural products free of chemicals to help optimise the benefits.
Shea butter can deeply penetrate the skin, providing numerous benefits. But as with any product you use directly on your skin, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist before use.
Unrefined shea butter is great for those who prefer to use organic products, but whether buying refined or unrefined organic shea butter, make sure to buy high-quality, natural shea butter.
