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Shea butter has successfully retained its position as the Holy Grail ingredient for those suffering from severe dryness – and for good reason. The fat extracted from the shea tree seed prevalent in African countries is often used in cosmetic products owing to its superior hydrating and nourishing properties. Additionally, the absence of chemical irritants and proteins that trigger allergies makes shea butter safe to use across skin types.
There are several advantages of shea butter on the skin, from boosting hydration levels to soothing sun damage, reducing signs of ageing, and making the skin supple and soft. However, the biggest advantage of shea butter is that it retains moisture levels without making your skin feel greasy. So, without further ado, learn more about the benefits of shea butter and how to use it in your skincare routine.
You can also indulge in shea butter by incorporating one of the 10 editor-recommended products that not only nourish, soothe, and hydrate but are also well-liked by Nykaa users. Before first, let’s see why you should use shea butter as we delve into the nine shea butter benefits for the skin.
Benefits Of Shea Butter
1. A Boost Of Hydration
Lending optimal moisturisation to the skin, shea butter is an ideal pick for those who want to keep dehydration at bay. A harmonious amalgam of linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, the topical application of shea butter-infused products restores the skin’s protective barrier and locks in moisture. Meanwhile, its antioxidant properties work to facilitate skin cell regeneration for firmer, healthier skin.
2. The Three A’s
Shea butter products offer antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties to the skin. They eliminate the spores of fungi that cause skin conditions like ringworm and athlete's foot, regulate the production of inflammation-causing proteins called cytokines, and can dwindle the presence of acne-causing bacteria on the epidermis.
3. Combats Premature Skin Ageing
Shea butter contains triterpenes which slow down collagen fibre destruction and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Besides reducing photo-ageing, it also halts scar tissue formation, which, in turn, keeps scarring at bay and helps the skin heal faster.
4. Soothes Sunburn and Facilitates Sun Protection
The potent concoction of acids present in shea butter makes it a prime ingredient to help soothe swelling and redness. And while it does not offer adequate protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, it can be layered with an SPF to maximise results.
5. Avoids Greasiness
The fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid make up 80% of shea butter. These elements are also what make up our skin cells. Thus, using shea body butter helps replenish the skin’s natural fatty acids. This way when shea butter adds moisture to the skin, unlike other oils, it doesn’t clog up the pores or leave the skin greasy.
6. Makes Skin Soft & Plump
Since shea butter reduces collagen damage, it leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and plump. Not only does it reduce signs of ageing but it also helps your skin appear younger. The vitamins A and E and antioxidants also control free radical damage making your skin smoother.
7. Prevents Irritation
The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties present in shea butter help reduce irritation and redness caused due to a variety of reasons. Whether it is an insect bite, an allergic reaction, a persistent skin condition, or skin damage due to a new location, food item, or atmosphere, shea butter provides instant relief and with continuous use, you can even look at shea butter as a permanent solution to skin irritation.
8. Reduces Stretch Marks & Cellulite
Stretch marks are caused when your skin stretches and then retracts and cellulite occurs when there is excess fat deposit between your skin. Shea butter instantly melts over the skin and when massaged over dimpled, wrinkled, and pigmented skin, it promotes the growth of new healthy cells and replaces scar tissue.
9. Relieves Muscle Sores & Congestion
When our muscles are overextended they can get stiff and massaging shea butter over sore muscles can relieve stress and inflammation. Similarly, shea butter nasal sprays can also drain mucus congestion from your nasal cavity and facial cavity. You can apply shea butter on your face and use a gua sha to drain any excess fluid.
Besides, shea butter is known to aid in dandruff prevention, as well as treat skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Apply a generous amount of shea butter lotion post a shower for smooth and supple skin. Shop Nykaa’s recommendations below:
How To Use Shea Butter
It is best to use a body butter, moisturiser, or body lotion infused with shea butter to get its complete benefits. The optimal time to apply a shea body butter is after you have taken a shower. Your pores are clean and unclogged of any oils or impurities and allow the shea butter to penetrate the inner layers of your skin and deliver ample moisturise. Take a few drops onto your palms and massage it well on your body till you feel your skin soft and supple.
Best Shea Butter Products
1. Customer-Favourite
Rating: 4.4
Price: INR 1,395
This bestseller product offers the goodness of 97% natural-origin ingredients; shea butter native to Ghana and babassu oil from Brazil. It promises 96-hour hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished. In addition, the 100% recyclable packaging is satiating our environmentally-conscious consumer spirit.
2. Award-Winning Product
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 645
Coming out victorious at the Nykaa Femina Beauty Awards, MCaffeine’s Choco & Shea Body Butter promises up to 72-hour hydration, along with a visible decline in the appearance of stretch marks. The PETA-certified vegan, FDA-approved, gender-neutral and dermatologically-tested offering yearns to give you your daily dose of nourishment—a claim backed by 97% of customers.
3. Best Splurge
Rating: 4.8
Price: INR 2,700
A beauty investment worth making, indulge your skin with the L'Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Lotion, enriched with 15% shea butter, honey, and apricot oil. Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, this luxe purchase promises silky, soft-to-touch skin.
4. All Skin Types Friendly
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 299
Presenting a soothing blend of niacinamide, shea butter, glycerine, and betaine, for intensive hydration and nourishment. The fragrance-free, sulphate-free, paraben-free, essential oil-free and silicone-free body lotion strengthens your skin’s protective barrier, thereby limiting damage by environmental aggressors while also providing anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits.
5. Divine Fragrance
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 499
Fall head over heels in love with Nykaa’s Love Struck collection boasting the goodness of shea butter and aloe vera. Titillating your senses with the oriental aromas of bergamot and osmanthus, this lotion hydrates, repairs, and replenishes your skin.
6. Editor’s Choice
Rating: 4
Price: INR 2,799
Featuring an ultra-rich, buttery texture formulated with shea, cocoa, and murumuru butter, Victoria Secret’s 24-Hour Moisture Whipped Body Butter Coconut Milk & Rose Calm is the pick-me-up your parched skin needs!
7. Top-Rated
Rating: 5
Price: INR 2,499
A customer-trusted lotion, this Bath & Body Works formulation is happiness in a tube. It is sweet, warm, and playfully romantic with sugared red berries, blushing freesia, and rose meringue. The user-favourite lotion ranks high on our skincare must-haves list.
8. For Super-Dry and Sensitive Skin Types
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 330
This fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula—imbued with oat complex and shea butter—is proven to relieve extremely dry and sensitive skin. A fragrance-free and steroid-free alternative to other variants in this category, don’t think twice before purchasing this safe-for-skin product.
9. Best Budget Buy
Rating: 4.5
Price: INR 435
All you penny-wise ones, we’ve got you covered. An inexpensive purchase for a 400ml bottle is a pretty attractive deal, eh? A Nykaa bestseller comprising 100% pure shea and cocoa butter, this body lotion holds in moisture and has a calming effect on your skin (and doesn’t break the bank!)
10. Value For Money
Rating: 5
Price: INR 4,050
While a bit on the expensive side, Moroccanoil’s Body Butter Original deserves a spot on every luxury beauty junkie’s bathroom shelf. Featuring a blend of argan oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid, it promises long-lasting moisturisation and noticeably improves skin texture. Plus, the recyclable packaging sits well in line with the idea of a sustainable future.
Parting Thoughts
Shea butter is a great moisturising butter that is made of elements naturally occurring on our skin cells. This ensures our skin is well hydrated without leaving our skin feeling greasy. It also boosts cell regeneration, improves collagen production, and prevents irritation. These advantages of shea butter on the skin will improve the overall health and texture of your asking.
FAQs
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What is shea butter?
Shea butter is a natural oil extracted from the African shea tree seed that’s full of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
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What are the advantages of shea butter on the skin?
These are the shea butter benefits for the skin:
- Boosts hydration
- Improves cell regeneration
- Makes skin soft and supple
- Prevents premature ageing
- Soothes irritation
- Reduces stretch marks and cellulite
- Relieves muscle stiffness and nasal congestion
- Avoids greasiness
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Is shea butter good for all skin types?
Yes, shea butter is great for all skin types since the vitamins and minerals present in shea butter are naturally found in our skin cells and thus they heal even the most sensitive of skin types.
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Can shea butter be used for hair?
Yes, not just skin, but shea butter benefits also extend to your hair and scalp. It helps reduce dandruff and dry scalp. It also nourishes and moisturises hair follicles to reduce damage and breakage.
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What are some good shea butter products?
Here are some shea butter products for your skin
