Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Shea Butter – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Shea Butter is a complex botanical lipid extracted from the nuts of the African Shea tree. Unlike simple oils, it contains a significant unsaponifiable fraction—rich in phytosterols and tocopherols—that provides deep skin-conditioning benefits beyond basic moisture sealing. It functions as a high-performance emollient and occlusive, mimicking the skin’s natural lipid matrix to "plug" gaps in the stratum corneum. This makes it an essential tool for repairing a compromised barrier, particularly after over-exfoliation or exposure to harsh, drying climates. While it is a "gold standard" for Dry, Sensitive, and Mature skin, its rich concentration of stearic and oleic acids means it should be used strategically—prioritizing hydration underneath to ensure moisture is trapped rather than just sitting on a dry surface