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Writer's picturePauline Susman

The Benefits of Shea Butter: Why It's a Must-Have for Your Skincare Routine

Updated: Jul 2


raw shea butter scooped out of a pot

Is your skin feeling dry and parched? Are regular creams failing to provide the moisture you need?


What if I told you there's a natural solution to all your dry skin problems? Shea Butter is one of the most nourishing and moisturizing products available.


I've been using it all winter, applying this rich butter after every shower. As a result, my skin has never felt better. Cracked heels and lips are a thing of the past! I'd love to share some of the benefits of Shea Butter that I've discovered.

raw shea butter and shea nuts

What is the origin of Shea Butter?


Shea Butter may seem trendy now, but its rich history spans centuries.


Did you know that during Cleopatra’s reign in Egypt, she stored Shea Butter in large clay jars for daily use in various ways? This tradition continues in modern-day Africa.


Known as "Women’s Gold," Shea Butter is an integral part of African society. In West Africa, it's tradition to apply Shea Butter to a baby’s skin right after birth to protect the newborn from the harsh sun. Upon marriage, a bride brings Shea Butter to show she can provide for her new household. Shea Butter is also used to anoint a body before burial, ensuring safe passage to the next world. These rituals highlight the rich, creamy, and healing properties of Shea Butter.

Empowering Women

Creating the butter you see and use is a lot of work!


The Shea tree is crucial to the lives of numerous women in Africa, often referred to as 'women's gold' due to its significant role in their lives. Women are responsible for collecting and cooking Shea nuts, as well as producing and selling the butter in markets. In a world where women struggle to access and control resources, the traditional practices surrounding this tree are exceptional!


Today, Shea butter, an incredible product, is a key ingredient in beauty items found on countless shelves. Nevertheless, it requires substantial effort and labor to bring it to market. By processing and selling Shea butter to international markets, women from Ghana and Nigeria have achieved financial independence, using their earnings to support their families and educate their children.


Benefits of Shea Butter

So what are the benefits of this gorgeous butter? How about anti-ageing, deeply nourishing? I also love that it does not leave your skin feeling oily


When the Nigerian woman at the farmer’s market pressed the Shea butter into my hands, it was with instructions to use it for my skin and my hair. The golden-hued salve became a lifeline for my hair and skin. It replaced every cream and lotion I’d ever purchased, and soon, vats of Shea butter in every shade from ivory to goldenrod filled the cabinets in my bathroom. Little did I know, my obsession provided entry into a long-standing tradition. Sue

Anti-Ageing Properties of Shea Butter


Yes, you read it correctly! Shea butter is not only deeply moisturizing but also has anti-ageing benefits. While it may not be the fountain of youth, it can definitely assist in maintaining youthful skin. This natural butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which help in keeping the skin youthful, radiant, and supple.


The high-fat content in Shea butter provides deep nourishment and moisture to even the driest skin types. It effectively combats dry skin by penetrating and absorbing into the skin without clogging pores. Additionally, Shea butter contains triterpenes, natural compounds believed to prevent collagen fiber degradation. How wonderful!


Benefits for Dry Skin Conditions


Shea butter offers more than just anti-ageing properties; it serves as a healing balm for severely dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties are excellent for soothing red, itchy, and irritated skin. Moreover, its antibacterial compounds make it beneficial for acne prevention.


Shea Butter for Hair Care


When combined with other seed oils, Shea butter creates a deeply nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Blending it with other oils is necessary as Shea butter alone is thick and may lead to residue build-up. Shea butter's cetyl esters condition and lock in moisture, making it ideal for hair care.

Shea butter is highly moisturizing for both hair and scalp. Individuals with curly or coarse hair textures can benefit from using Shea butter to seal in moisture, enhancing softness.


Shea Butter for Hair

Main benefits: Moisturizes, softens, and protects hair

Recommended for: Those with thick, coarse, dry, and/or damaged hair

Frequency: Weekly

Works well with: Other hair oils


Effective Treatment for Burns

Who would have guessed? Shea butter is an excellent remedy for sunburn and other skin burns. Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce redness and swelling, while its fatty acids can aid in skin soothing and moisture retention during the healing process. Although much research has been conducted on this, further studies are required for full medical confirmation.



Shea butter is truly a remarkable product. I have been using it on my hands, neck, and face for the past few months, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my skin's quality and elasticity. If you are interested in trying out this incredible natural butter, visit my shop and purchase a jar!

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