Shea butter has become an essential natural ingredient in our cosmetics. Renowned for its nourishing, regenerating and softening properties, it has many advantages. But are there any dangers in using it? We take stock with Ulla Wannemacher, co-founder of Ringina, the Austrian company specializing in natural and fresh care.
What is shea butter?
Shea originates from Africa. Its fruits contain a large amount of unsaponifiable lipids which have beneficial properties for the skin. Shea butter is made from seeds, which are pressed and then brought to a boil in order to separate the lipid components from the rest.
Recognized for its moisturizing, repairing, softening and softening properties, shea butter is particularly rich in oleic and stearic acid and contains natural antioxidants (vitamins A and E), latex and phytosterols. Calming and soothing, it helps fight irritation naturally, prevents sun allergies, promotes healing, nourishes dry areas of the body, soothes overheated skin and prolongs tanning. Regenerating, it also revitalizes the tissues and heals chapped skin. It is suitable for all skin types. It is also an ingredient that restores shine and beauty to the hair, deeply nourishes the hair fiber and protects it from external aggressions.
How to choose the right shea butter?
There are two types of shea butter on the market. Refined shea butter and raw, unrefined. Natural shea butter is pale yellow, it has a melting texture that smells like almonds. Refined shea has a white color and no fragrance. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages.
“Unlike native shea butter, refined shea butter is deacidified, bleached and parboiled, making it much more stable against oxidation“, clarifies Ulla Wannemacher. “With regard to oxidation, refined shea butter is more stable than untreated shea butter, but on the other hand, it loses certain specific properties such as certain ceramides or vitamins.“.
Does shea butter present risks of allergies?
the person. However, shea does not contain any known allergens. Rather, it is the substances associated with it that pose a risk. “Rather, shea butter offers anti-inflammatory properties and soothes skin problems. But it is important to keep in mind, since each skin is different, it is always possible to have an allergic reaction, even with natural products. We therefore recommend testing each product on a small area of skin before using it in larger quantities.”, advises the expert. In addition, the manufacture of refined shea butter requires the use of certain chemical solvents which can cause a reaction.
Does shea butter clog skin pores?
Not only does shea butter not clog the pores of the skin, but it is even recommended for skin with imperfections since it acts on the balance of sebum production. “Although shea butter is very nourishing, it is considered a non-comedogenic lipid, i.e. it does not clog pores.“, recalls Ulla Wannemacher. This remedy for oily skin is also recommended for dry or mature skin. “Dry skin in particular can benefit from shea butter, as it can help restore the barrier function of the skin and therefore prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin“recalls the expert.
Is shea butter dangerous for hair?
As for the skin, shea butter does not present any danger for the hair. On the contrary, it promotes hydration and repair of the fiber in depth, especially for frizzy or curly hair that requires special attention. “Shea butter used in hair care can provide various benefits. If applied to the scalp, it can reduce inflammation and irritation. If applied to the hair, it can help soften it, prevent split ends, increase shine or reduce frizz.”, notes Ulla Wannemacher for Ringina.
Does shea butter make your buttocks and breasts bigger?
A miraculous ingredient with its many virtues, shea butter is even credited with the power to round the buttocks and make the breasts grow. Indeed, according to an old belief, applying the ingredient originating from Africa daily would be the key to a feminine silhouette. However, to date there is no study that demonstrates these virtues. If shea butter smoothes the skin, fades stretch marks, promotes skin elasticity, there is no evidence that it makes certain areas of the body fat.
Acknowledgments: Ulla Wannemacher, co-founder of Ringina, the Austrian company specializing in natural and fresh skincare. More informations : ringina.com
Our selection of the best shea butter cosmetics
RINGANA Fresh Lip Balm: rich in coconut oil and shea butter, this balm intensely nourishes the delicate skin of the lips, leaving them soft and satiny. Fine lines due to dryness are reduced and damaged lips regain their suppleness. Price: €10.90 – 5ml Shop
Shea Absolute Majestic Karethic Oil: Raw shea butter, 100% natural and unrefined grand cru L’AFRICAINE from Benin. It nourishes, repairs and soothes the most sensitive skin. Price: €14 – 50ml. Shop
Evoluderm Shea Delight Moisturizing Body Milk: specially formulated to take care of dry skin, this body milk with shea butter nourishes and repairs skin lacking in hydration. Price: €4.25 Shop
Moisturizing Body Cream La Rosée: Lightly scented with Orange Blossom and Rose, this body cream pampers the skin. Very rich in ORGANIC Shea Butter, it blurs the marks of dryness, reducing the feelings of discomfort linked to humidity. Ultra-unctuous and non-greasy, the skin is adorned with a light protective veil for the whole day. Price: €17.90 – 200ml Shop
Southern Glow Shea Butter: this balm gives elasticity to the skin by supporting the skin regeneration process. Inspired by the island of Tahiti, its natural fragrance with notes of Tiare “Maeva Manava” offers a heavenly floral scent that prolongs the summer days. Price: €10.35 – 100g Shop
Uriage Thermal Spring Water Melting Balm : this rich and melting balm nourishes, soothes and protects the skin by wrapping it in a cocoon of softness and well-being. Its creamy texture, enriched with Uriage Thermal Water and Shea Butter, is quickly absorbed, leaving skin smooth and hydrated. The skin regains comfort, suppleness and firmness. Price: €14.90 – 200ml Shop
Vanilla shea whipped cream from Païma: This ultra-sensory vanilla shea whipped cream is a real “all-purpose” balm for the care of the body, face, hands, feet and also the hair. Price: €22.90 – 200ml Shop
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