Soothes dry skin
“It’s full of antioxidants and fatty acids, which helps soothe a damaged skin barrier and actively helps rebuild it,” says Bunting. As dry skin is one of the most common signs of a damaged barrier, shea butter is especially beneficial for this skin type. “It will soften dry, chapped skin,” confirms Maruthappu.
How to use shea butter
“You can use it neat (100% shea butter) or as an ingredient in skincare products,” says Maruthappu. The experts agree that the latter is the best option as pure shea butter is extremely rich and difficult to rub in.
“It’s best as part of a smartly formulated hydration step,” assures Bunting. “Occlusive ingredients work brilliantly in conjunction with humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramide-boosting ingredients like niacinamide. This is the winning combination in our best-selling Flawless Moisturiser.”
Can shea butter clog pores?
If you’re worried about shea butter clogging pores – rest assure that this ingredient is non-comedogenic. “There is a lot of anxiety around ingredients which clog pores but in my experience of using shea for more than a decade in practice, I find it incredibly well-tolerated in all skin types including acne-prone skin,” says Bunting.
Who can use shea butter?
Shea butter is beneficial for all skin types. “It’s amazing for anyone with sensitive skin who is prone to breakouts, especially when starting out using retinoids,” says Bunting. As retinoids can cause irritation, a moisturiser rich in shea butter is the perfect follow-on product in your skincare routine.
Are there any side effects?
Shea butter is generally well-tolerated by all skin types. But as with all skincare ingredients, there’s always a possibility of irritation or redness. If this occurs, stop using shea butter immediately and consult a skin expert for advice.
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