Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is an emollient and lipid structurant that softens skin, reduces transepidermal water loss, and adds body to creams, balms, and sticks.
What does Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is an emollient and lipid structurant that softens skin, reduces transepidermal water loss, and adds body to creams, balms, and sticks.
Is Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter clean?
It is generally well-tolerated and widely accepted in clean-beauty standards, with low sensitization concern in refined cosmetic grades. Unrefined grades can carry more natural odor, color, and trace protein variability.
Is Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter sustainable?
This material is plant-derived, renewable, and readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile depends heavily on fair sourcing, traceability, and responsible community-based supply chains in its main growing regions.
Is Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural, and certified organic grades can qualify for COSMOS-organic formulations. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when mechanically extracted or lightly refined, using renewable feedstock and biodegradable chemistry.
How does Butyrospermum Parkii [Shea] Butter work chemically?
The molecule profile is mainly triglycerides rich in stearic and oleic fatty acids, plus a notable unsaponifiable fraction containing triterpene esters and tocopherols. It is commonly used around 1 to 10% in emulsions and higher in balms or anhydrous sticks, with a semi-solid melt range near skin temperature and improved oxidation stability when paired with antioxidants.
Last updated 2026-05-13