shea butter* ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is an emollient and structuring lipid that softens skin, adds cushion, and helps reduce water loss in creams, balms, body butters, and hair-care products.
What does shea butter* do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is an emollient and structuring lipid that softens skin, adds cushion, and helps reduce water loss in creams, balms, body butters, and hair-care products.
Is shea butter* clean?
It is broadly accepted in clean-beauty standards and is typically well tolerated, with low irritation potential. Allergy concerns are uncommon because refined grades contain very little protein, though rich leave-on formulas can feel heavy for some skin types.
Is shea butter* sustainable?
This material is plant-derived, biodegradable, and sourced from nut kernels, with supply chains often tied to West African producer communities. Sustainability quality depends on traceability, fair compensation, and responsible land-use practices.
Is shea butter* COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and can be used in COSMOS-organic products when the agricultural source and processing meet certification requirements. It fits Green Chemistry well when mechanically extracted or minimally refined, with renewable sourcing and good biodegradability.
How does shea butter* work chemically?
The molecule profile is a triglyceride-rich vegetable fat dominated by stearic and oleic acid fractions, plus a small unsaponifiable fraction that can include triterpene esters and tocopherols. Typical use ranges are about 1 to 5% in lotions, 5 to 20% in creams and balms, and higher in anhydrous products, with a melting range near skin temperature and better oxidative stability than many highly unsaturated oils.
Last updated 2026-05-13