The Index · Plant butter emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Shea butter — triglyceride-rich emollient/occlusive from Vitellaria paradoxa; CIR-reviewed botanical fat.
ModerateStrong safety/emollient track record; outcome claims beyond moisturisation are softer.
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Shea butter (INCI Butyrospermum Parkii Butter; plant now often Vitellaria paradoxa) is a stearin-rich fat used as an emollient and mild occlusive in balms and creams[1].
What it does
Softens and slows TEWL via lipid film; unsaponifiables include triterpenes sometimes credited for soothing claims, though the dominant effect is emollience[1].
The evidence
CIR assessed shea butter as safe in cosmetics[1]. Clinical ‘anti-ageing’ claims beyond emollience are limited.
How to use it
Great in balms and rich creams; heavy for oily skin as a primary moisturiser.
Evidence by claim
Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Emollient that softens dry skin and supports occlusion[1]
ModerateSafe as used in cosmetics (CIR)[1]
StrongSafety & limits
Source and region, always
all — CIR: safe as used; rare allergy possible in latex-fruit syndrome contexts is discussed in literature but uncommon.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 1
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety Assessment of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. CIR (2017)regulator
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk