Shea Butter
In the landscape of natural skin care, Shea butter stands out as a deeply nourishing and protective ingredient. Extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree, native to West Africa, it has been a staple in beauty and medicinal practices for centuries. Recognized for its rich, creamy texture and high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, Shea butter is a key ingredient in our Kiwi-Kissed Ultra-Nourishing Moisturiser.
What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It's unrefined, raw, and without additives, making it a prized component in vegan skin care. Its natural origins and extraction process also align it with cruelty-free skin care, which is an essential aspect of conscious beauty practices.
Shea Butter's Skin Benefits
Shea butter's properties make it beneficial for a wide range of skin types and concerns. Here are some of its key benefits:
- Moisturising: The rich tree-nut oils in Shea butter can soak into your skin, creating a smooth and soft barrier that seals in moisture. This moisture-sealing property is particularly beneficial in colder months.
- Skin Smoothing: Shea butter contains oleic, stearic, palmitic, and linolenic acids that nourish and protect the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This makes it an effective age-defying ingredient.
- Anti-inflammatory and Healing Properties: Due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, Shea butter is anti-inflammatory. This can help tone down redness and swelling on your skin.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: Shea butter is typically safe for all skin types and is not known to cause skin allergies. This makes it inclusive for people dealing with various skin concerns.
- Antioxidant Properties: Shea butter has significant levels of vitamins A and E, which means it promotes strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are important for protecting your skin from free-radical damage that can lead to premature aging.
- Soothing for Dry Skin and Conditions: It is particularly helpful for those with dry skin or conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Its rich texture offers relief from the dryness and itching associated with such conditions.