The fruit of the Butyrospermum parkii (shea) tree. It is commonly known as the shea nut or shea kernel, from which the valuable butter is extracted. Image ©CUIDA-T.

Shea butter is a super-hydrating, nourishing, and restorative African vegetable fat, rich in vitamins (A, D, E, F) and fatty acids. It soothes irritations, prevents aging, protects against external aggressors (sun, wind, cold), and is ideal for dry skin and hair. It's also used as an after-sun lotion, lip balm, and hair protectant. Interestingly, it melts on contact with the skin, doesn't clog pores (non-comedogenic), and has been used by African women for centuries, making it a "golden treasure" due to its many uses.

• Origin: It comes from the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), native to West Africa, and is known as "African gold".
• “Women’s Gold” In Africa, millions of them are dedicated to their traditional production, achieving their total and real independence.
• The tree is patient. It does not bear fruit until it is 20 years old, reaches its peak at 45 and lives up to 300, a wise grandfather of the savanna.
• They traditionally use it for everything: skin, cooking (even as a chocolate base), candles or protecting wood.
• Cleopatra According to legend, she included it in her routines, with caravans of butter cans crossing all of Africa for the care of the capricious queen.
• Unique texture: Solid at room temperature but melts easily with body heat, facilitating its absorption.
• Multifunctional use: It is used on the face, body, lips, hair, as a post-hair removal or shaving balm, and even for eyelashes.
• Sustainability: Its solid format allows for more environmentally friendly packaging, such as aluminum cans.
• Tradition: African women have used it for centuries as a moisturizer and protectant. It offers a low natural SPF (3-6) and is an excellent anti-inflammatory for desert climates and insect bites.

Key properties

• Hydration and nutrition: It penetrates deeply, softens and nourishes, ideal for tight skin, elbows, heels and chapped lips.
• Repairing and healing: It helps regenerate the skin, useful for stretch marks, minor burns, chafing and small wounds.
• Anti-aging: Its antioxidants (vitamins A and E) improve elasticity and smooth expression lines, protecting against free radicals.
• Protector: It creates an invisible film that protects against sun, wind and cold, with mild natural sun protection (does not replace sunscreen).
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing: Relieves insect bites, irritations, eczema, chilblains and redness.
• Non-comedogenic: Suitable for oily skin because it does not clog pores.
• Hair benefits: It softens, adds shine and protects dry or damaged hair.