Shea Butter
INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Shea butter is a lipid-dense plant butter, rich in the same fatty acids the skin's own barrier uses, that works as both an occlusive seal and a repairing emollient. It's a heavier, richer option than squalane — better suited to very dry skin or cold, low-humidity conditions than to an already oily or acne-prone face.
How it works
A lipid-dense plant fraction containing high concentrations of stearic and oleic fatty acids that functions as an occlusive and repairing emollient. It replenishes essential intercellular lipids, coats compromised surface cells, and immediately treats chronic environmental xerosis.
In practice, its weight is the deciding factor over squalane — reach for this on genuinely dry, flaky skin or in winter, and the lighter oil the rest of the year.
How to introduce it
No wait needed — apply the next step right away. Judging Shea Butter before week 4 means judging it before it's had time to actually work — most of what reads as "this isn't doing anything" in the first couple of weeks is just too early to tell.
- Always the last step before sunscreen (AM) or the final step (PM).
Who should be careful
Shea Butter's safety rating is the lowest tier tracked here — well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, without a slow introduction.
Questions people ask
A rich, barrier-repairing butter — heavier than squalane, best suited to very dry skin or low-humidity conditions.
Most people see a fair result around 4 weeks of consistent use — judging earlier usually means judging too soon.
Either — Shea Butter works in both a morning and an evening routine.