Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) is a plant-derived fat used in skincare to moisturize, soften, and protect the skin barrier. It functions primarily as an emollient and occlusive agent rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiables.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is uncommon; shea butter contains low levels of allergenic proteins. |
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores/breakouts) | Uncommon | May contribute to comedones in acne-prone or oily skin types due to its rich, occlusive nature. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild irritation reported infrequently, often related to impurities or other formulation components. |
| Reaction in tree-nut allergic individuals | Very rare | Although derived from a nut, refined shea butter has minimal protein content; clinically significant reactions are exceedingly rare. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.