Shea butter is a plant-derived fat from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), valued for its rich content of triglycerides, fatty acids, and unsaponifiable compounds. It is used in skincare to soften skin, reinforce the skin barrier, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation occasionally reported in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Uncommon despite tree-nut origin; documented cases are infrequent. |
| Comedogenesis (clogged pores) | Uncommon | May contribute to follicular occlusion in acne-prone skin due to its occlusive, lipid-rich nature. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.