Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comedogenicity (pore-clogging) | Uncommon | May contribute to clogged pores or breakouts in acne-prone or oily skin, though shea is generally low on the comedogenic scale. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is uncommon; despite tree-nut origin, refined shea butter contains negligible nut proteins and is rarely linked to nut allergy reactions. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Occasional mild irritation, often related to impurities in unrefined products or individual sensitivity. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.