A plant-derived fat used to soften skin and give creams a richer texture.
Sources: 1Butyrospermum parkii butter, Vitellaria paradoxa butter
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
What it does
Helps smooth dry-feeling skin and contributes emollience and consistency to a formula. It is not a single fatty acid or a sunscreen.
Sources: 1Good for
- Dry-feeling skin
- Rich moisturizers
How to use it
Use the finished moisturizer or emollient product as directed; this supporting ingredient needs no separate routine step.
Sources: 1Who should be careful
Individual contact reactions are possible. A botanical origin does not guarantee tolerance, and a general comedogenic score cannot predict every user's response.
Sources: 1Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Its mixture of triglycerides and other lipid constituents forms an emollient layer; composition depends on the material and refining process.
Sources: 1Potential adverse effects
Individual irritation or intolerance is possible; the behavior of the complete formula matters more than a universal comedogenic score.
Sources: 1Formulation considerations
Refining, oxidation, crystallization and the amount used influence smell, graininess and skin feel. Supplier quality and the full formula matter.
Sources: 1Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
- Exact material, composition and supplier-grade specifications
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
No jurisdiction-specific assessment is recorded. An inventory listing is not blanket approval.
Names on ingredient lists
butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
No single structure to show yet
This ingredient represents a mixture, extract, polymer or ingredient family. A single molecular diagram may not describe its composition.
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| material scope | Variable material or ingredient family: no single molecular formula, molecular weight or bond diagram describes every grade. | CIR: Butyrospermum parkii-derived ingredients |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
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