shea butter
what it is
The fat pressed from the nuts of the shea tree — INCI name Butyrospermum Parkii Butter. It is rich in stearic and oleic triglycerides and carries an unusually high unsaponifiable fraction — the minor plant compounds that give shea its particular character.
why we use it
It is a rich emollient and mild occlusive: it softens and slows water loss, which makes it the backbone of the more cushioning texture we are building for drier skin.
where you'll find it
Shea butter will appear in cushion once its formula is locked — we publish percentages only when they're final.
evidence
Moderate evidence for emollient and barrier-supportive effects. Its centuries of traditional use across West Africa are real history; we still grade on published studies, and the studies are respectable rather than spectacular.
safety
Very well tolerated. Although it comes from a tree nut, refined shea butter contains little to no nut protein, and allergic reactions are rarely reported in the literature.