Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) oil
AKA: Shea Butter Oil
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Shea)
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Oil is a cosmetic ingredient used as emollient, skin conditioning. Rated low hazard by EWG.
Family
Sapotaceae (Sapodilla family)
Plant Part
Nut
Lifeform
Hemiparasitic epiphyte
Climate
Seasonally dry tropical
CAS #
91080-23-8
Form
Oil
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Used for centuries by West African communities as a traditional moisturizer, healing balm, and anti-inflammatory remedy for skin conditions, wounds, and hair care. Known in European cosmetics since the 19th century when colonial trade expanded access to the ingredient.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR