What it is
This ingredient is an extract obtained from shea butter, the fat from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa, formerly Butyrospermum parkii). It concentrates the conditioning, fatty components of shea while offering a lighter, more refined feel than whole shea butter. In formulations it softens and conditions skin.
Safety & warnings
Shea-derived ingredients are generally well tolerated and are widely regarded as low on the scale for clogging pores. Although shea comes from a tree nut, refined shea fractions are generally considered low-risk for nut allergy, but individuals with severe tree-nut allergy may wish to exercise caution.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived; a fraction extracted from shea butter, the fat of the shea tree nut.
Questions everyone asks
How is this different from regular shea butter?
It is a refined extract that concentrates shea's conditioning components while offering a lighter, less heavy feel than whole shea butter.
Is shea extract likely to clog pores?
It is generally regarded as low on the comedogenicity scale, though individual responses vary.