What it is
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters is made by reacting the fatty acids of shea butter (from the nuts of Vitellaria paradoxa) with ethanol to form ethyl esters. This transformation yields a lighter, less greasy emollient than raw shea butter while retaining a softening, conditioning feel on skin. It is used to improve slip and spreadability and to give formulas a smooth, non-tacky finish.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated and considered low risk for irritation. As a shea-derived material it is comparatively light in feel; people with known shea or tree-nut sensitivities may wish to exercise caution, though the refined ester form is typically very low in residual proteins.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived and processed: the fatty acid portion comes from shea butter, then esterified with ethanol to create the ester form.
Questions everyone asks
How is it different from regular shea butter?
It is a derivative made by esterifying shea fatty acids with ethanol, giving a lighter, less greasy emollient than raw shea butter.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It acts as an emollient, softening skin and helping the product spread smoothly with a non-tacky finish.