Skincare Ingredient
Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
In Skincare: Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, also known as shea butter, is a common ingredient in cosmetics.
- 02
Derived from the seeds of the Butyrospermum Parkii tree, this lipid functions as an emollient in cosmetic formulations.
- 03
Shea butter helps to retain moisture by creating a barrier that limits water loss from the skin.
- 04
Beyond its emollient properties, shea butter offers smoothing and antioxidant benefits for the skin.
Key Benefits
What Butyrospermum Parkii Butter does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Role of Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SKIN CONDITIONING
Skin EnhancerMaintains skin in good condition and improves its feel
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Thickness RegulatorAdjusts product thickness and flow properties
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.
Products
containing Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
One-step login · Made for your skin
Want analysis that actually fits your skin?
Sign in once — we'll remember your skin type and make every analysis more relevant for you. for free!
Joined by people who care about their skin
References
Scientific sources
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, June 2011, pages 45-55
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, October 2003, pages 6,268-6,273
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, February 2009, page S41
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter — common questions
What is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter in skincare?
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Hydrogenated Shea Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil are derived from the fruit of Butyrospermum parkii, also known as Vitellaria paradoxa, a tree native to Central Africa. These ingredients are used in various cosmetic and personal care products such as bath products, cleansing products, eye makeup, lotions, creams, suntan products, lipstick, and hair care
What does Butyrospermum Parkii Butter do? / Functions of Butyrospermum Parkii Butter?
Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Butyrospermum Parkii Butter? / Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter comedogenic?
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter safe for skin?
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated shea butter and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. Limited safety data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) also supports
Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter good for sensitive skin?
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Butyrospermum Parkii Butter in skincare?
Known considerations: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated shea butter and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. Limited safety data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) also supports its general safety profile when used as directed.