Restricted:EWG VERIFIED products cannot contain this ingredient without adequate substantiation.
Family
Sapotaceae (Sapodilla family)
Plant Part
Nut
Lifeform
Hemiparasitic epiphyte
Climate
Seasonally dry tropical
CAS #
194043-92-0 - 91080-23-8
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Prevents moisture loss
Quells irritation
Traditional Use
The shea tree has been used for centuries by West African communities for skin and hair conditioning; shea butter became popular in European cosmetics in the early 1900s after colonial trade routes expanded.