Throughout my childhood, I was always encouraged to practice peek self-care by slathering myself with moisturizing products to keep my skin looking and feeling its healthiest. While I normally didn't ask too many questions about what most of them contained, I could trust that they'd received the seal of approval over decades from the members of my family who looked at least 20 years younger than the age I was told they were. Sure, genetics play a big role in how smooth and supple one's skin looks over the years, but I know what sneaky ingredient featured in the high-powered formulas of their go-to products made the biggest difference: shea butter.
Even now that I've reached my mid-twenties, shea butter has remained a crucial part of my beauty routine for helping to combat everything from the stretch marks across the tops of my thighs to frizzy strands after I've styled my tight coils in the protective style of my choice. It also happens to be extremely underrated. To learn more about how and why shea butter works so well, I tapped my favorite derms. Keep scrolling to hear from the experts!
The Benefits of Using Shea Butter
Even though I was raised using shea butter-infused products daily to care for my skin, body, and hair; I haven't always known why the popular ingredient makes frequent appearances in a number of my go-to creams, balms, and sprays. Luckily, I now have access to dermatologists like Marisa Garshick, MD, and Azadeh Shirazi, MD, who can provide some information about shea butter and its many benefits. "Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that help to moisturize the skin," Garshick explains. "Because it contains vitamins A and E, it also has antioxidant benefits." She moisture also contains triterpenes, which Garshick tells us are thought to prevent collagen breakdown and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Shirazi also weighed in on the topic. "Shea butter is highly concentrated in fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, that nourish and boost skin moisture. They also help restore and strengthen the skin barrier," she tells us. So, does shea butter work for individuals who suffer from breakouts? According to Shirazi, the answer is yes. "Many people worry about it clogging pores because essentially it’s an oil," Shirazi says. "On the comedogenic scale, it's between a 0–2, making it less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts. It also depends on how it’s formulated, what other products someone is using, and certainly climate plays a role."
But no matter which shea butter products you gravitate towards on the shelf, both experts encourage taking a close look at the ingredients listed on their labels before using them as there may still be other comedogenic additions. The bottom line is, however, that shea butter is safe for all skin types (including those that are oily, prone to breakouts, and sensitive). If you're in the mood to grow your hair, body, and skincare lineup by adding a few shea butter–infused options, keep scrolling for expert-approved picks and my personal favorites.
Shea Butter in Skincare
This rich, noncomedogenic facial moisturizer hydrates the skin while protecting it from environmental aggressors with a formula featuring 100% organic shea butter from Ghana and essential fatty acids. To use, simply apply a dime size amount to the fingertips, warm in your hands, and massage over the face. I'm obsessed with how glowy my skin looks after using it.
Customer Review: "I absolutely love the feeling and results of finishing off my skincare routine with this shea butter. Not only do I feel it’s locking in all the greatness I’ve just applied with the prior steps but it just gives my skin the hydration it needs. I also appreciate the texture, it is slightly thick at first touch but once it gets on your hands it melts like buttah!"
Product Specs: 2.0 ounce jar
Shirazi highlights the La Roche-Posay's Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer because its lightweight texture works well for all skin types and textures. She also highlights how hydrating and soothing it is for the skin, which can be attributed to its moisture-boosting formula of shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin, and thermal water.
Customer Review: "So far I’m really loving this lotion. I have dry to very dry skin. I needed something new for my routine and this is great. The perfect moisturizer for morning or night. Great at hydrating without feeling too thick on my skin. Will be repurchasing."
Product Specs: 3.38 ounce tube
Another favorite of Shirazi's is the Honey Halo Moisturizer, which is a must-have for anyone looking for a moisturizer that will lock in hydration for hours. "This rich, heavy, and nourishing cream is perfect to apply overnight to hydrate dull or dry skin," she tells us. The ultra-hydrating moisturizer is also clinically proven to visibly plump and revive dry skin.
Customer Review: "Holy grail and a must-always-have for my face routine! It’s thick and hydrating. I use this during my night routine after my serums and it keeps my face plump and moisturized all night. It smells amazing as well! Must get."
Product Specs: 1.7 ounce jar
This reparative moisturizer by Dermalogica is what I use to combat dry, dehydrated skin year-round. Crafted using a nourishing cocktail of vegan peptides, acid-free renewal complex, and whipped shea butter to help reinforce the skin's natural defense barrier; this ultra-thick cream delivers nonstop moisture.
Customer Review: "This is one of the best moisturizers I have used. I only use it at night and use the Intense Moisturizer during the day. It is nice and think and soaks in nicely. I will be purchasing more very soon"
Product Specs: 1.7 ounce bottle
While the price tag on this moisturizer can drop some jaws, Dr. Barbara Sturm's Face Cream has never let me down (especially when it comes to reducing fine lines and hyperpigmentation). With its formula infused with purslane, skullcap, and shea butter, it works to strengthen and protect the skin barrier against signs of aging.
Customer Review: "I love the Dr. Sturm Face Cream! During the cold winter months, it is perfect to hydrate my skin. It is not heavy feeling and absorbs into the skin well. My skin feels like silk after I put it on as well and stays that way for the rest of the day. This face cream is a must!"
Product Specs: 1.7 ounce jar
Shea Butter in Bodycare
Garshick swears by Bliss' Lemon & Sage Body Butter for smooth, healthy-looking skin in minutes. "This new lightweight yet effective lotion uses a vita-shea blend which combines shea butter with vitamin C, E and B3," she begins. "Together, they work to improve the skin barrier while also brightening and smoothing the skin."
Customer Review: "Love it, love it, love it! Smooth and creamy but not oily. A little dab coats your hands for a refreshing punch of aromatherapy that's subtle with a nice, cool lemon scent with an equally warm smell of sage that surprisingly works! Love it!"
Product Specs: 6.7 ounce tube
Dry, cracked skin is no match against this nourishing, ultra-rich Lano body cream. According to Garshick, Lano's 101 Dry Skin Super Cream, "helps to lock moisture in and soften and smooth the skin, using a blend of lanolin, sweet almond oil, and shea butter." It can also be used as a nourishing face cream, hand cream, or soothing cuticle treatment.
Customer Review: "This is a very supple but very hydrating cream that is best used at night. It takes a while to absorb completely, but once it does, your hands feel relieved and very soft. Totally recommended!"
Product Specs: 2.02 ounce tube
Of all the shea-infused products I've used over my career, this body butter has never left my medicine cabinet. The Undaria Algae Body Butter stands out to me because 1) its formula is ultra-rich and fast-absorbing (meaning there's no pesky film left behind), and 2) the body butter combines the hydrating properties of shea butter with nutrient-rich Undaria seaweed.
Customer Review: "I have very sensitive, chronically dry, eczema-prone skin; I’m pretty sure I’ve tried every product on the market and none helped. Then I was gifted some Osea, and it’s truly been a game-changer! The body butter is luscious, and my skin actually feels softer and hydrated! I’m sold and will be a customer for life."
Product Specs: 6.7 ounce jar
Like the Face Cream, I can always count on Dr. Barbara Sturm's Anti-Aging Body Cream for smooth, supple skin. Its nourishing formula blends nutrient-rich oils backed by active compounds and antioxidants to diminish signs of aging and restore elasticity to the skin. The body cream also absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving the skin soft (not sticky).
Customer Review: "Wow, this body creme goes a long way. I just gently tap the top with my fingers and it will do an arm. I have some dry patches of skin from winter still and they're almost gone thanks to this and I've tried countless products and nothing worked. The smell too—you just want to eat it, it smells so incredible."
Product Specs: 7.0 ounce tube
Augustinus Bader's luxurious The Body Cream is a favorite of all Who What Wear beauty editors, but I'm particularly fond of it. Not only does it flood the skin with instant hydration with shea butter and Brazilian candela oil supports barrier function, but it also creates the optimal environment for cell regeneration thanks to the addition of restorative TFC8, vitamins, and synthesized vitamins.
Customer Review: "I must admit I covet Augustinus Bader products and this one didn't disappoint. It has a thick, nongreasy texture and applies super easily (I use mit ainly on my chest and neck area) it is expensive but I have had mine for a few months and it seems to be lasting well. Add this to the list of AB products you want!"
Product Specs: 6.7 ounce jar
Shea Butter in Haircare
The Raw Shea Butter Deeply Moisturizing Masque, which is designed to promote healthy hair growth, uses sea kelp, argan oil, and vitamin E to nourish, seal, and smooth the hair cuticle (in addition to promoting hair elasticity). Plus, certified organic shea butter provides deep hydration to the hair and scalp. After using this, my dull, dry hair is always left looking its shiniest and healthiest.
Customer Review: "I use this for my curly hair in the shower when I’m detangling. It works super well. I ran out of my first tub and noticed a big difference in my hair when I stopped using it so immediately bought some more and now my hair is smooth and shiny again!"
Product Specs: 11.5 ounce jar
As both Garshick and Shirazi have told us, shea butter can serve as a really useful conditioner for the hair. So, it should be no surprise how much I love the Curlsmith Curl Conditioning Oil-in-Cream to keep my coils popping. It primes and preps the strands for your favorite hair styling products and protective styles including braids and twist-outs (two of my favorites).
Customer Review: "Great product the entire family uses this product. A little goes a long way, very moisturizing and gives that shine. Great prices will buy more and tell others about the product. Love that it is made with natural ingredients"
Product Specs: 8.0 ounce jar
I've come across a lot of leave-in hair treatments over the past few years, but I keep coming back to this one by Reverie. Its lightweight formula is perfect for all hair types but works especially well for anyone with curls and coils who struggle to tame their frizz. In addition to being powered by amino acids, pracaxi oil, and shea butter, this transformative formula also features French mushrooms for protection against free radicals and environmental damage.
Customer Review: "This is a repeat buy for me! I will always come back to this product as a leave-in conditioner and anti-frizz treatment. My daughter has curly hair and this has been so good for helping her curls form and stay smooth and shiny."
Product Specs: 3.3 ounce bottle
Ideal for those with tight (3b, 3c) or coily (4a, 4b, 4c) hair, the Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Crème by Oribe helps define and protect strands using shea butter and avocado oil. It also plays defense against breakage and frizz while also preventing dryness and restoring elasticity to curls and coils for medium hold with a natural finish.
Customer Review: "I have thick, curly, frizzy very dry hair which drinks even oils up. I usually have to use multiple products to quench it but this for me is one & done and the moisture lasts til the next wash, just don’t overdo it, as it can overload."
Product Specs: 6.7 ounce tube
Since transitioning my hair back to my natural curl pattern, I've noticed how quickly my hair absorbs any oil. Since using the Curl-Defining Whip, however, I've noticed how much more shiny, bouncy, and voluminous my coils look hours after styling. It delivers hold, fights frizz, and amplifies curl formation in addition to both repairing and preventing damage.
Customer Review: "You can tell as soon as you put it in your hair, it feels different. It's rich and creamy. Hair turns out curly with no frizz and doesn't feel crunchy. Feels soft."
Product Specs: 5.5 ounce bottle
Discover More Shea Butter-Infused Favorites
Customer Review: "Roses are red, violets are blue. This cream works wonders and smells so good, too! I use this on my hands and arms because it leaves my skin so soft. The fragrance is subtle and doesn’t overwhelm my sinuses like some scents."
Product Specs: 1.7 ounce tube
Customer Review: "Absolutely incredible. The packaging is stunning, the formula of the body butter is rich and luxurious, and hydrates my skin better than any other body butter I’ve ever used! How can you go back to anything else after experiencing this?!"
Product Specs: 5.5 ounce jar
Customer Review: "I have just started using this product of the PCA Skin line. This lotion is very rich but quickly absorbs into my skin and leaves my skin looking moisturized instead of dry and wrinkled. A must-have in the desert."
Product Specs: 7.0 ounce bottle
Customer Review: "This is one of those very few products that make the list of worthy repurchases. My skin texture and clarity improved gradually, but very noticeably within the first month and I had no breakouts. This product has helped me tremendously conquer frequent breakouts, uneven skin texture, and scarring."
Product Specs: 1.7 ounce jar
Customer Review: "I always keep a jar of Restorative Facial Cream in my vanity. It's very good for sensitive or dehydrated skin. It calms any rashes and restores the skin overnight with radiance. The aroma is subtle. It can be used all year round. I always take it on holidays whether it's summer or winter."
Product Specs: 1.6 ounce jar
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