Butyrospermum Parkii Butter: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter?

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, better known as shea butter, is the natural fat pressed from the nut of the African shea tree. The butter is packed with triglycerides that contain oleic, stearic, linoleic and palmitic acids, plus small amounts of vitamins A and E. Local communities in West Africa have used it for centuries to soften skin and protect it from harsh weather. European and North American brands picked up on its soothing power in the late twentieth century and it has been a staple in modern skin care ever since.

The process starts with collecting the fallen nuts, which are boiled, sun-dried then shelled. The kernels are roasted, ground and kneaded in warm water until a rich butter rises to the surface. After skimming, filtering and gentle refining the butter becomes the creamy ingredient found in cosmetic labs worldwide.

Because it melts at body temperature and feels silky, shea butter shows up in countless formulas. You will spot it in moisturizers, lip balms, body creams, hand lotions, face masks, anti-aging blends, hair conditioners and soothing after-sun products.

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasker improves both how a product works and how it feels on the skin

  • Skin Conditioning: Provides deep, lasting moisture, helps smooth rough patches, supports the natural skin barrier and leaves a soft, velvety finish
  • Viscosity Controlling: Thickens or stabilizes creams and balms so they stay rich and scoopable while giving formulas a cushiony texture

Who Can Use Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Shea butter is generally suitable for dry, normal and combination skin types thanks to its rich fatty acid profile that locks in moisture without leaving a heavy film. People with oily or very acne-prone skin may find pure shea butter too occlusive, as its thickness can trap excess oil and debris, which could contribute to breakouts. Those users may prefer products where shea butter appears lower on the ingredient list or is blended with lighter emollients.

The ingredient is a plant-derived fat, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles with no animal inputs involved in harvesting or processing.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women typically tolerate shea butter well because it is a mild, food-grade fat, but this is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should run new skincare products past a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.

Shea butter does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more reactive to sunlight. It also plays well with most common actives like retinoids or vitamin C, offering an extra layer of comfort when paired with potentially drying ingredients.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical use of Butyrospermum Parkii Butter vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated.

  • Allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to tree nuts
  • Contact dermatitis presenting as redness, itching or mild swelling
  • Clogged pores leading to whiteheads or blackheads in very oily or acne-prone skin
  • Rancid or oxidized shea butter causing unpleasant odor and possible irritation

If any discomfort, rash or breakout occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Comedogenic rating: 0-2 out of 5. Pure unrefined shea butter often scores a 0 because its triglyceride profile is similar to human sebum so most skin types metabolize it without pore blockage. Some lab data shows mild clogging in very oily conditions which nudges the upper estimate to 2. In practice most users stay clear of breakouts yet highly reactive or congested skin should keep an eye on use.

Sensitive, breakout-prone individuals may tolerate low percentages in balanced formulas but slathering on raw butter can be risky.

Refining level and storage count too. When shea butter is overly processed or oxidized it loses antioxidants and thickens which can lift its clogging potential, so fresh well packaged material keeps the score at the safer end.

Summary

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter conditions skin and controls viscosity. Its oleic, stearic, linoleic and palmitic acids slide into the protective lipid layer, lock in moisture and leave a velvety feel while its semi solid nature builds body in creams and balms for a cushiony texture.

Beloved in lotions, balms, masks and hair care, shea butter remains a staple despite waves of newer exotic oils because it pairs proven results with sustainable sourcing and friendly pricing.

The ingredient is gentle, food grade and generally safe apart from rare nut allergies so everyday use is normally trouble free. Still, it is wise to patch test any new product that features shea butter just to be sure your skin agrees.

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