Organic Raw shea butter, the creamy goodness extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is a tradition that has gone back for generations in Africa. This is different from commercial shea butter in that the latter does not possess its complete nutritional profile, and hence it is less effective for skin and hair. It is unrefined natural butter that has vitamins A, E, and F with the essential fatty acid. But what are some of the things that set this organic product apart in skincare and wellness? Some of the science supported benefits of pure raw shea butter and why this ingredient is still considered so valuable to this day!!
Top 10 Health Benefits of Raw Shea Butter
1. Moisturizes and Softens Skin
Pure raw shea butter is an excellent moisturizer and is great for healing dry skin. Oleic acid and linoleic acid present in Shea butter helps to deep penetrate into your skin restores the natural moisture of our skin. Shea butter is non-comedogenic, so it never clogs pores and supports all skin types.
Study shows that natural emollients like Organic raw shea butter help maintain healthy skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss.
Read more: Determining Your Skin Type: Essential Skincare Tips
2. Reduces Inflammation
Scientific research supports the anti-inflammatory properties of raw shea butter, especially due to its cinnamic acid content. A study published in the Journal of Oleo Science suggests that compounds in shea butter reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for treating skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. This natural remedy can soothe red, irritated skin and reduce swelling effectively.
3. Promotes Wound Healing
Shea butter in natural medicine has been used as a remedy for cuts, scrapes and burns. It aids in healing largely due to its triterpenes alcohols that have been shown to help regenerate new tissue. Studies like this one from PubMed confirm that shea butter helps with the healing process of minor wounds and prevents scarring.
4. Protects Against UV Damage
Though raw shea butter is not a substitute for sunscreen, it provides some level of UV protection as its cinnamic acid esters . Studies suggest that the natural SPF score of raw shea butter is between 3-4 which gives it a low level of protection from UVB rays, thwarting early ageing of the skin. For more information, you can refer to this study on the UV-protective properties of shea butter.
5. Prevents Skin Aging
Thanks to its antioxidant-rich profile, shea butter neutralizes free radicals that cause premature aging. It contains significant levels of vitamin E, which is known for its anti-aging properties. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology highlights that antioxidants in natural ingredients like shea butter slow down collagen breakdown, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
6. Nourishes Dry Hair and Scalp
Raw shea butter isn’t just for the skin – it works wonders for the hair as well. The high fatty acid content penetrates the scalp, offering relief for dry, itchy conditions like dandruff. A study on hair moisturization shows that raw, unrefined shea butter strengthens hair and reduces breakage, making it an excellent natural conditioner.
7. Treats Acne
Surprisingly, raw shea butter can help reduce acne. Its non-comedogenic properties mean it won’t block pores, and its anti-inflammatory effects help soothe inflamed acne lesions. A study confirms that the fatty acids and vitamins in shea butter reduce acne symptoms without causing skin irritation.
Read more: Acne Treatments: 10 Best Herbal Solutions for Clear Skin
8. Improves Stretch Marks
Many people use raw shea butter to minimize the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy or weight changes. Its vitamins and fatty acids improve the skin’s elasticity. While clinical research is still developing, anecdotal evidence and a study suggest that shea butter can help soften and lighten stretch marks over time.
9. Supports Joint Health
It has been applied as medicine for hundreds of years to ease joint pain and arthritis inflammation in thinner butters than the one used topically on the skin. The triterpenes in shea butter is believed to reduce joint inflammation and pain. A study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that the active compounds in shea butter can reduce inflammation in joints, improving mobility.
10. Rich in Antioxidants
The high antioxidant effects of raw shea butter are due to its phenolic compounds. These molecules combat oxidative stress that kills skin cells and speeds up aging. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the high antioxidant activity in shea butter is comparable to green tea, making it a powerful natural anti-aging remedy.
Read more: Essential Skincare Products: 10 Must-Haves for Every Routine
How to Use Raw Shea Butter in Your Daily Routine
It is very easy and effective to include raw shea butter in your daily routine. Quick ways to use it:eq
1. Moisturizing Your Skin
Apply a small amount of raw shea butter on dry spots such as elbows, heels and knees after taking shower. This one absorbs well and keeps the skin hydrated though out the day being worn.
2. Healing Chapped Lips
For soft and healed skin, apply a drop to your lips.especially before bed — it helps in moisturising the lips and heals cracked, dry skin. A natural balance to your lips that takes away the chemicals from your lip balms.
3. Nourishing Hair and Scalp
Take shea butter and melt in your palms or fingers, spread it over on the ends of your hair or scalp if to keep yourself from breaking down. Leave it in as a deep conditioner for 20 minutes and rinse.
4. Smoothing Cuticles
To maintain beautiful cuticles, simply massage a dab of shea butter into your cuticles before going to bed.
5. DIY Beauty Treatments
Come up with homemade body butters and scrubs by blending shea butter with sugar or coconut oil. For a personal touch, you can also mix with your favorite essential oils.
6. Soothing Sunburned Skin
Rub shea butter on your sunburn It soothes inflammation, reduces redness and speeds up the healing process.
Raw Shea Butter vs. Processed Shea Butter: What’s the Difference?
The difference between raw shea butter and its refined counterparts is like night and day. Not only is Raw Shea Butter unrefined, the shea butter is frozen after receiving it from our suppliers/villagers to guarantee that we are sending you the most fresh and pure product! At the same time, processed shea butter is extracted through heat and chemistry which affects hundreds of its positive chemical compounds. For best results, choose only unrefined shea butter that is 100% organic.
Side Effects and Precautions When Using Raw Shea Butter
Although raw shea butter is safe for most people to use, it may carry some side effects and precautions.
1. Allergic Reactions
Organic raw Shea butter can cause allergic reactions in some people, although this is uncommon. If you have a nut allergy, make sure to patch test on skin in a small area before spreading it everywhere. If symptoms still persist, you must refer to a doctor. For more information on allergies, check this resource on shea butter allergies.
2. Clogged Pores
Most people do not get clogged pores from shea butter. However, this can cause you to break out if you have acne-skin. So, for your face particularly should you just go easy with this. For further guidance, you can refer to this study on comedogenicity.
3. Use in Moderation
Albeit shea butter offers some UV protection (SPF 3-4), it is not a substitute to broad-spectrum sunscreen. Keep in mind to use sunscreen with SPF when stepping out for longer durations, always go with a higher number. Add Shea butter to your regimen, but not by itself for sun shield. For more on sun safety, see this guide on UV protection.
4. Storage and Shelf Life
Pure Raw shea butter lasts up to 2 years if stored properly. To maintain its quality, keep it in a cool, dark place. Avoid exposing it to heat and light, as this can degrade its beneficial properties. Check for changes in smell or texture, which can indicate spoilage. For tips on proper storage, refer to this resource on cosmetic storage.
5. Application on Open Wounds
Pure raw Shea butter is a healer, but do not apply directly to open wounds or severely minor skin conditions without consulting a healthcare professional. Intead, use it on clean and unbroken skin to aid in healing.
Conclusion: Why You Should Use Raw Shea Butter
The benefit of organic raw shea butter is it provides health, moisture and beauty, has anti-inflamatory properties and can protect against UV. There is a reason this natural product has endured for so longesimal. The nature of this ingredient will surely compel even a sceptic to include it in their skincare regime.
For those who wish to hydrate their skin with a plant-based, non-toxic solution loaded with nasty chemicals which irritate rather than nourish your skin, shea butter is a perfect choice. I invite you to return to this ancient tool and try it and see the benefits for yourself.