INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii butter
Part of the plant used: Nuts; shea nuts contain approximately 60% butter
VEGAN
METHOD OF EXTRACTION
Churning in water, mechanical pressing at low temperature, or solvent extraction. This butter is available in raw (unscented) or refined form, for a more neutral scent and color. The Shea butter offered by Aroma-Zone is obtained through mechanical pressing.
BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Fatty acid triglycerides: → including saturated fatty acids: stearic acid (36–50% of fatty acids), palmitic acid (3–8% of fatty acids) → of which unsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid (omega-9, 40–50% of fatty acids), linoleic acid (omega-6, 4–8% of fatty acids)
Phytosterols
Other bioactive compounds: triterpenes (alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol, butyrospermol)
ITS ACTIVE MOLECULES
Shea butter contains a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids (stearic acid and palmitic acid) than vegetable oils.
Its balanced blend of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids gives it a texture that is both firm and creamy, which softens the skin and protects it from dehydration. Highly emollient, shea butter also nourishes and moisturizes dry and brittle hair.
It is rich in triterpene alcohols (alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol, butyrospermol). These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, respectively. They give shea butter its soothing, regenerating, and anti-aging properties. The skin becomes firmer and more elastic, and irritation is reduced.















