Is shea butter good for sensitive skin?

Yes, shea butter is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. It is often used in products designed for delicate skin.

Can shea butter clog pores?

Shea butter is considered moderately comedogenic, meaning it has a slight potential to clog pores for some individuals. If you have acne-prone skin, observe how your skin reacts.

Home › Ingredients › Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, commonly known as shea butter, is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. It is widely used in cosmetics for its excellent moisturizing and emollient properties. Shea butter helps to soften and smooth the skin, providing a protective barrier.

Plant-derived emollientVegan

BenefitGood 2.8 / 4

Hydration i3.8 / 4

Whether the ingredient helps increase the skin’s water content — humectants that attract water, ingredients that reduce water loss, or ones that make skin feel less dry.

Barrier support i3.5 / 4

Whether it supports the skin barrier — restoring lipids, reducing water loss, aiding barrier repair, or strengthening the skin’s protective function.

Soothing i2.9 / 4

Whether it can calm the skin — linked to less redness, irritation, discomfort, or visible reactivity.

Texture i2 / 4

Whether it can improve smoothness and surface texture — roughness, flaking, clogged pores, or unevenness. Exfoliating acids, retinoids, and smoothing moisturizers may score here.

Anti aging i0.5 / 4

Whether it can help visible signs of aging — fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, or photoaging.

RiskLow 0.5 / 4

Acne aggravation i1.5 / 4

Whether it may worsen breakouts — clogging pores, feeling heavy on acne-prone skin, or triggering comedones in some users.

Sensitization i0.5 / 4

Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.

Irritation i0.5 / 4

Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

What it helps with

deeply moisturizes skin
improves skin barrier function
soothes dry skin

Things to watch

potential for allergic reaction in rare cases

See how this matches your skin

Find out exactly what you put onto your skin. Scan any product before you buy. Free and independent — no brand is paying us. Available on Android and iOS.

QR code linking to the SpottyLabs app on Google Play

QR code linking to the SpottyLabs app on the App Store

Products with Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Rilastil

Hydrotenseur Crema Antirughe Ristrutturante Ricca

4.7/ 522/23/3

Rilastil

Hydrotenseur Restructuring Anti-Wrinkle Cream

4.7/ 522/23/3

Avène

Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream

4.7/ 511/13/3

Eucerin

UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Lotion

4.7/ 515/13/4

Browse all products →

Frequently asked questions

Is shea butter good for sensitive skin?: Yes, shea butter is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. It is often used in products designed for delicate skin.
Can shea butter clog pores?: Shea butter is considered moderately comedogenic, meaning it has a slight potential to clog pores for some individuals. If you have acne-prone skin, observe how your skin reacts.