Shea butter has been used in African communities for centuries — as a skin protectant, a hair treatment, a cooking fat and a medicine. Today it’s in everything from high-end moisturisers to drugstore lip balms. And with good reason: it’s one of the most effective natural emollients available.

Here’s what makes it worth using — and why you’ll find it in both our lip balm and body lotion.

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which grows across the sub-Saharan belt of Africa. The nuts are harvested, dried, crushed and boiled to extract the fat, which sets into a creamy, ivory butter at room temperature.

Raw shea butter contains a remarkable concentration of fatty acids — stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid — along with vitamins A, E and F. Together these make it one of the most nutritionally rich ingredients in skincare.

What Does It Actually Do?

  • Deep, lasting moisturisation — the fatty acid profile closely matches the lipids in human skin, which is why shea absorbs well and its effects last
  • Barrier repair — it helps replenish the skin’s natural protective layer, reducing water loss and sensitivity
  • Anti-inflammatory action — contains cinnamic acid derivatives that reduce redness and calm irritated skin
  • Softening — particularly effective on rough, dry areas: elbows, knees, heels, very dry lips
  • Antioxidant protection — the Vitamin E and Vitamin A content help protect skin against environmental damage

Is It Heavy or Greasy?

It depends entirely on how it’s formulated. Raw shea butter used alone can feel heavy. In a well-made lotion or balm — blended with lighter carriers and emulsifiers — it delivers its benefits without the weight. Our Silk Layer Body Lotion uses shea butter in a lightweight emulsion formula, which is why it absorbs in seconds rather than sitting on skin.

Where You’ll Find It In Our Range

  • Soft Touch Tinted Lip Balm — shea butter as a core conditioning agent for soft, comfortable, long-wearing lip moisture
  • Silk Layer Body Lotion — blended with squalane and niacinamide for deep hydration with a lightweight, satin finish

These are the two products in our range where skin needs the most conditioning — lips and body skin after showering. Shea butter earns its place in both because it genuinely delivers, and has been doing so for centuries.