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Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) oil
AKA “Shea Oil”
Essential Oil
Ingredient Facts
Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) oil
AKA: Shea Oil
Essential Oil · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Essential Oil
Clean
Science: Origin: Botanic/Natural Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Family
Sapotaceae (Sapodilla family)
Plant Part
Nut
Lifeform
Hemiparasitic epiphyte
Climate
Seasonally dry tropical
CAS #
91080-23-8
Form
Oil
See origin →
Functions
Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Used for centuries by West African cultures for skin conditioning, wound healing, and protection against sun and dry climate. Shea butter was traditionally applied as a daily moisturizer and anti-inflammatory treatment.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Tree Nut (Shea)
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR