Researchers found 24 different dermatological uses for shea butter across Sub-Saharan Africa, with the strongest evidence for treating scabies, wound healing, and umbilical cord care. Most traditional applications combined shea butter with other ingredients—particularly African oil palm—rather than using it alone. However, most studies were descriptive surveys and interviews rather than controlled clinical trials, so we don't have rigorous proof that shea butter actually works for these conditions.

This was a literature review that searched for all published research on shea butter's use for skin conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers analyzed 30 references to identify patterns in how and why it's been used traditionally.

Funding not disclosed in abstract