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Shea Butter

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

What It Is

A rich emollient that provides significant moisturization and has anti-inflammatory properties. Derived from the nuts of the shea tree, it's rich in vitamins A, E, and F, as well as fatty acids.

Key Functions

  • Deep moisturization
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Soothes dry, irritated skin
  • Supports skin barrier function

Quick Facts

Type:

Emollient

Category:

Hydration

Best For:
Dry skinMature skinEczema-prone skinSensitive skin
Avoid Mixing With:
May be too heavy for acne-prone skin

Safety Profile:

General Safety:

Excellent safety profile

Pregnancy Safety:

Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sensitivity Risk:

Low risk of sensitivity

Ingredient Penetration Depths

Understanding how deep skincare ingredients can reach

Stratum Corneum

Outermost protective layer

Depth: 0.01-0.02mm

High MW Hyaluronic Acid

Molecular Size: 1,000-1,800 kDa

Mineral Sunscreens

Molecular Size: Particulate

Silicones

Molecular Size: Film-forming

Ceramides

Molecular Size: 500-1,000 Da

Epidermis

Living skin cells, no blood vessels

Depth: 0.05-0.1mm

Medium MW Hyaluronic Acid

Molecular Size: 100-1,000 kDa

Niacinamide

Molecular Size: 122 Da

Vitamin C Derivatives

Molecular Size: 200-500 Da

AHAs (Glycolic Acid)

Molecular Size: 76 Da

Dermis

Collagen, elastin, blood vessels

Depth: 0.5-3mm

Low MW Hyaluronic Acid

Molecular Size: 10-100 kDa

Retinol

Molecular Size: 286 Da

Peptides

Molecular Size: 500-1,500 Da

L-Ascorbic Acid

Molecular Size: 176 Da

Factors Affecting Penetration

Molecular Weight

Smaller molecules (under 500 Da) penetrate deeper. The 500 Da rule states that molecules larger than this rarely penetrate beyond the stratum corneum.

Formulation

Delivery systems like liposomes, nanoparticles, and certain solvents can help larger molecules penetrate deeper into skin layers.

Skin Condition

Damaged or compromised skin barriers allow deeper penetration, while intact barriers are more selective about what passes through.

Safety Profile

General Safety

Excellent safety profile

Pregnancy Safety:

Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sensitivity Risk:

Low risk of sensitivity

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shea Butter safe for all skin types?

Shea Butter is generally excellent safety profile. It's particularly suitable for dry skin, mature skin, eczema-prone skin, sensitive skin.

Will Shea Butter make my skin feel greasy?

Shea Butter is an emollient that softens and smooths the skin by filling in gaps between skin cells. The texture and feel depend on the specific formulation, but it's designed to absorb well without excessive greasiness.

Is Shea Butter comedogenic?

Shea Butter has a moderate risk of clogging pores. It's particularly suitable for dry skin, mature skin, eczema-prone skin, sensitive skin.

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IngredientHydration

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that has the remarkable ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it an exceptional humectant for skincare applications, providing intense hydration and helping to maintain skin plumpness and elasticity.

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IngredientHydration

Glycerin

A common and effective humectant that draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. It also helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function.

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IngredientHydration

Propylene Glycol

A synthetic alcohol that acts as a humectant and enhances product penetration. It helps to keep products from melting in heat or freezing when cold.

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