Shea oil – the liquid gold from the karité fruit for silky-soft skin

INCI name: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil

Typical growing regions: the shea belt in sub-Saharan Africa

Talent: Shea oil has a conditioning, nourishing effect and soothes the skin without clogging pores.

Shea oil is a true all-rounder in natural cosmetics. What makes this precious oil so special, how does it work on the skin, and why is it even suitable for sensitive and impure skin? You’ll find all the answers here.

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Shea oil – the liquid gold of the karité fruit

Shea oil is obtained from the kernels of the karité tree’s fruit (Vitellaria paradoxa) in the same way as shea butter, but through cold pressing rather than the traditional stamping-and-cooking process. The result is a light, fluid care oil, rich in oleic and stearic acid. These fatty acids make shea oil a particularly skin-compatible and versatile ingredient.

How Shea oil works on the skin

Shea oil contains a high proportion of oleic and stearic acid. Oleic acid supports good absorption, while stearic acid — thanks to its stabilising properties — helps strengthen the skin barrier. In addition, shea oil, like shea butter, contains vitamin E (tocopherol), which acts as an antioxidant and may help protect the skin from oxidative stress. Scientific research also shows that the ingredients from the shea fruit have moisture-preserving properties — especially valuable for dry, stressed or sensitive skin.