Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter)
boo-TEER-oh-SPER-mum PAR-kee-eye
INCI: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
What Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter)?
Shea Butter is a rich, creamy fat extracted from the nuts of the African Shea tree. It is packed with vitamins A, E, and F, along with essential fatty acids that deeply nourish and protect hair. Shea butter has been used for centuries in Africa for hair and skin care and is a cornerstone ingredient in natural hair care.
Source: Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) nuts, native to West Africa
Origin: Natural
Also known as: Shea Butter, Karite Butter, African Shea Butter
What Does Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) Do to Your Hair?
Shea Butter provides intense moisture and forms a protective, breathable barrier that seals hydration into the hair shaft. Its rich fatty acid profile (oleic and stearic acids) softens and conditions while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection. It adds definition to curls, tames flyaways, and provides heat protection up to moderate temperatures.
Best For
Curly hair (3A-4C), dry hair, coarse hair, natural hair, damaged hair, thick hair
Not Recommended For
Fine hair, thin hair, low-porosity hair, oily hair
Concentration Matters
1-30%
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Extremely safe. Non-comedogenic despite its richness. Those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution, though shea nut allergies are rare. Unrefined shea butter retains more nutrients than refined versions.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA permits use in cosmetics without restrictions. Also classified as GRAS for food use.
EWG Score: 1/10
HairAide Verdict
Shea Butter is an indispensable ingredient for curly, coily, and dry hair types. Its rich, sealing properties make it perfect for twist-outs, wash-and-go styling, and deep conditioning treatments. Fine-haired individuals should use sparingly or choose products where it is lower on the ingredient list to avoid weight and buildup.
Products That Contain Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter)
Curl creams, deep conditioners, hair butters, leave-in conditioners, twist-out creams
Alternatives to Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter)
If you want to avoid Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter), look for products with these ingredients instead:
Mango Butter, Cocoa Butter, Murumuru Butter, Cupuacu Butter
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) has a safety rating of 8/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Extremely safe. Non-comedogenic despite its richness. Those with tree nut allergies should exercise caution, though shea nut allergies are rare. Unrefined shea butter retains more nutrients than refined versions.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.
Yes, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) is approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) include: Mango Butter, Cocoa Butter, Murumuru Butter, Cupuacu Butter
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