Shea Butter
OTHER NAME(S): shea butter
Overview
Shea butter is a thick, fatty substance that comes from the nuts of the shea tree. This tree is native to West Africa, where shea butter is commonly used as a cooking oil. Products that contain shea butter are often applied to the skin and are usually well tolerated. Before using shea butter, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.
Uses
What is shea butter used for?
Shea butter is used as a cooking oil and is also applied to the skin for various reasons. However, its benefits for most uses are not well defined. Some common reasons why people use shea butter include the following.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Diaper rash
- Dry skin
- Psoriasis
Note: Shea butter is available in skin care products and is also used as a cooking oil. The FDA has not reviewed shea butter for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here. Learn more about the regulation of foods and beverages here.
How does shea butter work (mechanism of action)?
Shea butter is a thick, fatty substance that comes from the seeds (nuts) of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and many fatty acids, including oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. Shea butter is sometimes used as a cooking oil, especially in areas where the tree naturally grows, such as West Africa.
Some of the fatty acids and vitamins in shea butter may help reduce swelling (inflammation) when applied to the skin. This has led to interest in using shea butter to help with certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and diaper rash. Products that contain shea butter are also often applied to the skin to reduce general irritation and dryness. But it is not clear if shea butter works better than other popular oils, creams, and lotions that are used for these reasons.
Natural substances, such as shea butter, contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific shea butter product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store shea butter?
You should store shea butter as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
Shea butter seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be side effects of shea butter that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of shea butter?
While less common, the most serious side effects of shea butter are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Shea butter may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using shea butter and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use shea butter?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use shea butter.
- Linoleic acid
- Oleic acid
- Shea butter
- Stearic acid
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific shea butter products they stock.
What should I know about shea butter before using it?
Shea butter is available as a cooking oil and in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep shea butter out of the reach of children.
Natural substances like shea butter contain many chemicals and nutrients. The amount of each chemical and nutrient in a specific product can change for many reasons, including the area where the tree was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the oil was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
What should I tell my health care provider before using shea butter?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if shea butter is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how shea butter could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if shea butter passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does shea butter interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between shea butter and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect shea butter.
Does shea butter interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between shea butter and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between shea butter and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with shea butter is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using shea butter with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much shea butter?
If you or someone else has used too much shea butter, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use shea butter safely. Do not use more than recommended.
References
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “The solid fat content of stearic acid-rich fats determines their postprandial effects.”
- Hong Kong Medical Journal: “Patient acceptability, efficacy, and skin biophysiology of a cream and cleanser containing lipid complex with shea butter extract versus a ceramide product for eczema.”
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences: “Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.”
- International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research: “Cooking with shea butter is associated with lower blood pressure in the Ghanaian population.”
- JAAD International: “Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for common skin diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- Pediatric Dermatology: “Clinical evaluation of a diaper containing a shea butter-based emollient and impact on diapered skin erythema.”