You’ve probably heard that shea butter is good for you, and maybe you’ve even applied it as a body lotion to see what the hype is all about. But we’re here to fill in the rest of the details.
What is shea butter? What are the benefits of shea butter? Why should you incorporate shea butter into your self-care routine?
If you have yet to see the importance of using face masks, eye gels, or even hand and foot masks that have shea butter as a main ingredient, then we’re here to open your eyes to the endless possibilities and extreme hydration that shea butter can provide!
Shea butter isn’t a recent phenomenon – there’s a reason why its use dates back to Ancient Egypt and still has a stronghold on the self-care industry to this day. Legend has it that shea butter was one of Cleopatra’s beauty secrets that contributed to her timeless beauty.
Shea butter has only increased in popularity over the years because of its origins, natural properties, and endless applications.
Let’s learn more about this grainy, spreadable substance that melts upon contact with the skin.
Have you ever heard of a shea tree? Shea trees are native to West Africa, and are the most widely occurring species in the region. According to Healthline, most shea butter still comes from West Africa to this day.
You probably didn’t know this, but shea butter is made by extracting the fat from the nuts of a shea tree! Because it’s naturally occurring, shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and F. These are antioxidants that stimulate circulation and healthy cell growth within the skin.
The fatty acids in shea butter (making up a whopping 85% to 90% of its composition) form a protective layer, fortifying the skin's surface against environmental aggressors. The result? Strengthened skin, softened texture, and a visible reduction in signs of aging. The science-backed benefits of shea butter extend beyond the surface, slowing down the breakdown of collagen and contributing to a more youthful appearance.
As if shea butter wasn’t amazing enough, the American Shea Butter Institute, which calls shea butter “skin’s best friend”, states “the cream is extracted and prepared without the use of chemicals”. If that doesn’t make it nature’s worst-kept beauty secret, then we don’t know what does.
The better question is, what doesn’t shea butter do? Shea butter’s main superpower is its ability to deeply hydrate dry skin, but its benefits stretch far beyond moisturization. Thanks to its fatty acids, shea butter locks moisture in and doesn’t let it escape. Over time, this strengthens the skin's barrier and protects it from environmental pollutants.
With consistent use, shea butter can also “improve tone, soften and plump skin, and even slow the breakdown of collagen," according to Real Simple. Slowing down the breakdown of collagen is essential for delaying the aging process as much as possible. In other words, it’s a one-way ticket to the fountain of youth. Who wouldn’t want to have more youthful, soft, and radiant skin?
As we mentioned, shea butter is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be used all over the body. From stretch marks and dermatitis to acne and insect bites, shea butter does it all! It’s even made its way into the haircare realm by treating dandruff, dry, and damaged hair.
But we’re here to speak to what we know best – shea butter is the solution to flaky skin, peeling lips, dry cuticles, and rough feet. We have some recommendations on how to incorporate this essential ingredient into your self-care routine through the use of facial sheet masks, hand and foot masks, and even under-eye gels that hold shea butter as a key ingredient to deliver deep hydration that lasts.
When you think of shea butter, slathering it on your feet might not be your first instinct. However, our feet can be the most neglected part of our bodies, yet we use them constantly. You can prevent dry, cracked feet with shea butter!
Instead of just rubbing lotion on your feet though, try using a foot mask infused with shea butter to let the hydration sink deep into the skin and last for days.
If you need a good foot mask recommendation, we love the Rosé Toes Renewing Foot Mask. Slip into rosé scented booties lined with creamy shea butter, omega-rich strawberry oil, and age-defying resveratrol.
Designed to restore moisture, smoothness, and suppleness to dry, rough feet, the Rose Toes Renewing Foot Mask will leave your soles and toes looking, feeling, and smelling fresh in just ten minutes flat!
Sometimes all the shea butter in the world can’t save extremely dehydrated feet riddled with cracks, callouses, and more. That’s where Best Foot Forward comes in. This softening foot and heel mask works with shea butter, coconut oil, and three Japanese evergreen extracts to deliver intense hydration and antioxidant properties.
This innovative foot mask uses self-warming technology to soften rough skin and deliver shea butter deep into the skin. Even the most overworked feet will emerge with healthier heels and the softest soles!
Don’t underestimate the power of using shea butter on your hands! Getting into a shea butter routine can prevent aging hands, banish brittle cuticles, and soothe cracked skin.
If you’re looking for a fix to eternally dry hands that never stay moisturized no matter how much lotion you apply, you need the Rosé Renewing Fingers Mask. Not only is it a luxurious spa-like experience for the fingertips, these cute yet mighty mittens are infused with skin-soothing shea butter, strawberry oil, and resveratrol to deliver long-lasting hydration in 10-15 minutes.
Desperate for intense hand hydration? Our honest advice is to skip the Rosé Renewing Fingers Mask and head straight for the Perfect Ten Self-warming Hand and Cuticle Mask. The Perfect Ten Hand Mask is enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, macadamia oil, coconut oil, and rosehip oil. These ingredients work together to hydrate and soothe dry, rough hands while also softening cuticles.
Lock in your natural body heat with these mittens and allow the macadamia-infused formula to penetrate the skin. After 10 minutes, your hands will feel softer, smoother, and more rejuvenated.
Pro-tip: Wrap your hands in a warm towel or use a heating pad to help open up your pores, allowing the nourishing ingredients in the mask to penetrate deeper into your skin. This can help boost hydration and improve the overall effectiveness of the mask.
By now you should know that comprehensive self-care is more than skin deep. You can slather on shea butter quickly after a shower or you can take your time, embrace the moment, let the moisture sink in, engage your senses, and create a spa-like experience at home to fully integrate your body and mind (we’ll take the latter).
You can create a shea-themed spa day in the comfort of your home with the Rosé All Day Kit, your spa day in a box. This kit isn't just about your skin; it's about pampering your entire being.
Packed with a range of skincare products enriched with shea butter, this kit will nourish your hands, feet, face, and even your under-eyes for that deep hydration you’ve been looking for. The result? Glowy, revitalized skin from head to toe (literally).
Rosé All Day includes:
Each product in this kit plays a unique role in your self-care journey. In the same way that the finger and toe masks provide deep hydration, the face masks and eye masks in this kit are also prepared to banish flaky, dry skin fast.
Both the face masks and eye gels are loaded with antioxidants, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, determined to replenish lost moisture, restore a plump appearance, and reduce fine lines.
With this kit, you can bring that youthful radiance from the hands and feet up to the face for a full-body glow. Rosé All Day is the kind of kit you’ll want to share with your friends over a DIY spa day at home!
There are some common misconceptions out there about shea butter and we’re here to clear its name. Contrary to popular belief, shea butter won't clog your pores. This non-comedogenic ingredient lets your skin breathe freely.
Concerned about oily skin? Shea butter's natural oils mimic your skin's sebum, which creates a balance and regulates oily skin.
Shea butter is the perfect solution for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin.
There's a reason shea butter has gained its superstar status in the skincare and beauty world. This natural beauty secret from West Africa has proven its worth time and time again, offering countless benefits for those who choose to indulge in its ultimate hydration.
Shea butter isn't just an ingredient; it's an ally. It’s the secret weapon that can leave your skin feeling as soft as a cloud when all else fails.
It’s time to stop underestimating the impact shea butter can have on your self-care routine. This small but mighty nut packs a punch both by itself and combined with other skincare ingredients. Pamper yourself with a self-care kit that features shea butter and elevate your skincare game!
As the seasons shift, so do your skincare needs, and shea butter is a year-round companion. In colder months, its intense hydration combats dryness and flakiness. Don’t believe us? Check out Best In Snow for an ultimate kit to fight the winter cold.
Come summer, shea butter's lightweight texture keeps your skin nourished without feeling heavy. A year-round essential, shea butter adapts to the changing seasons, providing your skin with consistent care.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of self-care? Visit Patchology now to explore a wide assortment of skincare masks that will transform your routine. Whether it's award-winning eye gels or best-selling kits, there’s something for everyone and every skin concern!
Take our skincare quiz to find the perfect shea butter body skincare for you.
