Fun facts about Shea Butter - And Why We Love It For Dry Skin

We’re all about harnessing the power of natural ingredients to nurture delicate little skin at Itchy Baby Co. One of our star ingredients is the divine and luxurious shea butter, which we use in our famous Eczema Moisturiser.

Shea butter is super moisturising and hydrating thanks to its high content of fatty acids, which lock in moisture and help the skin hold on to it for longer. It’s also rich in vitamins A, D, E and F, which help keep skin healthy and are intensively moisturising. If your little one has dry skin, using shea butter as part of their skincare routine is an excellent way to help their skin feel smoother, softer and more hydrated.

But it doesn’t stop there! Keep reading for some more fun facts and surprising benefits of shea butter.

Shea Butter Benefits and Fun Facts

• Shea butter is an ivory-coloured plant-based fat that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree.
• The shea tree is native to Africa and grows across the savanna region of West Africa.
• Untreated shea butter should have a subtle yet pleasant aroma. If your baby suffers from eczema, you’ll know straight away that highly scented products are often a trigger for flare-ups. Our high-quality shea butter has a mild nutty/earthy aroma that is gentle on sensitive skin and noses!
• Shea butter offers natural UV protection (it has an estimated SPF of 3-4), but it is NOT a substitute for sunscreen. We’d still recommend using a natural sunscreen that has been expertly formulated with a government-approved SPF rating to provide adequate sun protection.  
• Shea butter contains around 50% saturated fat, making it highly emollient – perfect for dry or eczema-prone skin.
• It contains cinnamic acid and lupeol cinnamate, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin.
• The antioxidant activity of Vitamins A and E in shea butter may help prevent oxidative stress in the skin, which can reduce the likelihood of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of premature aging.
• Cleopatra apparently loved shea butter. There is a mention of caravans of clay jars filled with shea butter for her use. It’s also said that the Queen of Sheba and Nefertiti loved this luxurious ingredient. So, you’re in good company!

Have you tried shea butter for yourself or your little one? You’ll find this deeply nourishing powerhouse ingredient in our fragrance-free Eczema Moisturiser, together with coconut oil and colloidal oatmeal, to nurture sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

This blog post was brought to you and your child with love and care by the Itchy Baby Co. team x

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.