Shea Butter: A natural ingredient for skin care

Shea butter: more than an ingredient; an ancestral ritual that continues to set trends.

In a world where cosmetic formulas are constantly evolving and "trendy" ingredients come and go each season, there are active ingredients that not only withstand the test of time but also become benchmarks. Shea butter is one of them.

For centuries, it has been a fundamental part of the beauty and care rituals among African women. Today, due to its effectiveness, sensory richness, and natural origin, this ingredient has gained popularity in the cosmetics world for its remarkable moisturising capacity and restorative action, making it essential for defining countless routines. 

Yet beneath that melting and comforting texture lies a narrative that speaks of nature, community, sustainability, and self-care. At U/1ST, we wish to share this story with you in detail and without haste. Understanding an ingredient thoroughly is also a means of taking better care of oneself.

What is shea butter, and what is it made from?

Shea butter is a natural fat derived from the nuts produced by the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), a revered tree that grows wild in the savannahs of West Africa. These nuts are collected, roasted, and processed to extract the butter, which is distinguished by its dense, creamy texture. 

It primarily consists of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that are vital for skincare. Among its key components are:

1. Essential Fatty Acids. This principle primarily consists of a balanced combination of fatty acids:

Oleic acid (omega-9). A natural moisturiser that helps maintain soft, supple skin while promoting the repair of the skin barrier.

Linoleic acid (omega-6). Recognised for its ability to reduce redness and soothe the skin, it is especially beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin.

Stearic and palmitic acid. Fatty acids provide texture and structure to shea butter, assisting in the formation of a protective film that is highly effective for retaining moisture in the skin.

2. Liposoluble vitamins. Shea butter is a natural source of vitamins A, E, and F, which enhance the health and youthful, luminous appearance of the skin.

Vitamin A. Renowned for its capacity to stimulate cell regeneration, it encourages tissue repair and aids in reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

Vitamin E.  An antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can accelerate premature ageing.

Vitamin F. This is the least known but no less important. It helps to maintain the skin's lipid barrier and promotes hydration.

3. Triglycerides and phytosterols. Triglycerides are lipids that serve as emollients, softening the skin and enhancing its elasticity. Phytosterols possess soothing properties and assist in repairing damaged skin.

4. Coumarins and Cinnamic Acid. These natural compounds found in shea butter provide mild UV protection and a soothing effect, which helps to reduce redness and discomfort on sensitive skin.

Shea butter properties: What are its benefits for the skin?

Shea butter is celebrated for its numerous benefits for the skin. At U/1ST, we believe in conscious skincare and recognise the importance of establishing a personalised facial routine tailored to your skin's genuine needs. Here are some of the key benefits of this ingredient to help you achieve this.

• Intense and prolonged hydration: deeply nourishes and prevents water loss thanks to its richness in lipids and vitamins.
• Repair and regeneration: helps restore damaged skin, improving elasticity and preventing marks.
• Soothing effect: relieves irritation, itching and redness, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
• Antioxidant protection: combats premature ageing and protects against external aggressors.
• Improved texture: visibly softens, smoothes and evens out the skin, even in drier areas.

Shea butter on the lips: for softness, repair, and protection lips.

The lips are among the most vulnerable areas of the face: their skin is significantly thinner, lacks sebaceous glands, and is constantly exposed to fluctuations in temperature, sun, wind... and our gestures. That's why when they become dry or chapped, you don't just notice it; you feel it.

This is where shea butter demonstrates its magic once again.

Thanks to its high concentration of lipids and vitamins, shea deeply nourishes, repairs cracks, and creates an invisible yet effective protective film. All this is achieved without leaving a sticky or heavy sensation: just comfort, softness, and a feeling of immediate relief.

The best thing: its action is both preventive and restorative. With regular use, your lips remain moisturised, supple, and protected, even during the coldest months of the year. 

Formulated with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and turmeric, our lip balms not only moisturise but also treat, repair, and pamper your lips the way they ought to be deserve. Suitable for everyday use, even as a pre-base before lipstick in the case of Multiactive Advanced Lip Serum You, for more nourished and moisturised lips.

But why go beyond moisturising? Because the skin on the lips lacks a natural hydrolipidic barrier, making it particularly vulnerable. That's why our formulas not only moisturise but also treat, soothe, and repair. We combine hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and turmeric to provide a comprehensive lip treatment: hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, shea butter prevents water loss by forming a nourishing barrier, and turmeric, rich in antioxidants, protects against external aggressors and helps prevent the signs of ageing.

The result: visibly softer, healthier, and protected lips.

Your routine is incomplete without them. And once you try them... you’ll want to repeat.

U/1ST Commitment: Why did we choose shea butter?

At U/1ST, we believe that cosmetics should be effective, pleasant to apply and, above all, conscientious. That's why, when formulating our products, we seek not only visible results but also ingredients that respect your skin, your lifestyle, and the environment around us.

Shea butter perfectly embodies that vision. It is an active ingredient of natural origin, rooted in a long tradition of skin care, supported by science, and positively impacting the communities that cultivate and process it. 

Alongside its moisturising properties, shea butter nourishes, repairs, and protects, rendering it an essential ally for soft, healthy, and visibly well-cared-for lips.

By integrating it into the formulas of our lip balms, we are not only committed to visible results but also to a form of cosmetics that cares for what is not always apparent. Protecting your lips is also a way of pampering your skin from the very first gesture.