Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter  is a butter obtained from the Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) native to Africa, family Sapotaceae.

Name breakdown and function of the components

• Butyrospermum Parkii - This is the scientific name for the shea tree, native to Africa. This tree produces fruits from which shea butter is extracted.
• Shea - The common name in English for the shea tree.
• Butter - Refers to the thick, fatty substance extracted from the fruits of the shea tree.

Description and function of the raw materials used in production

• Butyrospermum Parkii fruits - These fruits contain a seed from which shea butter is extracted.

Summary of the extraction process step by step

• Collection of the fruits - Mature fruits from the shea tree are manually harvested.
• Separation of seeds - After harvesting, the fruits are opened to separate the seeds from the flesh.
• Crushing - The seeds are then crushed to break their cell walls and facilitate the extraction of the butter.
• Boiling or roasting - The crushed seeds are boiled or roasted to further facilitate the separation of the butter.
• Pressing - After boiling or roasting, the seeds are pressed to extract the butter.
• Purification - The extracted butter is purified to remove any impurities, resulting in ready-to-use shea butter.

What it is for and where

Shea butter is widely used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It's also known to contain antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, including vitamin A and E.

Medical

It is used as a decongestant in inflammation of the nostrils.

In dermatology, Butyrospermum Parkii extract together with Argania spinosa and a 1% cortisone cream has been used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (1).

With regard to its components, three new triterpene saponins with antioxidant properties have been isolated from its extract (2).

Cosmetics

This vegetable fat contains vitamin E, carotene, quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate and has emollient and moisturising properties.

Skin conditioning agent. An ingredient that is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions.  

CAS  194043-92-0  91080-23-8 

EC number  293-515-7 

Commercial applications

Cosmetic and Skincare Products: Loved for its deep moisturizing properties, it's used in creams, lotions, lip balms, and hair products.

Body Products: Used in body butters, hand and foot creams, and balms for particularly dry areas such as elbows and knees.

Hair Products: Incorporated into conditioners, masks, and styling products to nourish and soften hair.

Traditional Medicine: In Africa, it's traditionally been used to treat minor burns, scars, inflammations, and other skin conditions.

Properties

Moisturizing: Deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin.

Anti-inflammatory: Contains natural compounds that help reduce inflammation.

Antioxidant: Rich in vitamins A and E, which help protect the skin from free radical damage.

Repairing: Aids in skin repair and collagen formation.

References____________________________________________________________________

(1) Jirabundansuk P, Ophaswongse S, Udompataikul M.  Comparative trial of moisturizer containing spent grain wax, Butyrospermum parkii extract, Argania spinosa kernel oil vs. 1% hydrocortisone cream in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis.  -   J Med Assoc Thai. 2014 Aug;97(8):820-6.

(2) Tapondjou LA, Nyaa LB, Tane P, Ricciutelli M, Quassinti L, Bramucci M, Lupidi G, Ponou BK, Barboni L. Carbohydr Cytotoxic and antioxidant triterpene saponins from Butyrospermum parkii (Sapotaceae).  Res. 2011 Dec 13;346(17):2699-704. doi: 10.1016/j.carres.2011.09.014.