Overview

Shea butter is a seed fat that comes from the shea tree. The shea tree is found in East and West tropical Africa. The shea butter comes from two oily kernels within the shea tree seed. After the kernel is removed from the seed, it is ground into a powder and boiled in water. The butter then rises to the top of the water and becomes solid.

People apply shea butter to the skin for acne, burns, dandruff, dry skin, eczema, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, shea butter is used as a fat for cooking.

In manufacturing, shea butter is used in cosmetic products.

How does it work ?

Shea butter works like an emollient. It might help soften or smooth dry skin. Shea butter also contains substances that can reduce skin swelling. This might help treat conditions associated with skin swelling such as eczema.

Shea butter works like an emollient. It might help soften or smooth dry skin. Shea butter also contains substances that can reduce skin swelling. This might help treat conditions associated with skin swelling such as eczema.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate shea butter for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Shea butter is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking shea butter by mouth in larger amounts as medicine is safe.

When applied to the skin: Shea butter is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately for up to 4 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if applying shea butter to the skin for longer than 4 weeks is safe.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Shea butter is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if taking shea butter by mouth in larger amounts as medicine is safe.

When applied to the skin: Shea butter is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately for up to 4 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if applying shea butter to the skin for longer than 4 weeks is safe.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Shea butter is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking shea butter in greater amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Shea butter is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. Shea butter is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately, short-term. About 2-4 grams of shea butter has been applied to the inside of the nose safely for up to 4 days.

Interactions

We currently have no information for SHEA BUTTER overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of shea butter depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for shea butter (in children/in adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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