Natural Butters for Skin and Hair - What are they and what do they do?

Hair and skin butters are plant based ingredients that are high in proteins, vitamins and fats that help to nourish and moisturise you skin and hair.  They come from seeds, kernels, nuts or beans and are comprised of fatty acids and minerals.  They don't contain water, which gives them a longer shelf life without needing a preservative.

The most common types used in natural skincare and haircare products are Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Mango Butter

Shea Butter:  

Extracted from the nuts of the Shea Tree that is native to Africa, shea butter is a fatty oil that exists as a solid at room temperature.  

It contains vitamins A and E, which not only keep the skin in optimal health, but also protect it from being damaged by the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.  Shea butter contains  natural sun protection properties, giving is a sun protection factor (SPF) of between 6 and 10.  Vitamin E soothes dry skin and improves the skins elasticity, making this butter a good ant--aging agent.

Cocoa Butter:

A type of vegetable fat that comes from cocoa beans, cocoa butter is a common active ingredient in lotions, creams and lip balms.

It contains several antioxidants that promote good skin health, such as reducing inflammation and protecting the skin from sun damage.  It can also be used to relieve skin dryness.

Mango Butter:

Pressed from kernels of the mango and gently refined to create Mango Butter, it is a creamy moisturising butter that is perfect for conditioning hair and skin.

It is light and non-greasy to the touch and absorbs into the skin and hair with ease.  It won't clog pores or aggravate acne-prone skin, and as it contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants it is a wonderful choice for mature skin as well.

The rich, nourishing nature of this butter can help benefit those suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.