Our Goal

At Whipped Up, our goal is to offer our customers skincare products that smell amazing and are fortified with shea butter for the ultimate moisturizing treat for skin. 

Benefits of Shea Butter That Your Skin Will Love

Discover the top benefits of shea butter for your skin, from intense hydration to anti-aging protection.

When it comes to multitasking skincare ingredients, shea butter is one of the true overachievers. This rich, creamy emollient has been used for centuries and is beloved today for its ability to help nourish, soften, and revitalize the skin. Whether you're looking to add a little extra moisture to dry skin or simply want your complexion to look and feel more supple, the benefits of shea butter are tough to beat. Ahead, we’re breaking down exactly what shea butter is, how it’s used, and some of the most notable shea butter benefits for skin.

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a plant-based lipid derived from the kernels (or “nuts”) of the African shea tree. Traditionally, the kernels are crushed, roasted, and ground into a paste, which is then kneaded and boiled to separate out the oil. Once cool, the oil solidifies and takes on a rich, buttery texture (hence the name shea butter).

There are two main types of shea butter you’ll come across: raw (or unrefined) and refined. Raw shea butter is what you get immediately after cooling the liquid oil. It’s typically beige or yellow in color and has a nutty, earthy scent. Refined shea butter goes through additional processing before being packaged. This process, which involves treating and filtering the raw material, results in an untinted butter with a neutral aroma and a smooth texture

What Is Shea Butter Made From?

As mentioned, shea butter is made from the kernels of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which is indigenous to the African continent. It has a thick, rich texture and is naturally high in fatty acids and antioxidants, including vitamin A and vitamin E.

When used topically, shea butter can help smooth and condition skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. The presence of antioxidants also gives it the potential to help defend against environmental stressors, like pollution or dry air.

What Is Shea Butter Used For?

There are a few different ways shea butter can be used, but generally speaking, its main purpose—in skincare, anyway—is as a moisturizer. You can find it in everything from body lotions and lip balms to hair oils and face creams. Its buttery consistency makes it easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. It’s often used on elbows, knees, hands, and feet, but can also be applied to the face, lips, and even the scalp or hair ends for added hydration. At Whipped Up, it is the star of each of our products. We use all-natural raw shea butter, refined shea butter and shea nut oil to create the most moisturizing skincare products. 

Key Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin

Now that you’re caught up on what shea butter is, we can get to what you’re really here to learn: Why you want to use shea butter for skin. Keep reading as we share five benefits of this widely-loved ingredient.