Butyrospermum Parkii
INCI: Shea Butter
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 10 Sep 2026
Also known as: Shea Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
AKA the shea tree or Vitellaria paradoxa Produces a variety of cosmetic ingredients including extracts, oils and butters
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Butyrospermum Parkii?
Butyrospermum parkii is the Latin name for the shea tree. This tree produces a variety of plant-derived skin care ingredients including extracts, oils and butters that are often rich in antioxidants.
Its most famous product is shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii butter), a plant lipid extracted from the tree. It’s used as an emollient in cosmetics and has smoothing properties for dry skin. Outside of this, shea butter also contains a plethora of heavy-hitting antioxidant compounds like vitamin E, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate.
Concetration levels used in skin care vary depending on the ingredient produced from Butyrospermum parkii AKA Vitellaria paradoxa.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Shea butter as an emollient for skin and hair Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2010
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Composition and effects of shea butter on human skin J Oleo Sci, 2009
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