Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
INCI: Shea Butter
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 10 Sep 2026
Also known as: Shea Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Unsaponifiables, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Also known as shea butter A plant-derived lipid used as an emollient in cosmetics
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EWG Safety Score
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What Is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter?
Butyrospermum parkii butter (also known as shea butter) is a plant lipid extracted from the karite tree. It is used as an emollient in cosmetics and has smoothing properties for dry skin.
Butyrospermum parkii butter doesn’t just have a rich texture; it’s also a rich source of antioxidants, including quercetin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin and epigallocatechin, as well as skin-replenishing fatty acids (stearic and linoleic).
It is an excellent ingredient to see in products designed to improve dry skin.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Calendula officinalis: wound healing Phytotherapy Research, 2013
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER
- EC Number
- 293-515-7
- Function
- Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling
From the Clinic
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Butyl Acrylate
A film-forming polymer that binds skincare ingredients together
Butylene …
A polymer that helps control texture and thickness in skincare formulations
Butyloctyl Candelillate
A lightweight emollient that conditions skin and stabilises product texture
C12-18 Alkanoyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that conditions and stabilises formulations whilst potentially posing concerns for fungal acne-prone skin
C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that stabilises formulations and controls texture
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Petroleum-derived cosmetic ingredient whose wax-like texture functions as an emollient
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