Three Myths About Shea Butter That Are Just Wrong

Whether you’ve been interested in the “natural” scene for a while or are just getting started with delving deeper into the benefits of natural products, you’re sure to come across Shea Butter, eventually. Why? Because it's nature’s number one moisturizer!

Like so many, we absolutely love shea butter. Besides being incredibly nourishing for the hair and skin, it is so versatile and can boost the efficacy of any natural product on the market. Shea butter is often found in natural deodorants, moisturizers, conditioners, soaps, creams and beyond. It’s really that good.

Unfortunately, with increased visibility comes the accompanying risk of rumors and myths. Somehow, even Shea Butter has found its way into the gossip scene, with false accusations and speculations about its true beauty benefits. So, in this article we will fill you in on the 3 most juicy myths about Shea Butter, to then show you just how false they are!

Myth #1: Shea Butter is Just Like Any Other Moisturizer

Uh, yeah right!  First off, the shea tree is native to the savannahs of western and central Africa. Shea butter is also highly emollient, which means it moisturizes and traps moisture in the skin so that it doesn’t escape within the hour, like with many others. The high amount of vitamins A & E also make it an effective remedy for healing cuts, wounds, sunburns, and even skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Moreover, it’s fatty acids, oleic acid, and stearic acid have anti-aging properties that can diminish the appearance of fine lines and premature wrinkles. And beyond that, it’s a moisturizer that not only can benefit your face and skin, but also your scalp and hair too!

A great example of this, is Kreyol Essence’s Haitian Shea Butter for Hair + Body formulated to protect, nourish, and soften thirsty hair and skin, all day long.

Myth #2: Petroleum Jelly is as Effective as Shea Butter

Have you noticed that nearly all of your natural cosmetics went out of their way to state that their products are made without Petroleum or Mineral Oil? That’s because while petroleum jelly does seal in moisture, it also suffocates the skin - not allowing it to breath or absorb any oxygen or moisture from the environment. This also locks in dirt and toxins into those precious pores of yours, creating acne or even rosacea down the line.

Shea Butter, on the other hand, naturally attracts and seals in moisture, even from the surrounding environment. It’s also loaded with nourishing fatty acids (as we mentioned above), vitamins and antioxidants, and has antibacterial properties and antimicrobial properties that will naturally protect, soothe and nourish your skin and hair follicles, keeping dirt and toxins out! Really, there’s just no comparison!

Myth #3: Shea Butter is too heavy for Hair and Skin

If you have oily skin or very thin or oily hair, then this can, in fact, be an ingredient you will only apply in very minimal quantities to the areas of your skin and hair that are dry or damaged.  On the other hand, if you have thick, curly, kinky, coily hair, or dry hair and skin, then shea butter is your number one go-to natural remedy.

That’s why you’ll find Shea Butter in nearly all of your natural conditioners and hair creams like Kreyol Essence's Pomad Kreyòl: Natural Scalp Treatment and Haitian Moringa Oil: "Love Me, Leave-In" Detangler. This leave-in detangler also includes moringa oil, Haitian castor seed oil, lavender, and other nourishing essential oils which will nurture your curls in any climate and under any condition, letting you style with ease!

Final Takeaways on Our Deep Love for Shea Butter

There are so many amazing benefits to using this natural solution.  See th elist below for some everyday concerns using Shea Butter will address and try it out for yourself – we’re sure you’ll notice how rich and radiant you will look and feel!

1. Moisturizes Dry Scalp, Hair and Skin
2. Treats Acne And Blemishes
3. Reduces Skin Inflammation (including scalp)
4. Anti-Aging And Anti-Free Radical Agent
5. Provides Relief To Itchy And Peeling Skin (including scalp)
6. Restores the Elasticity Of The Skin
7. Reduces Razor Irritation And Bumps
8. Reduces Stretch Marks