5 innovative ways to use shea butter
What's the story
African shea butter is a versatile natural product extracted from the nuts of the shea tree.
Famous for its moisturizing properties, it has been used for centuries in different applications.
Its rich texture and nourishing qualities make it an ideal choice for skincare and haircare routines.
Apart from these traditional applications, here are five inventive ways to use shea butter in your daily life.
Lip care
Moisturizing lip balm
Shea butter can be a great base for DIY lip balm. Its natural emollient properties soothe and hydrate dry lips, giving relief from chapping.
To make your own lip balm, melt a small quantity of shea butter with beeswax, and add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.
Pour the mixture into small containers, and let it cool before using it.
Hair treatment
Nourishing hair mask
For those looking to revive their hair, shea butter can make for an excellent hair mask. It aids in restoring moisture and shine to dull or damaged hair.
Just warm up some shea butter until it's liquid, then apply it evenly through your hair from roots to tips.
Leave it for about 30 minutes before washing out with shampoo.
Foot care
Soothing foot cream
Shea butter's thick consistency makes it perfect for treating rough/cracked feet.
To prepare a soothing foot cream, combine equal parts of shea butter and coconut oil with a few drops of peppermint essential oil for added freshness.
Apply generously on clean feet before bedtime, covering them with socks overnight for best results.
Skincare routine
Gentle makeup remover
Using shea butter as a makeup remover is gentle, yet effective on the skin. Its creamy texture dissolves makeup without stripping natural oils off your face.
Take a small amount of softened shea butter onto your fingertips, and massage over your face gently in circular motions before wiping off with a damp cloth.
Shaving solution
DIY shaving cream substitute
Shea butter also doubles up as an alternative shaving cream.
Its lubricating properties allow razors to glide smoothly across skin surfaces, reducing the risk of irritation from shaving cuts/burns resulting from regular products.
These are often loaded with harsh chemicals, such as alcohols commonly found within commercial brands today.
Just rub softened amounts onto desired areas before starting the shave process itself, ensuring optimal coverage is achieved throughout the session duration accordingly thereafter too.