The Benefits of African Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) in Skin Care and Hair Care Products: Bioactive Compounds, Functional Properties, and Cosmetic Applications

Abstract Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) is a natural lipid extensively utilized in cosmetic and dermatological formulations due to its unique fatty acid composition and biologically active unsaponifiable fractions. This review critically evaluates the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds, and dermatological relevance of shea butter in skin and hair care applications. Existing evidence demonstrates that shea butter possesses moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties attributable to constituents such as oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, tocopherols, triterpenes, and phenolic compounds (Akihisa et al., 2010; Maranz et al., 2004). In skin care, shea butter enhances epidermal barrier function and reduces transepidermal water loss, while in hair care it improves moisture retention, scalp hydration, and hair elasticity (Ayanlowo et al., 2021). Furthermore, the industrial relevance of shea butter in sustainable cosmetic formulation is discussed alongside current research limitations and future prospects. This review highlights the growing significance of shea butter as a multifunctional natural ingredient for cosmetic and therapeutic applications. This revised edition includes additional peer-reviewed references, improved discussion of research gaps Keywords Shea butter; Vitellaria paradoxa; cosmetic formulation; skin care; hair care; natural emollients; bioactive compounds