the more you know.

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If you've ever paced through rows upon rows of moisturizers at the store, chances are you're familiar with shea butter — at least in name. It's made its way onto the ingredients list of some of the richest, most tried-and-true face creams. But what is shea butter doing in your skincare, exactly?

Let's start with where it comes from: the kernels of shea trees, which are native to sub-Saharan Africa. Traditionally, parts of the shea tree were famous for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, relieving health issues like ulcers, nasal congestion and, unsurprisingly, skin problems. shea butter still mostly comes from this region, but these days, it's most valued for its proven skincare abilities. Anti-inflammatory: Shea butter contains compounds called triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help soothe irritated, red, and swollen skin conditions. Antioxidant: Shea butter is a good source of vitamins A and E, which act as antioxidants. They protect the skin from free radical damage, reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Sun protection: Shea butter provides a natural SPF of about 6, which can help protect the skin from sun damage. Wound healing: Shea butter has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can promote wound healing and reduce the risk of infections. Skin elasticity: Shea butter contains cinnamic acid, which may help improve skin elasticity and firmness. Non-comedogenic: Shea butter is unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.