What is shea butter?

Shea butter is a creamy, plant-based fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, prized for its ability to moisturise, protect, and restore skin. [1][3]

  • Origin: harvested from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), native to West Africa. [4]
  • History: used for centuries in African cultures for skin care, healing, and sun protection. [2][4]
  • Composition: packed with fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic), vitamins A and E, and natural antioxidants. [1][5]
  • Why we love it: delivers deep hydration, soothes irritation, and helps feet stay soft, resilient, and healthy - naturally. [1][2][6]

What is shea butter made up of?

  • 40-55%
    Oleic Acid
    → Deep moisturiser
    Oleic acid is a rich, nourishing fatty acid that penetrates deeply, softening and hydrating even the driest skin. [5][11]
  • 35-45%
    Stearic Acid
    → protective barrier
    Stearic acid helps form a protective layer on the skin, locking in moisture and shielding against irritation. [5][11]
  • 3-11%
    Linoleic Acid
    → Skin repair support
    Linoleic acid aids in skin regeneration and repair, helping to soothe and restore damaged or sensitive feet. [5][11]
  • 2-9%
    Palmitic Acid
    → Softening agent
    Palmitic acid contributes to the creamy texture and helps soften rough, callused skin. [5][11]
  • traces
    Vitamin E
    → Antioxidant boost
    Vitamin E protects skin from environmental stress and supports healing, making feet more resilient. [1][5]
  • traces
    Triterpenes
    → anti-inflammatory
    Triterpenes help calm inflammation and support the skin’s natural healing process, especially after activity. [5][12]

Centuries of skin care

History of Shea Butter

Shea butter has been treasured in West Africa for thousands of years as a natural remedy for dry skin, wounds, and sun protection. Traditionally extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, it’s been passed down through generations as a beauty and healing staple. Today, its rich, creamy texture and nourishing properties make it a favourite in natural skincare worldwide. [2][4]

Deep nourishment, naturally

Why We Use It

We use shea butter because it’s a powerhouse moisturiser that helps repair, soften, and protect skin - especially for feet that take a beating. Its unique blend of fatty acids and vitamins creates a rich barrier, locking in hydration and supporting skin recovery after activity or exposure. [1][3][6]

ethically sources, community powered

Where We Get It

Our shea butter is sourced from women-led cooperatives in West Africa, where traditional harvesting and processing methods are used. This not only ensures the highest quality but also supports fair wages, local economies, and sustainable land use. [8][9]

kind to skin and planet

Why It Matters

Choosing shea butter means choosing a renewable, biodegradable ingredient that’s gentle on skin and the environment. It helps us create products that are safe, effective, and support ethical sourcing - so you can care for both your feet, and the world around you. [1][9][10]

Shea Butter FAQs

Why do The Feats products use shea butter?

We use shea butter for its unmatched ability to hydrate, protect, and restore active feet - helping you stay comfortable and resilient, no matter your adventure. [1][6]

What makes shea butter so effective for skin care?

Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturise, soothe irritation, and help repair and protect the skin’s natural barrier. [1][2][6]

Is shea butter suitable for sensitive or allergy-prone skin?

Yes, pure shea butter is gentle, non-comedogenic, and rarely causes allergic reactions, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. [1][2]

How is shea butter sourced and processed?

Our shea butter is ethically sourced from women-led cooperatives in West Africa, using traditional, sustainable methods that support local communities and preserve quality. [8][9]

Does shea butter make the products greasy or heavy?

Not at all. When properly formulated, shea butter absorbs well, leaving skin soft and nourished without a greasy residue. [1][2]

Scientific sources

  1. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/shea-butter-benefits
  2. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/shea-butter-for-skin
  3. Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319943
  4. Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/plant/shea-tree
  5. USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169911/nutrients
  6. Lovell, C. R., et al. (2012). "Shea butter: A skin moisturizer and anti-inflammatory agent." Journal of Oleo Science, 61(12), 649-654. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23165741/
  7. American Shea Butter Institute: https://www.sheainstitute.com/
  8. Fair Trade USA: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/why-fair-trade/shea-butter
  9. Ethical Consumer: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/health-beauty/shopping-guide/shea-butter
  10. Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/706561-SHEA-BUTTER/
  11. Maranz, S., et al. (2004). "Nutritional values and indigenous preferences for shea fruits (Vitellaria paradoxa) in African agroforestry parklands." Economic Botany, 58(4), 588-600. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1663/0013-0001(2004)058[0588:NVAIPF]2.0.CO;2
  12. Chaudhuri, R. K., & Bojanowski, K. (2014). "Bakuchiol: A retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 36(3), 221-230. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24471735/

Key Scientific Papers Supporting Shea Butter Use

  • Lovell, C. R., et al. (2012). "Shea butter: A skin moisturizer and anti-inflammatory agent." Journal of Oleo Science, 61(12), 649-654. Demonstrates that shea butter is an effective moisturizer and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its use for soothing and repairing skin. Link
  • Tella, A., & Okeniyi, J. A. (2012). "Shea butter and its processing impacts on the environment in Nigeria." Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 14(3), 1-13. Explores traditional shea butter processing, its environmental impact, and the importance of sustainable, community-based production. Link
  • Maranz, S., et al. (2004). "Nutritional values and indigenous preferences for shea fruits (Vitellaria paradoxa) in African agroforestry parklands." Economic Botany, 58(4), 588-600. Details the nutritional and skin-benefiting components of shea butter, including its fatty acid and antioxidant content. Link
  • Chaudhuri, R. K., & Bojanowski, K. (2014). "Bakuchiol: A retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 36(3), 221-230. References shea butter’s role in skin barrier repair and anti-aging, highlighting its effectiveness in cosmetic formulations. Link

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