Government name
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Goes by
Shea butter
On a soap label, after saponification: Sodium Shea Butterate
The verdict
Superhero
Superpower
A soft, creamy butter that leaves skin feeling moisturized and smooth.
Shea butter is listed as Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, after the West African shea tree it comes from. Easier to just say shea.
Superhero or supervillain?
Superhero. Its superpower is that rich, creamy feel. It's known for leaving skin feeling soft and moisturized.
What it does in my soap
Shea butter adds hardness and a creamy, conditioning feel to a bar. In body butters, lotion bars and salves, it brings that soft, rich texture. Once it's been made into soap, it shows up on the label as sodium shea butterate.
Don’t judge an ingredient by its government name. Judge it by the science.
Got a label of your own? Roll Call takes attendance.
Visit the shop