Are There Any Dangers to Using Shea Butter in Cosmetics?

Moisturizing, regenerating, softening and antioxidant-rich, shea butter nourishes the skin and hair fibers. In fact, it moisturizes the skin in depth and strengthens the skin barrier against external aggressions. It is thus a treatment for dry, mature skins, with atopic tendency. It is also present in various types of care, whether in the form of lotion, cream or mask.

There are no known dangers in the standard cosmetic use of shea butter. Pregnant women and young children can use it. It is considered by the international committee of experts as a safe cosmetic ingredient that can be used up to a concentration of 60% in the finished product, without any particular toxic risk.

Despite its many virtues, shea butter contains an allergenic agent: latex. This substance can cause undesirable effects on the subjects suffering from cutaneous and respiratory allergies. The effects can vary according to the degree of tolerance, the quantity applied and the time of application. Latex intolerance often presents as skin irritation, resulting in redness, swelling or itching. In the case of severe intolerance, the skin use of a latex-containing product can cause contact eczema.