Check out any skincare advert, and you will find a gorgeous model pouring Shea butter-infused lotion on her body while she states how nourishing it is! You, too, have been melted by those adverts and probably bought one. However, a recent study has claimed otherwise! According to certain skin experts, shea butter clogs pores and does more harm than good. Are you surprised? Perhaps, that is why you have been looking for answers – does shea butter clog pores actually? Your search ends here!
This comprehensive skincare guide will give you an idea of how or if shea butter is comedogenic (clogs pores) or if it is a myth. You will also get a quick insight into the types of shea butter and its benefits for the skin. Let us give you the specifics –
Table of Contents
Does shea butter clog pores in reality?
It depends from skin to skin and the type and quality of shea butter that you are using. Let us explain in detail. Shea butter has been used as a nourishing moisturizer for the skin for years together. It is a curious combination of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, which makes it an extremely nourishing and healing lotion. With its origins being tracked to West Africa, this is one of the most-opted of the moisturizers.
Having said that, the point here is – how come something that is considered to be nourishing is being targeted as – comedogenic (something that clogs the pores of the skin)? We will detail the same here –
Raw shea butter is the unprocessed form, which is creamy in texture with a nutty smell. Though it is a part of multiple moisturizers and lotions, you cannot use this solo. Hence, for those asking does shea butter clog pores – then this variety does not. In fact, its comedogenic range is within the scale of 0-2 units, which is minimal or even in some cases, negligible. The purer the grade of shea butter is, the less the chance of this clogging your pores.
However, there is another category of refined shea butter that is processed in nature. It is made by heating and filtering the natural shea butter. This makes the butter – milder in nature and spreadable. It also adds fragrances to it to ensure it becomes more ‘market-friendly’ and ‘suitable for cosmetic usage.’ This type of shea butter, when used on oily skin, may cause clogging – that is where this query perhaps has originated.
What is the real cause behind clogged pores?
If you have been reading till here, we hope you have got a fair idea about the key behind your clogged pores. But that is not all! It is time you get to know some other facets of this nutritious cosmetic add-on to save your skin in the future.
Though many claim that shea butter is the reason behind clogged pores, as we have mentioned – that is untrue. However, the actual reason behind clogged pores is – excessive sebum production. This is produced naturally to keep your skin moist, but in excess, it can harm your skin – resulting in pimples, acne, and sudden breakouts.
What to check before buying shea butter?
As of now, you know the answer to does shea butter clog pores is negative. But you also know that if you use processed shea butter, that could result in a breakout. So, you must check certain factors before you buy shea butter. They are –
What is the grade of the shea butter you are using?
You must pick a shea butter content that does not have additives or fragrances. This variety is less likely to cause you any skin trouble. For the unversed, shea butter contains 4 types of acids – oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic. It is the oleic and the stearic acids that mimic the sebum in your skin.
When you use shea butter in excess, it locks the pores, and hence you get pimples. On the contrary, the Hence, while opting for a shea butter lotion, always check the grade and the level of oleic acid in it. Choose one with moderate to low oleic content for smoothening your skin.
How you are applying it?
This is another important factor to note. Too much shea butter content, and that too not spread evenly on your skin, can result in your having acne and pimples, untowardly. Hence, you must be careful.
What is the product formulation?
The third factor that you have to check is – how it is formulated within that product. For this, you must check the brand of the product. Notable brands ensure that they use the ideal medical concoction of this content, and it is well-balanced with other non-comedogenic ingredients. On doing so, irrespective of the skin, the chances of breakouts are reduced.
How to deal with clogged pores?
Whether you are using shea butter-enriched products or not, you must do a patch test for the same. Apart from that, you must remove your make-up regularly and wash your face 1-2 times a day with products rich with BHA/AHA that remove dead skin.
How does shea butter benefit the skin?
Now, assuming that your doubts about whether does shea butter clog pores or not have been answered, let us quickly check out the benefits of this nourishing lotion –
- Shea butter is packed with fatty acids and, therefore, strengthens the skin’s outer level – and creates a moisturizing barrier that progresses both anti-ageing and skin healing.
- Doctors recommend shea butter-packed lotion if you have any skin issues like – eczema, undue dryness, or dermatitis. This nutrient also heals the skin and speeds up its nutrition gain.
- Shea butter has antioxidants and Vitamin E and C that protect the skin from damage and promote collagen production. Therefore, whether it is sunburn healing or making the skin glow – this is the key to success.
However, some people may have certain side effects. They are –
Are there any side effects of shea butter?
- If you have a tree nut allergy, then this might not be the perfect skin lotion for you. Consult a medical professional beforehand.
- Your skin may react depending on the type of shea butter you use. Hence, you must be careful of the type.
Parting words
Assuming you have been reading this article well, you must have got the answer to does shea butter clog pores. To summarise, technically, it is non-comedogenic, but depending on the type of shea butter you use, you may face some effects of the same. Nonetheless, when you use it correctly, it provides you with unparalleled nourishment. Do you know of some other factors you would like to share? Then please leave your comments below. For more exciting content like this, keep watching this space.
Monalisa Mukherjee is a content writer, copywriter and editor with 4 years of experience. She has written for websites like Biography Talk, The Rich Net Worth, Contour Cafe, He And She Fitness and Fiction Pad. She is currently associated with a noted Digital Marketing Agency and specialises in writing press release, guest posts, articles on travel, entertainment, food recipes, celebs, lifestyle, tech, health, and fashion.
