Shea butter: the secret to a better-looking face

Manteca de karité en el cuidado de la piel del hombre — FETĒN

If you're curious about the ingredients everyone in skincare is talking about, shea butter should be top of your list. Thanks to its moisturising and revitalising properties, it can help you look better in the mirror every day.

WHAT IS SHEA BUTTER?

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which grows in West Africa. It's rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E, making it a deeply moisturising and nourishing ingredient. It also contains natural antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radicals – unstable molecules formed in the body through exposure to things like smoking, alcohol, pollution and UV rays.

THE BENEFITS OF SHEA BUTTER

One of shea butter's biggest advantages is how deeply it hydrates. In men's skincare it's valued for the way it helps lock moisture into the skin, which makes it ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. Thanks to its vitamin A and E content, it can also help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Shea butter is also known for its soothing properties. It can help calm inflammation and redness, so it suits sensitive and breakout-prone skin well, and it can help marks and scars look less noticeable.

It's also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps defend the skin against the effects of UV exposure and supports skin that's been out in the sun. (It's no substitute for sunscreen, though.)

Another plus: shea butter helps strengthen the skin barrier – the outer layer that protects your skin from bacteria and pollutants – keeping it healthy and more resilient.

  • Rich in vitamins A, D, E and F, it's traditionally used to soothe minor burns, scars and bruises.
  • Its soothing properties mean it has long been used in massage balms for aching joints.
  • Applied just inside the nostrils, it's traditionally used to ease a dry, blocked nose.
  • It helps restore and repair the skin thanks to its conditioning and softening properties.
  • It delivers powerful, long-lasting hydration and nourishment, and its vitamin F content helps improve skin elasticity.
  • It's anti-irritant, which makes it ideal for delicate skin – or for men, right after shaving.
  • It's a soothing balm for sensitive areas, helping to hydrate and protect against chafing and redness.
  • Shea butter is generally considered low-comedogenic, so it's unlikely to clog pores – good news if you're prone to breakouts.
  • After-sun care. It forms an invisible film on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss after sun exposure. Always use a proper sunscreen as well.
  • Protection from the cold. It's very effective on chapped hands caused by cold or damp weather, and on any area that needs extra protection.
  • It protects and repairs lips.
  • It has anti-ageing benefits, as it supports the skin's natural renewal.

OUR PRODUCTS WITH SHEA BUTTER

MEN'S FACE MOISTURISER, MATTE FINISH

With niacinamide, aloe vera, fig extract and shea butter to deeply nourish your skin and help smooth the look of wrinkles. A completely matte finish that's invisible and never greasy.

MEN'S EYE CREAM FOR DARK CIRCLES & PUFFINESS

With vitamin C, collagen and shea butter to tackle tired eyes – dark circles, puffiness and crow's feet. A 3-in-1 formula that makes you look like you've had a full night's sleep.

OUR PICK: MEN'S ESSENTIALS KIT

Give your face a little extra shea and some well-deserved TLC with our Men's Essentials Kit, recommended by Men's Health: our matte-finish face moisturiser plus our 3-in-1 eye cream, both made with shea butter to keep you looking your best.


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