Is Shea Butter Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Shea Butter is a rich, solid plant butter that softens and seals moisture into the skin. In cosmetics it is typically found in body butters, lip balms, rich moisturizers and hair masks. Its INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name is Butyrospermum Parkii Butter. On a label it may also appear as butyrospermum parkii butter.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Butter |
| INCI name | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter |
| Also known as | butyrospermum parkii butter |
Is Shea Butter comedogenic?
No — Shea Butter scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Shea Butter cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Shea Butter is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Shea Butter even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Shea Butter if you're acne-prone?
Shea Butter is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare. The main caveat is fungal acne, which Shea Butter may still aggravate.
How Shea Butter compares to other butters
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Shea Butter | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Mango Butter | 2/5 | Low–moderate |
| Cocoa Butter | 4/5 | Likely |
| Coconut Butter | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Shea Butter comedogenic?
No — Shea Butter scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Shea Butter cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Shea Butter is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Shea Butter even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Shea Butter safe for acne-prone skin?
Shea Butter is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare. The main caveat is fungal acne, which Shea Butter may still aggravate.
What products is Shea Butter found in?
Shea Butter is a rich, solid plant butter that softens and seals moisture into the skin, and is commonly found in body butters, lip balms, rich moisturizers and hair masks.
What can I use instead of Shea Butter?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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