emollients

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract

Shea Butter Fractionated

emollientconditioningskin protectant

INCI Name

Butyrospermum Parkii...

Functions

3 Roles

Sustainability

8/10

Category

emollients

What It Does

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract is a fractionated derivative of whole shea butter, produced by selectively isolating specific lipid fractions — typically the unsaponifiable fraction rich in triterpene alcohols, phytosterols, and tocopherols — resulting in a lighter, more refined ingredient compared to crude shea butter. This fractionation process yields a product with enhanced skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties while offering improved texture, reduced greasiness, and greater batch-to-batch consistency. Formulators favor it over whole shea butter when a more elegant skin feel is desired, particularly in lightweight moisturizers, serums, and color cosmetics where the heavier body of traditional shea butter would be undesirable.

Softens and smooths skin texture
Creates protective moisture barrier
Improves product feel and glide
Reduces transepidermal water loss

Technical Properties

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

neutral

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

none

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

waxesplant oils and butterssiliconesemulsifiersfatty alcoholsantioxidantsUV filtersnonionic surfactants

Avoid Combining

strong oxidizing agents
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

8/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

plant-derived

Feedstock

Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) nuts, primarily sourced from sub-Saharan Africa

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