Does shea butter clog pores?

Who should use shea butter?

Shea butter is a creamy fat from shea nuts that melts on contact with skin. Its fatty acids help create a barrier that keeps moisture from escaping. Regular use helps dry skin feel soft and smooth. It can be used on the face, lips and body, but the face is not automatically the right place for it if you get acne.1

Clogged pores form when oil, dead skin cells or dirt become trapped in the skin's openings. They are more common in very oily skin, but dry skin can develop them too. If you already have blackheads, whiteheads or frequent breakouts, choose a moisturizer intended for skin prone to clogged pores rather than plain shea butter.2

What about a moisturizer containing shea butter?

For a moisturizer containing shea butter, use the finished product's labelling to guide your choice rather than choosing by one ingredient alone. "Noncomedogenic" means formulated not to clog pores. For oily skin, choose products labelled "oil free" and "noncomedogenic", rather than letting "rich" do all the sales work. This is general product selection guidance, not a prediction of how a particular cream will behave on your skin.3

How should you moisturize if you get clogged pores?

Moisturizer belongs after cleansing even in an oily skin routine, which is less dramatic than buying something to declare war on oil. Skipping moisture is not the answer to choosing an unsuitable moisturizer.3

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser and your fingertips. Cleanse up to twice daily and after sweating; avoid scrubbing.
2. 2Apply an oil free, noncomedogenic moisturizer after cleansing to keep skin hydrated.
3. 3When going outdoors, apply a noncomedogenic, broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

What if you break out after using shea butter?

If breakouts increase after introducing shea butter, stop using it and choose a noncomedogenic moisturizer instead. Acne has several causes, so the timing alone cannot identify the cause. Avoid picking or squeezing spots, which increases the risk of scars and dark marks. Do not keep switching acne treatments in search of an immediate fix: treatment can take several weeks to a few months to show a difference.4

See a dermatologist if breakouts persist despite gentle care. Contact a doctor for acne that is painful, inflamed, infected or filled with pus.24

Who else should be careful?

If you have seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, shea butter is a concern because the yeast associated with dandruff can grow in it. Raw shea butter also contains latex. People with a latex allergy should avoid raw shea butter or use only refined shea butter.1