Shea Butter Glyceride is a derivative of shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii), which belongs to the Sapotaceae family. This ingredient is created by reacting shea butter with glycerin, resulting in a compound that is widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its moisturizing, emollient, and skin-conditioning properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Shea Butter Glyceride contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its beneficial properties:

Fatty Acids: Including stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, which provide moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Glycerin: Known for its hydrating and humectant properties.
Vitamins: Such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which are beneficial for skin health.
Phytosterols: Contribute to the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of the ingredient.
Triterpenes: Known for their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.
Physical Properties
Shea Butter Glyceride typically appears as a creamy, white to light yellow substance with a smooth texture. It is soluble in oils and alcohols but not in water, making it suitable for various cosmetic formulations such as lotions, creams, and balms. The ingredient has a mild, nutty scent characteristic of shea butter.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Moisturizing: Helps to maintain skin hydration, preventing dryness and promoting softness.

Skin Conditioning: Improves the texture and appearance of the skin, making it smoother and healthier.

Emollient: Provides a smooth and soft feel to the skin, improving its texture and appearance.

Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness, swelling, and irritation associated with various skin conditions.

Healing: Promotes the healing of minor cuts, wounds, and other skin injuries.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Shea Butter Glyceride is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products when used within recommended concentrations. Sustainable harvesting practices are essential to ensure the preservation of shea trees and their natural habitats. Proper formulation and testing ensure its safety and efficacy in end products.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.
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CAS: 194043-92-0