does shea butter contain peptides FAQ

If you or someone else has used too much shea butter, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use shea butter safely. Do not use more than recommended.

Shea butter is a thick, fatty substance that comes from the seeds (nuts) of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and many fatty acids, including oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. Shea butter is sometimes used as a cooking oil, especially in areas where the tree naturally grows, such as West Africa. Some of the fatty acids and vitamins in shea butter may help reduce swelling (inflammation) when applied to the skin. This has led to interest in using shea butter to help with certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and diaper rash. Products that contain shea butter are also often applied to the skin to reduce general irritation and dryness. But it is not clear if shea butter works better than other popular oils, creams, and lotions that are used for these reasons. Natural substances, such as shea butter, contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific shea butter product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use shea butter.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if shea butter is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Pregnancy. It is not known if or how shea butter could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding. It is not known if shea butter passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

You should store shea butter as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Shea butter is available as a cooking oil and in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider. Keep shea butter out of the reach of children. Natural substances like shea butter contain many chemicals and nutrients. The amount of each chemical and nutrient in a specific product can change for many reasons, including the area where the tree was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the oil was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

There are no known interactions between shea butter and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect shea butter.

While less common, the most serious side effects of shea butter are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Shea butter may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using shea butter and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Shea butter is used as a cooking oil and is also applied to the skin for various reasons. However, its benefits for most uses are not well defined. Some common reasons why people use shea butter include the following.

There are no known interactions between shea butter and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. The interactions between shea butter and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with shea butter is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using shea butter with any medicines.