As early as the 1940’s many scientific observations verified that among the populations using Shea Butter, skin disease was scarce and the population’s skin was exceptionally smooth and supple. Its combination of essential fatty acids and triglycerides is very similar to our own sebum and therefore is readily accepted and held onto by the skin. In addition, the extremely high unsaponifiable content of Shea Butter allows for almost instant absorption into the dermis. Shea Butter also naturally contains Vitamin F, which acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator and soothes rough, dry, or chapped skin. The presence of the Vitamin F – as well as natural levels of Vitamin A and E – almost certainly contributes to its effectiveness as a moisturizer. In the study detailed below, a cream containing only 5% Shea Butter provides significant moisturization which lasts all day.

Poelman, Richard et Machado : Les Nouvelles Dermatologiques 1988 7 (1) 78-79 – A cream containing 5% Shea Butter and a placebo cream are applied at the beginning of the experiment (Poelman & al.) and reapplied on a daily basis on the volar forearm of 10 volunteers. The results are the average of 10 measures of skin conductimetry differences between treated and untreated skin.

Short-term moisturization is observed, it peaks after 1 hour and persists for 8 hours. For all subjects, a daily application maintains a very good moisturization of the superficial layers of the skin.

The study above utilizes only a 5% Shea Butter solution. TruShea is approximately 90% Shea Butter. The only other substantial (more than 1%) ingredient is Jojoba oil. Jojoba is a liquid wax, which like Shea Butter, very closely resembles human sebum and is therefore highly penetrating and moisturizing.