shea butter

American  

noun

1. a solid, greenish, yellowish, or whitish fat derived from the seeds of the shea tree, used for food and in the manufacture of soaps and candles.

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Etymology

Origin of shea butter

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Flamingo Estate blends anti-inflammatory and skin-restoring manuka honey with hydrating lanolin and shea butter for an ultra-rich yet cloud-like cream that you can use on your hands or anywhere that needs some extra love.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2025

It has traditionally been women who have gathered the nuts of the shea tree to produce Nilotica shea butter, prized globally for its cosmetic and culinary uses.

From BBC • May 1, 2025

Shinichirō Watanabe's vision marries futuristic visuals with realism, with the series' jazz score treated as something to be felt and then absorbed, like dry skin lathered in shea butter.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2025

Applying a thick layer of lip balm with moisturizing ingredients like petrolatum or shea butter before bedtime will also nourish your lips and prevent chapping, Rogers said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Only so much could be done about her hair without shea butter and a good comb, but she at least tried to redo some of the unravelling twists.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray