Does Shea Butter Clog Pores? If you have oily skin, you are probably asking yourself: is shea butter comedogenic?
Pores are holes that expel sweat and natural oils. Dead skin cells that are not removed, will get stuck on your skin, and clog your pores.
We know that clogged pores can give you pimples, breakout, and even severe acne.
Yet, you heard shea butter can moisturize and smooth skin but will it work for you? Is Shea Butter Comedogenic?
Table of Contents
Does Shea Butter Clog Pores? (Oily Acne Prone Skin)
Is shea butter comedogenic?
Is shea butter comedogenic?
Yes, shea butter can clog pores and if you have been suffering from acne, it can make things worse.
There are some sites online saying it won’t clog pores, but if you take a time to feel the consistency, you will probably agree it may end up clogging pores.
Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and has a very oily texture and this is enough to clog pores and breakout acne-prone skin.
I have oily skin myself and I know that if I apply oil on my skin today, I will face pimples tomorrow.
I took a look online and have not found any scientific article, saying that butter won’t clog pores.
On the contrary, there are studies saying that this will indeed clog pores and consequently, acne and breakage.
However, there are many people who are saying to use it without problems, which makes me think it will depend on your organism.
These people with oily acne-prone skin that used shea butter on the face without problems, reported experiencing very soft skin even in winter.
Some of these people reported using shea butter mostly during the winter, as the skin gets less oily, but some also use it in summer.
My friend Lara has oily skin and shared with me she uses it fine with an emollient layer underneath.
Another friend of mine likes to use it under the eyes, which is very moisturizing and anti-aging as well.
Does Shea Butter Clog Pores? (Dry Skin)
Is shea butter comedogenic?
If you have dry skin, it is probably less problematic to use shea butter on your face.
Shea butter can be used as an emollient, a great moisturizer that can help smooth and soften the skin.
It does not mean that it won’t clog your pores, but you will probably be able to use it with less risk of breakage.
It is always good to test only in a small area before you decide to apply it on the entire face.
This way, you know for sure if this is safe or not to go ahead with the shea butter application.
Does Shea Butter Clog Pores on Eczema Treatments?
Is shea butter comedogenic?
According to this article, a patient had improvements on the skin, especially with smoothness after two weeks of shea butter topical use.
As shea butter is anti-inflammatory, it can relieve redness and irritation and is gentle on sensitive skin.
Is SHEA BUTTER Good or Bad FOR PIMPLES and Acne?
It is better not to use shea butter if you have active acne, pimples, and acne scars, as this is congenic, which means that it will clog pores.
When your pores are clogged, your skin can’t breathe very well and excess oils and sweat will get stuck.
This can make it easier for the appearance of pinpoints, acne, and breakage, under these skin conditions.
How Can Shea Butter Clog Pores?
Shea butter is rich in fatty acids. More specifically shea butter contains four fatty acids.
It is extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. Down below you can find the fatty acid profile:
- OLEIC ACID (omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid)
- STEARIC saturated fatty acids
- Palmitic non-essential saturated fatty acid
- Linoleic acid omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid
All these fatty acids may be a bit too heavy on the skin, causing excess sebum production.
How To Use Shea Butter On The Face?
If you opt to use shea butter on your face, then it is nice to choose high-quality organic refined shea butter.
The only reason I suggest the refined one is because it will be easier to apply on your face because it has a somewhat creamy consistency.
But you can use any other form of shea butter, as long as it is a good one.
Then make sure your face is well cleansed and apply the product on the face and go to sleep with it.
You can apply facial moisturizers before applying the shea butter. Make sure you wash it up when you wake up.
Shea Butter & Clogged Pores Q&A
1. What are the Most Common Causes Of Clogged Pores?
Taking the opportunity that you are here, I think it is a good idea to talk about possible causes of clogged pores.
Here is a quick list:
- Excess of dead skin
- Dirt and pollution
- Rest of makeup
- Excess of sebum production
- Sweating
- Not adopting a proper facial cleansing routine
2. How To Prevent Clogged Pores?
It is possible to treat and prevent clogged pores. Here you have a quick list of things you can do to avoid it.
1. Facial Cleanser
A facial cleanser is going to be your friend if you want to avoid clogged pores on your face.
Keep your face clean, never sleep with makeup on, and remember to take off sunscreen and even makeup remover.
At the same time, keep in mind that overwashing your face is also prejudicial, so try to wash your face no more than twice a day.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliation will ensure you will get rid of dead cells, which is one of the main reasons for clogged pores.
3. Facial Masks
Use purifying masks that can detoxify your pores. Make sure to use a mask once a week for a pore cleansing.
4. Steam Facial
Using a Steam facial is totally optional but can be very beneficial to unclog pores.
They can clean dirt from your pores at the peace that your skin is exposed to the heat.
With open pores, you can wash trapped dirty, plus it can provide a better absolution of skincare products.
3. Is there any benefit of using shea butter on the face?
If for some reason, you don’t get clogged pores by using shea butter, you may be able to enjoy a few benefits.
benefits of shea butter:
- Contains emollient properties
- It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains healing actives
- Moisturizing skin: Is extremely moisturizing leaving skin hydrated and smooth
- It contains anti-aging properties, good to prevent fine lines and wrinkles
- Helps brightening skin tone and nourishing skin that’s sensitive / irritated skin
- Contains healing properties / good for stretch marks / good for insect bites
- anti-aging effects / reduce fine lines, wrinkles / treats premature aging
3. What is the difference between raw shea butter, unrefined shea butter and refined shea butter?
Raw Shea Butter or unrefined shea butter is normally harder and contains a nut smell.
The refined shea butter is softer, easier to manage, and oftentimes, doesn’t have a natural smell.
There shouldn’t be any difference in results and benefits if you choose high-quality organic products.
Both pure shea butter, raw shea butter do the same job.
4. What Are The Best Shea Butter Alternatives For The Face?
If you are looking for alternatives, here is what you can use instead of shea butter on your face:
- plant oils such as rosehip oil, raw honey, Shea Oil, Avocado Butter, coconut oil.
5. Does shea butter increase pimples?
Shea butter can increase pimples if you have oily acne-prone skin, as it is comedogenic and can clog your pores.
Does Shea Butter Increase Pimples Final Thoughts
Shea butter may clog pores and cause acne, so it is better to avoid using it on your skincare routine if you are concerned about it.
Can you use shea butter on acne-prone skin?
I don’t recommend, however, if you still want to try and see for yourself, doing a patch test.
You can choose a small area of your face, apply a little bit of shea butter and observe for one week.
If you feel happy, you can go ahead and apply on the entire face, but still, be cautious and if you notice any pimples, you can suspend the treatment.