Shea Butter 101: How to Actually Use a Body Butter

Shea butter shows up in every form these days — raw blocks, whipped soufflés, scented and unscented. Here's how to actually use it so it does what it's supposed to.

Raw shea vs. whipped soufflé

Raw African Shea Butter is the unprocessed, dense form — a little goes a long way, and it takes some warming between the hands before it spreads easily. A whipped soufflé like Pomegranate Bloom, Mango, or Fresh Forest is aerated for a lighter texture that spreads and absorbs faster, with no warming step needed.

When to apply

Damp skin, right after a shower, locks in more than applying to fully dry skin. If you're using the raw form, warm a small amount between your palms first so it melts slightly before it goes on.

How much you actually need

Less than you'd think. A dime-to-quarter-size amount covers an area like a forearm or leg. Applying too much just leaves a residue that takes longer to absorb without adding any extra benefit.

Picking a scent

The soufflé line comes in a handful of distinct profiles — fruity, floral, and warmer notes — so it's worth trying more than one to find what you'll actually want to reach for daily.

For every style — and every in-between.