Shea butter is one of those ingredients that just instantly screams luxury. As soon as you get a whiff of its beautiful nutty aroma and feel its smooth, velvety texture, you know you’re in for a treat. Derived from the seeds of the African shea tree, shea butter has been used for centuries by African women for skin and hair care. Today, it’s an extremely popular ingredient in all kinds of lotions, creams, soaps and other personal care products.
When it comes to hydrating and moisturizing dry, irritated skin, shea butter is pretty much unbeatable. Its high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins A, E and F means it melts right into the skin, providing an occlusive barrier that locks in moisture. For this reason, shea butter is wonderful for minimizing the dry, flaky skin that comes with conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of shea butter also help to reduce redness and swelling.
With all these impressive skin benefits, it’s no wonder shea butter has become a staple ingredient in many shower creams and body washes. There’s nothing quite as decadent as lathering up with a lush, fragrant shea butter shower cream to start your day. The rich, nourishing formulas cleanse gently while drenching your skin with intense hydration. They transform a plain old shower into a luxurious spa-like experience.
If you love shea butter as much as I do, then keep reading. Today I’m sharing my picks for the top 5 shea butter shower creams available right now, plus tips for how to choose the best one for your needs. Get ready to fall in love with these indulgent body washes!
1. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Body Wash
Let’s start with a classic. SheaMoisture is one of the most popular brands making extensive use of high-quality fair trade shea butter. The Raw Shea Butter Body Wash is a great example of their clean, natural formulas.
With shea butter as the star ingredient, this body wash nourishes your skin with vitamins A, E and F. There are no harsh sulfates, parabens or phthalates either. The texture is rich and creamy – not surprising given that shea butter is typically 40-60% of the formula. As you massage the frothy lather over your body, the sweet vanilla-almond scent transports you right to the shea orchards of Africa.
The Raw Shea Butter Body Wash leaves your skin ridiculously soft, smooth and moisturized from head to toe. Because it’s so gentle, it’s also a great choice for babies and sensitive skin. At around $10 for 13 oz, it’s very reasonably priced for such a high-quality product. This body wash is available at Target, Walmart, Amazon and many major retailers that carry SheaMoisture.
2. Alaffia Everyday Shea Body Wash
Alaffia is another excellent brand using sustainably sourced, fair trade shea butter in their products. The Everyday Shea Body Wash deeply hydrates normal to dry skin.
Unrefined, raw shea butter is the third ingredient after water and coconut-derived cleansers. Shea butter accounts for 10% of the formula in this body wash. There are no artificial fragrances, just a light, natural scent from plant extracts like ginger root, papaya and neem. The texture is rich and viscous with lots of moisturizing oils.
When you massage this onto wet skin, it works up into a creamy lather that doesn’t strip the skin. Your whole body will feel nourished yet refreshed. The body wash leaves a light, non-greasy after feel. I also love that the shea butter is handcrafted by women’s cooperatives in West Africa.
The Everyday Shea Body Wash costs about $9 for a generous 32 oz bottle, making it a great value. You can find it online at Amazon, Vitacost, Walmart and other major retailers.
3. The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream
No list of shea butter body products is complete without The Body Shop. They’ve been sourcing high-quality Community Trade shea butter from Ghana for over 30 years. The Shea Shower Cream wraps your skin in rich, velvety softness.
Of course, the star is raw shea butter sustainably sourced from northern Ghana. Shea butter is blended with soybean oil and glycerin to lock in hydration. There are no sulfates or parabens. For the signature Body Shop fragrance, they’ve added notes of jasmine, honey and citrus essential oils. The aroma is fresh and uplifting.
The shower cream transforms into a lush foam that cleanses very gently. Shea butter nourishes skin from head to toe without leaving an oily residue. Even dry areas feel supple and comfortable after rinsing.
At 250 ml for $15, The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream is on the pricier side. But a little goes a long way and the ethical sourcing makes it worthwhile. Pick it up at The Body Shop stores or online.
4. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash with Shea Butter
If you prefer lighter formulas, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is a great drugstore option. This gently foaming body wash hydrates skin with shea butter and glycerin.
The first ingredient is water, followed by glycerin for extra moisture. Shea butter appears about midway down the list. There are also some gentle cleansers derived from coconuts. The body wash has an unscented, hypoallergenic formula that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
When you lather it up, there’s not an overwhelming shea butter smell. It has a very light, clean fragrance. This body wash cleanses softly without stripping away natural oils. It leaves just a touch of hydration behind so skin feels comfortable, not dried out.
At 18 oz for around $6, Aveeno Shea Butter Body Wash is an affordable drugstore staple. You can find it at Target, Walgreens, CVS and grocery stores.
5. Olay Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Body Wash
You may not associate Olay with shea butter, but their Ultra Moisture Body Wash packs serious hydration. With shea butter as the third ingredient, this nourishing cleanser gives parched skin some major TLC.
The formula is packed with emollients like glycerin, dimethicone and petrolatum to bind moisture to the skin. There’s also panthenol (provitamin B5) and vitamin E for extra conditioning. It foams up easily into a lush lather. The body wash has a light, fresh scent.
Massaging this over dry areas dissolves flaky skin for touchably soft smoothness. It doesn’t leave any greasy residue behind. Your whole body will feel quenched but not weighed down.
At around $6 for 13.5 oz, Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash costs about the same as basic drugstore brands but works much better for very dry skin. Pick it up at any drug or grocery store.
So there you have my top 5 picks for shea butter shower creams and body washes. As you can see, there are options at different price points and formulas to suit normal, dry or sensitive skin. When comparing products, look for ones where shea butter appears near the top of the ingredients list for the highest concentration. Raw, unrefined shea butter is best. Avoid products with artificial dyes or fragrance if you have sensitivities.
Now let’s get into some tips for how to choose the best shea butter shower cream for YOUR skin!
How to Select the Perfect Shea Butter Shower Cream
With so many shea butter body washes available, it can be tricky to select the right one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when shopping:
Check your skin type. Shea butter is great for dry, mature, aging or damaged skin that needs extra hydration. For oily skin, look for gel-cream formulas that cleanse without adding too much moisture. People with sensitive skin should make sure to avoid harsh detergents and fragrances.
Consider your scent preferences. Some shea butter body washes have light floral or fruit scents. Others go for an earthy, nutty shea aroma. You can also find unscented products if you prefer fragrance-free. Think about when you’ll use the product – relaxing lavender or citrus scents at night, or bright, energizing scents in the morning.
Compare textures. The texture of shea butter shower creams can range from thin, pourable gels to extra thick, rich creams. Thicker creams tend to be more moisturizing. If you don’t like heavy, oily textures on your skin, go for a lighter gel-cream.
Read the label. Look at where shea butter appears in the ingredients list. The higher up, the better. Raw, unrefined shea butter is more beneficial than processed forms. Also avoid harsh sulfates, parabens and fragrances if you have sensitivities.
Seek ethical brands. Products from AfricaBrands, SheaMoisture, The Body Shop and others support women’s shea cooperatives through fair trade. So you can feel good about buying them!
Compare prices.Shea butter is a pricier ingredient, so these body washes cost more than basic drugstore brands. But you can find great options between $6 to $15. Look for sales or multi-packs for better value.
Try samples. Get free in-store samples or buy travel sizes to test out a product before committing. This way you can experience the scent and texture before you buy a full-size bottle.
Look for versatility. Many shea butter body washes can also be used on the face, hands and shaving. Opting for a multi-use product saves you money.
Focus on skin benefits. The best shea butter shower creams don’t just cleanse – they actually improve your skin. Look for formulas with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamins to nourish skin.
Choosing a nourishing shea butter body wash that suits your taste, budget and skin needs comes down to reading labels and ingredient lists closely. And trying out samples first when possible. With so many excellent shea butter shower creams on the market, you’re sure to find one that transforms your daily shower into a soothing self-care ritual.
Now that you know how to pick the perfect shea butter cleanser, you may still have some questions. Let’s go over some of the frequently asked questions about shea butter shower creams next.
FAQs About Shea Butter Body Washes
Q: Does shea butter shower cream moisturize better than regular body wash?
Yes, shea butter shower creams provide much more moisturization than regular body washes. The rich concentration of fatty acids and vitamins in shea butter nourishes the skin. When used regularly, shea butter shower products can improve moisture levels and reduce flaking.
Q: How often can you use shea butter shower creams?
These rich, creamy body washes are gentle enough to use every day. Some people may prefer using them only 2-3 times a week if they have oilier skin. But they can be part of your daily shower routine without drying out the skin.
Q: Are shea butter body washes suitable for sensitive skin?
Unrefined shea butter is typically well tolerated by sensitive skin. But some products add fragrances and extracts that may cause irritation for some. Stick to fragrance-free body washes with minimal ingredients if you have sensitivities. Or do a patch test first.
Q: Is it okay to use shea butter shower products on the face?
Yes, pure shea butter is non-comedogenic and safe for the face. Many body washes call themselves “3-in-1” products good for face, body and shaving. Just rinse thoroughly after using on the face, as residue can clog pores.
Q: How long does a bottle of shea butter shower cream last?
Depending on the size and frequency of use, a bottle can last 1-3 months typically. If youwash with it 1-2 times daily, expect a 16 oz bottle to last around a month and a 32 oz bottle to last 2-3 months.
Q: Can shea butter help with skin conditions like eczema?
Yes, shea butter has proven anti-inflammatory properties that make it beneficial for eczema and psoriasis. It helps soothe dryness, flaking, redness and itching. The moisturizing oils also help repair the skin barrier.
Q: Do shea butter shower creams make your tan last longer?
There’s no evidence that shea butter extends the life of a tan. But by moisturizing and soothing dry, flaky skin with shea butter washes, you can maintain an even-looking tan with less peeling.
As you can see, shea butter shower creams offer many great skin benefits in addition to gentle cleansing. The naturally nourishing formulas cleanse away dirt and oil without stripping your skin. When used regularly, they can improve skin hydration, even out tone and reduce irritation.
Indulge Your Skin with Shea Butter Shower Creams
If you love treating your skin to super moisturizing products, I highly recommend trying one of the shea butter body washes on this list. They take your daily shower from basic to spa-like luxury.
My top picks are the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Body Wash for its simple, fragrance-free formula packed with skin-loving shea butter. And The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream for the ethical sourcing of shea through their Community Trade program.
But any of these high-quality shea butter shower creams are sure to become a staple in your self-care routine. They cleanse gently while drenching your skin with hydration. Your body will feel softer, smoother and more nourished than ever.
When shopping for a shea butter body wash, look for one suited to your skin type and fragrance preferences. Compare textures and ingredients. Seek out raw, unrefined shea butter high up on the list for maximum benefits. And buy from ethical brands that work with women’s shea cooperatives.
With the right shea butter shower cream, you can give your skin the nourishing treatment it deserves each day. Stop settling for basic body washes that just rinse away! Switch to a shea butter cleanser and transform your showers into luxurious spa experiences. Your skin will thank you.
