Shea butter is fat that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It’s solid at warm temperatures and has an off-white or ivory color. It can be yellow when a root is added to it. Shea trees are native to West Africa, and most shea butter still comes from that region. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in some African countries. The English word "shea" comes from s’í, the tree's name in Bambara. It is known by many local names such as, Kpakahili in Dagbani, taama in Waala, nkuto in Twi, and kaɗe or kaɗanya in Hausa.

Shea butter is a skin superfood that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection (it is SPF ~6) and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production.Shea butter has been used in Africa and many other locations for years to improve skin and hair. It also has a long history of medicinal use, such as in wound care and even treating leprosy.