The wonders of Shea Butter

For me it's not the clocks going back or the darker evenings that signal the approach of winter - it's my hands!! They seem to become instantly dry and chapped by the changes in the weather and I have to go into full blown care and protect mode otherwise they really do become painful and unsightly. I find that I have to moisturise my hands several times a day, particularly before and after going outside and always after washing my hands. As a result I have become slightly obsessed with hand creams because I know from my experience what really makes a difference! So here are my top tips for protecting your hands and preventing chapped and dry skin.....

But what is Shea Butter and why does it get us excited? - Shea Butter is an off white tryglyceride (vegetable fat) extracted from the nut of the African Karite (Shea) Tree. It's high in vitamin A and oleic acid both of which are known to help to keep skin supple. Oleic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a very similar molecular structure to sebum which is naturally produced by our skin. This means that Shea Butter is able to be easily absorbed by skin rather than just sitting on the surface. It also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and is a well known anti-ageing ingredient. 

Other ingredients that are high in Fatty Acids, vitamin D and E that have proven skin moisturising and anti-ageing benefits are Sweet Almond Oil, Rose Oil, Argan Oil and the newest and latest beauty miracle oil - Prickly Pear Seed Oil, I will talk more about this little miracle in a separate blog. 

Try our French Marseille Soaps with Shea Butter perfect for hand washing without drying out your skin; creamy, moisturising, fragrant and such a treat. Try them and see what we mean! (P.S. my favourite is Fig, no I mean Almond, no its Olive....) why not try the Bath Bar size? 

Luxurious, nourishing, and timeless—shea butter has become a celebrated staple in body care around the world. In the sun-kissed landscapes of Provence, this golden ingredient is cherished not only for its profound skincare benefits but also for how it seamlessly blends with the region's artisanal traditions, fragrance culture, and commitment to natural beauty.

Shea butter, derived from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), has been used for centuries across West Africa. Its earliest documented use dates back to the days of ancient Egypt, where it was treasured for its healing and cosmetic properties. Cleopatra herself is said to have used shea butter in her beauty rituals, and caravans transported jars of it across the Sahara as part of the gold and spice trade.

Traditionally extracted by women, shea butter production remains a vital part of many African economies and cultures. The butter is created through a labor-intensive process: the nuts are harvested, dried, roasted, ground, and kneaded by hand to produce a rich, creamy balm with exceptional emollient properties.

In Provence, a region known for its lavender fields, olive groves, and artisanal soap-making traditions, the introduction of shea butter into local formulations has added an exciting dimension to the skincare landscape. While not native to France, shea butter aligns beautifully with Provençal values: simplicity, natural elegance, and nurturing self-care.

Over the past few decades, artisan soap makers and natural beauty brands in Provence have embraced shea butter for its deeply moisturizing qualities. Combined with Mediterranean ingredients like lavender, verbena, and almond oil, shea butter enhances the sensory and therapeutic experience of body care products crafted in the region.

Shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and F, along with essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These properties make it an incredibly versatile ingredient:

• Intense Moisturizer: Deeply hydrates the skin without clogging pores.

• Skin Barrier Protection: Strengthens the skin's natural barrier, shielding against environmental stressors.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness, irritation, and inflammation.

• Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Ideal for eczema, dermatitis, and dry patches.

• Supports Skin Regeneration: Promotes healing of minor cuts, cracks, and sun-damaged skin.

These benefits are enhanced when shea butter is used in its unrefined or minimally processed form, retaining its natural nutty scent and golden color.

In 'modern' fragranced Savon de Marseille and artisan soaps from Provence, shea butter plays a vital role in both function and feel. It adds creaminess to the lather, making the soap not only cleansing but also deeply moisturizing.

• Leaves skin soft, supple, and hydrated after washing

• Gentle enough for daily use on face and body

• Helps relieve dry, flaky, or sensitive skin conditions

• Enhances the longevity of the bar with a smooth, solid texture

When paired with essential oils like lavender, rose, and citrus, shea butter soap provides an aromatic experience that feels both restorative and indulgent—a true reflection of Provençal living.

Beyond soap, shea butter is a hero ingredient in a wide range of Provençal skincare products:

• Body Balms and Butters: For deep nourishment and silky smooth skin.

• Hand Creams: Ideal for soothing cracked or chapped hands.

• Lip Balms: Protects delicate skin against dryness and wind.

• Hair Masks: Restores moisture and shine to dry or brittle hair.

• Foot Creams: Revitalizes tired feet and softens calluses.

Whether used in its pure form or blended into botanical formulations, shea butter is a cornerstone of Provençal self-care rituals.

Many Provence-based brands take care to source shea butter ethically, often working with women-led cooperatives in West Africa. This not only ensures the highest quality product but also supports sustainable farming, fair trade practices, and economic empowerment.

The alignment of these values with the Provençal lifestyle—which prioritizes artisan quality, slow living, and harmony with nature—makes shea butter a perfect fit for body care made in southern France.

Shea butter's versatility means it shines year-round. In winter, it protects against windburn and dry indoor air. In summer, it soothes sun-exposed skin and restores moisture after long days outdoors.

Its subtle nutty aroma pairs beautifully with Mediterranean scents, and its creamy texture adds a touch of everyday luxury to any skincare routine.

In Provence, beauty is inseparable from nature. The inclusion of shea butter in the region's body care offerings represents a beautiful cross-cultural exchange—one that honors tradition, nurtures the skin, and elevates daily rituals.

Whether it appears in a hand-poured soap bar or a velvety body balm, shea butter brings a sense of comfort, nourishment, and quiet luxury to life in Provence and beyond.