Shea Butter for Soapmaking
Shea butter is so beneficial for soapmaking. When it comes to crafting luxurious soaps, few ingredients can rival the natural goodness of shea butter. Renowned for its rich moisturizing properties and skin-nourishing benefits, shea butter has been used in skincare for centuries.

Where Does Shea Butter Come From?
What is Shea Butter? Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Traditionally used in Africa for its medicinal properties and skincare benefits, shea butter has gained global popularity for its outstanding moisturizing and healing properties.
What Percentage of Shea Butter in Soapmaking?
This is one of those things that is highly debated. Some people recommend no higher than 10% while others say 20%. I have used it at 37% and liked it very much. I have seen others speak of a 100% shea butter soap. Honestly, it is personal preference, in my beginner soap recipe it uses coconut oil and shea butter at equal percentages. It doesn’t have a super high lather but it does clean well and it feels wonderful.
Soapmaking really is chemistry but it is also an art, feel free to break some of the “rules” and use ingredients to create a bar that you really love!
Benefits of Shea Butter
- Moisturizing Properties: Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, making it an excellent moisturizer for the skin. When used in soap, it helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
- Anti-inflammatory: Shea butter contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated skin. This makes it ideal for people with sensitive or inflamed skin conditions.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Shea butter is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin E, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage. This can help to slow down the aging process and keep the skin looking youthful.
- Healing Properties: Shea butter has been used for centuries to heal wounds, burns, and other skin ailments. When used in soap, it can help to promote healing and repair damaged skin.
- Non-comedogenic: Shea butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Properties of Shea Butter in Soapmaking:
- Hardness: Shea butter adds hardness to soap, making it long-lasting and durable.
- Creaminess: Shea butter contributes to a creamy lather that cleanses the skin gently.
- Moisturizing: Shea butter helps to moisturize the skin, preventing it from drying out after washing.
- Color: Shea butter can impart a creamy yellow color to soap, adding to its visual appeal.
- Scent: Shea butter has a mild, nutty scent that can complement a wide range of soap fragrances.
How to Use Shea Butter in Soapmaking: Shea butter can be used in soapmaking in various ways, depending on the desired effect. In hot-process soapmaking it can be added to the soap base during the melting process or used as a superfatting agent, added at the end of the soapmaking process to provide additional moisturizing properties.
I use it in cold process, like this recipe here, it has a large percentage of Shea Butter and it feels so wonderful on my skin. It has a very smooth and creamy feeling.
Shea butter is a versatile and beneficial ingredient for soapmaking, offering a range of skincare benefits and properties that can enhance the quality of your handmade soaps. Whether you’re looking to create a moisturizing bar for dry skin or a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin, shea butter is sure to please with its natural goodness.
