The Crème de la Crème: 6 Shea Butter Creams & Lotions

Shea butter has been used for years in lotions, lip balms, shampoos, conditioners, and more. Derived from the seeds of the fruit of the shea tree, the skin superfood is naturally rich in nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids. We love it for its ability to make our skin feel incredibly soft and smooth. However, not all shea butter products are created equal, so be picky when choosing one. Below, the crème de la crème—quite literally—of shea butter moisturizers. Warning: You may not be able to settle on just one.

KIEHL’S ULTRA FACIAL DEEP MOISTURE BALM

If your face is intensely dry, then grabbing a moisturizing balm may be your best bet to keep flakes in check. Cue in this hydrating balm: it contains shea butter, along with Edelweiss flow extract, glycerin, and more for the ultimate skin hydration.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm, $29.50 MSRP

LA ROCHE-POSAY TOLERIANE RICHE

Free of preservatives and fragrance, this daily moisturizer—with antioxidant thermal spring water and shea butter—can help nourish and soothe skin without a greasy feel. It glides on smoothly and is formulated with dry, sensitive skin in mind.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Riche, $28.99

CAROL’S DAUGHTER ALMOND COOKIE SHEA SOUFFLÉ

Suited for dry to extra-dry skin, this non-greasy body moisturizer contains shea butter, coconut, soybean and jojoba oils, aloe leaf juice and more. The list of what’s not included is similarly as lengthy: the formula is free of silicones, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, and artificial colors.

Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Shea Soufflé, $12

KIEHL’S CREME DE CORPS SOY MILK & HONEY WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

This decadent body butter—with shea and jojoba—is lightweight, rich and may help restore and soften skin. For best results, apply the product on slightly damp skin after bathing or showering. With a scent so luxurious, you may just be tempted to eat it. But we—highly—suggest you don’t.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter, $48

GARNIER SKINACTIVE SOOTHING 3-IN-1 FACE MOISTURIZER WITH ROSE WATER

This facial moisturizer has a rich and creamy feel for a reason: it’s infused with shea butter! It can be used three different ways: as a day moisturizer for hydration, a night moisturizer for nourishment, and as a face mask. Bonus: it also contains rose water, one of our favorite skin care ingredients. 

Garnier SkinActive Soothing 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer With Rose Water, $11.99 MSRP 

KIEHL’S RICHLY HYDRATING HAND CREAM

Give your dry, cracked hands the hydration they’ve been begging for with this hand cream. Enriched with shea butter and vitamin E, this rich and velvety formula will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated all day long. And to top it off, it boasts a light, botanical lavender scent. 

Kiehl’s Richly Hydrating Hand Cream, $15 MSRP