A Guide to Raw African Oils & Butters For Your Skin
When it comes to building a body care routine that actually works for your skin, a few core ingredients can go a long way. As winter settles in we’re spotlighting three of our favourites: Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil. These staples are gentle, effective and versatile enough to meet your skin’s daily needs. Whether you’re hydrating, calming, or simply sealing in moisture.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a clear, gel like substance extracted from the inner leaves of the aloe plant. Widely grown in tropical and semi tropical regions, including North and Southern Africa, it has long been valued for its soothing and restorative properties. Aloe Vera is especially effective during dry or irritated skin moments. Its key benefits include hydrating dehydrated skin, soothing sunburn and irritation, and reducing inflammation while promoting overall skin recovery.
Use aloe vera gel as a first layer on clean skin, especially after sun exposure, shaving, or when your skin feels reactive. It absorbs quickly and preps the skin perfectly for follow-up moisture like oils or butters.
Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a rich, creamy fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree which grows in West African countries such as Ghana and Nigeria. Known for its intense moisturising properties, it’s a trusted staple in nourishing and protecting dry or compromised skin. Shea Butter works to deeply hydrate flaky skin, restore the skin’s natural barrier, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
Apply as the final step in your body care routine to lock in hydration. You can use it alone or melt it between your palms and layer it over oils for added nourishment.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is a golden, wax like ester sourced from plants grown in arid regions. Unlike traditional oils, its structure closely resembles the natural sebum produced by our skin, making it highly compatible, balancing, and non-comedogenic; meaning it won’t clog pores. This lightweight oil is ideal for regulating oil production while delivering calm, clear hydration. Naturally antibacterial and anti inflammatory, Jojoba Oil is especially well suited for both sensitive and acne prone types.
Use a few drops on damp skin after cleansing or aloe application. It works well as a standalone moisturiser or as a lightweight sealant under makeup or SPF. You can also mix it with your shea butter for a personalised blend.
As the weather cools down, your skin craves deeper nourishment and these three ingredients deliver exactly that.
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