Shea Butter and Good and Not-So-Good Ingredients in Lotion

Posted by Tree Hut in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Aug 15, 2011

 What do shea butter and other ingredients do for your skin?

Shea Butter, Paraben-free, and DMDM-free are signs you want to see

No matter whose lotion selection you look through, there will be dozens of moisturizing options available. What separates each one from the others is the ingredients, and what separates you as a consumer is your knowledge of what these ingredients mean. You encounter phrases like "shea butter," "paraben-free," "DMDM-free," but you may not know what they mean. What exactly do those phrases mean, and why might it matter? Let's take a closer look at what makes the healthiest moisturizing lotion - including a look at how Tree Hut products fit that bill.

Does your lotion contain natural and healthy ingredients? Learn what to look for in lotions at TreeHutShea.com

Shea Butter
Shea butter comes from nuts that grow in Africa. It can be daily used as a body soap, lotion or facial moisturizer. Shea butter is commonly used to heal abrasions, eczema, skin allergies, insect bites, dermatitis, and even frostbite. It is also seen as a treatment in the fight against wrinkles because it contains high amounts of vitamins A and E. Shea butter is also known to boost collagen production. 

Parabens
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products such as lotion, soap, moisturizers, and shampoo, according to the FDA. Unfortunately, parabens have been linked with the development of breast cancer. Though there is no consensus on the safety of parabens, their affect on your body is not entirely known, so your safety is not ensured.

DMDM Hydantoin
DMDM Hydantoin, or simply just DMDM, is a controversial ingredient because of its formaldehyde properties. The releasing of formaldehyde makes the environment less favorable for microorganisms, making it potentially damaging to your skin. In sensitive skin, DMDM can cause irritation and an allergic reaction. Skin contact with DMDM or products that use it may result in an allergic eczema (dermatitis).

Does your lotion contain shea butter, and is it paraben-free and DMDM-free? Learn which lotion is right for you at TreeHutShea.com. Your skin will thank you.