Queen Helene Shea Butter

Everything You Need to Know About This Cult Favorite Skin Care Product

With so many skin care products on the market promising soft, glowing, hydrated skin, how do you know which ones actually deliver results? In my experience, when it comes to deep moisturization for dry, flaky skin, nothing compares to the intensely nourishing power of shea butter. And one shea butter cream that always rises to the top of my list is Queen Helene Shea Butter.

If you suffer from dry, irritated skin that needs some extra TLC, this ultra-rich shea butter cream deserves a spot in your skin care routine. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of Queen Helene Shea Butter and how to use it for hydrated, healthy, radiant skin.

What is Queen Helene Shea Butter?

Queen Helene Shea Butter is a thick, ultra-hydrating cream made from pure shea butter sourced from Africa. It contains 100% natural shea butter, which is derived from the nuts of the shea tree and rich in essential fatty acids like oleic, stearic, palmitic and linoleic acids.

The brand Queen Helene has been around since the 1930s, so they’ve perfected the art of harnessing the intense moisturizing powers of shea over the decades. Their Shea Butter cream has a smooth, whipped texture that feels luxurious when massaged into the skin. But it’s not just the velvety feel that has made this product a cult favorite – it’s the major skin benefits it provides.

The Benefits of Using Queen Helene Shea Butter

Here are some of the top benefits you can experience from using Queen Helene Shea Butter:

• Intense Hydration for Dry Skin: The ultra-high fatty acid content in shea butter penetrates deeply into the skin to provide long-lasting hydration. It creates a protective moisture barrier on the skin’s surface to seal in hydration and prevent water loss.
• Soothes Skin Irritation and Inflammation: The rich nutrients in shea butter have anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritated or inflamed skin. The moisturizing oils help soothe dryness and discomfort.
• Improves Skin Elasticity: With long-term use, shea butter can improve skin elasticity. The fatty acids nourish and rejuvenate the skin to increase suppleness and smoothness.
• Helps Prevent Stretch Marks: The collagen-stimulating effects of shea butter can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It keeps the skin hydrated and elastic during pregnancy and periods of weight fluctuations.
• Provides Relief for Certain Skin Conditions: Shea butter has shown positive results in helping to manage eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions when used regularly.
• Softens Rough, Cracked Skin on Feet and Hands: Slather shea butter on excessively dry hands and feet, especially cracked heels, to deeply moisturize and soften rough skin.
• Minimizes Appearance of Scars: The moisturizing fatty acids combined with antioxidants like vitamin E can help diminish the appearance of scars over time.
• Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Queen Helene Shea Butter is not tested on animals and contains no animal derived ingredients, making it a vegan and cruelty-free moisturizer.

How to Use Queen Helene Shea Butter on Your Skin

Queen Helene Shea Butter is safe and gentle enough to use all over the body, including the face. Here are some tips on how to use it:

• Cleanse – Start with clean skin to allow the shea butter to penetrate deeply into the skin. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type.
• Apply Generously – Scoop out about a dime to quarter sized amount and rub between your hands to melt before application. Massage it into damp or dry skin anywhere you need intense moisture.
• Face – After cleansing, warm a small amount in your fingers and gently pat onto your face, massaging in upward strokes. Avoid the eye area.
• Body – Smooth over any dry areas like elbows, knees, hands and feet. Pay extra attention to cracked heels and cuticles.
• Dry Spots – Dab on any severely dry patches and let the shea butter soak in to smooth and soften the skin.
• Stretch Marks – Rub shea butter over stretch marks daily to minimize their appearance.
• Night Treatment – Apply before bedtime to wake up with soft, nourished skin. Let it soak in overnight for maximum benefits.
• Sensitive Skin – Do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin and make sure to use a thin layer to avoid clogged pores.

Queen Helene Shea Butter for Dry, Flaky Skin

Queen Helene Shea Butter was practically made for dry, lackluster skin in need of moisture. The rich concentration of hydrating oils and butter is the ultimate skin drink for parched skin. By creating a protective barrier and locking in moisture, shea butter prevents dryness from returning throughout the day.

If you have flaky, peeling skin anywhere on your body, shea butter is your new best friend. It won’t clog pores so it can be slathered all over without fear. Daily application will lead to noticeable improvement in texture and hydration levels for soft, supple skin that looks and feels healthy.

Using Queen Helene Shea Butter on Your Face

While Queen Helene Shea Butter is wonderful for the body, can it also be used safely on the face? The answer is yes – shea butter is gentle enough for most facial skin types. However, those with acne-prone or clog-prone skin need to take a few precautions before using it on the face.

Here are a few tips for using shea butter on your face:

• Do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Start with a very small amount – a little goes a long way.
• Focus application on the driest areas like around nostrils, eyes, cheeks and lips.
• Avoid using it on acne breakouts or pimples as it may clog pores and make it worse.
• For oily/acne prone skin, use it sparingly as a spot treatment only on dry patches.
• Those with normal or dry skin can smooth it all over the face after cleansing.
• Don’t use too close to the eye area as shea butter is quite thick.
• It can be used around eyelids and under eyes but use a very small amount.

When in doubt, talk to your dermatologist, but shea butter is generally safe for most facial skin types with the proper precautions. It provides intense nourishment for dull, dry complexions in need of major moisture.

Key Ingredients in Queen Helene Shea Butter

The main ingredient you’ll find in Queen Helene Shea Butter is:

• Pure African Shea Butter – Shea trees grow exclusively in Africa, hence the shea butter is ethically sourced from there. Shea provides vitamins A and E, essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

That’s it! There are no preservatives, fragrances, fillers or any other additives. The short, clean ingredient list is part of what makes this shea butter so effective.

You’re getting 100% natural moisturizing and protecting power straight from the shea nuts sourced from Africa. It doesn’t contain any lavender or rosemary oil like some scented versions of shea butter. The pure concentration works its hydrating magic without any unnecessary additions.

Using Queen Helene Shea Butter for Sensitive Skin

Queen Helene Shea Butter is an excellent moisturizer choice for those with sensitive skin for a few key reasons:

• It contains no irritating additives, fragrances or preservatives
• Shea butter is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin types
• The cream is thick yet spreads easily without pulling at the skin
• It does not contain common allergens like nut oils or lanolin
• The formula is free of potential irritants like alcohol or surfactants

That being said, it’s always smart to exercise caution with sensitive skin. Do a patch test on a small area first to check for any reaction. Introduce shea butter slowly into your routine. Start with applying a thin layer only once or twice a week, gradually increasing frequency based on skin tolerance.

Since everyone’s skin sensitivity is different, monitor carefully when introducing any new product. But the pure, clean nature of Queen Helene Shea Butter makes it ideal for easily-irritated skin needing serious moisturization without redness or inflammation.

Using Queen Helene Shea Butter for Stretch Marks

Queen Helene Shea Butter contains the perfect trio of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The shea butter, vitamins A and E work together to:

• Improve skin elasticity – Shea butter boosts collagen production to keep skin supple and bounce back from stretching better. The fatty acids nourish skin deeply.
• Lock in moisture – Dry skin is more prone to stretching and tear. Shea creates a hydrating barrier so skin stays optimally moisturized.
• Soothe redness and irritation – Stretch marks can be sore and itchy. The anti-inflammatory properties provide relief while healing damage.
• Fade discoloration – Vitamins A and E in shea butter help lighten pigmentation and even out skintone over time for less visible marks.

To use it:

• Massage generous amounts over stretch marks daily, focusing on discolored areas and texture changes.
• Apply it after showering when skin is damp for maximum absorption into affected areas.
• Use it consistently for several weeks to see visible improvement in the overall appearance of stretch marks.

The soothing hydration combined with skin-restoring vitamins makes Shea Butter ideal for minimizing the look of old and new stretch marks.

Using Queen Helene Shea Butter in Your Hair

The moisturizing emollients in shea butter aren’t just for the skin – they can also provide major hydration for dry, damaged hair in need of some TLC. Here are some ways to use Queen Helene Shea Butter to improve hair health:

• Pre-Shampoo Treatment – Massage it into dry hair and scalp 30 minutes before shampooing. This allows the fatty acids to penetrate and nourish hair.
• Frizz Smoother – Warm a small amount in your palms and smooth over frizzy flyaways or unruly curls for sleeker, more defined hair texture.
• Split End Sealer – Focus shea butter application only on split ends to moisturize and prevent further splitting.
• Cuticle Softener – Massage a pinch of shea butter into dry, rough cuticles for stronger, more flexible nails and nail beds.
• Conditioner Boost – Add a dollop of shea butter to your usual conditioner for ultimate softness and shine after shampooing.

Shea butter is the perfect weekly hair mask treatment for dull, fragile hair in need of a hydration surge. It won’t leave hair looking or feeling greasy either.

Where to Buy Queen Helene Shea Butter

One of the best things about this shea butter cream is that it is readily available at very affordable prices. Here are some places you can find Queen Helene Shea Butter:

• Drugstores – Check major drugstore chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc. It’s often in the ethnic hair care section.
• Online – Amazon, Walmart, Target, Ulta all carry it for convenient online ordering.
• Beauty Supply Stores – Sally Beauty, Ulta Beauty, and Beauty Brands stores stock this shea butter.
• Some Grocery Stores – Natural food stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods may have it in their body care section.
• Vitamin/Health Stores – The Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, and Natural Grocers may carry it. Check the skin care or bath and body section.

Queen Helene products are also sold through their website and available internationally throughout various major retailers. With so many purchasing options, you’re sure to find this nourishing shea butter easily!

How Much Does Queen Helene Shea Butter Cost?

One of the major benefits of using Queen Helene Shea Butter is that it comes at an affordable price point while still using high quality ingredients. A 6 ounce jar typically costs between $3-$6 making it budget-friendly compared to boutique shea butter creams.

Even though it is priced low, the formula delivers premium hydration that outperforms many luxury shea butters. It may be packaged simply in a no-frills plastic jar, but the wholesome, ultra-rich shea butter inside feels like a decadent spa treatment.

Shea butter can feel spendy when not on sale, but Queen Helene offers an accessible option to enjoy its skin-pampering benefits on a budget. For deep moisturization that belies its minimal cost, this is a great brand to try.

What Do Customers Have to Say About This Shea Butter?

Based on glowing reviews, Queen Helene Shea Butter comes highly recommended by most customers. They report noticeable improvements in dry, cracked skin after regular use.

Here are some common compliments:

• “This shea butter is super thick and nourishing – a little goes a long way!”
• “It healed my extremely dry, peeling hands literally overnight. I’m hooked!”
• “I use it on my curly hair once a week and the shine is amazing.”
• “It soaked right in and left my skin soft without being greasy.”
• “I’ve tried lots of shea butter creams but this one is the best. I keep coming back to it.”
• “It’s helped fade my stretch marks and prevent new ones during pregnancy.”

Some people found the texture too thick, especially for facial use. And a few wished it came unscented. But overall, most reviews praise its intense moisturizing effects for dry skin and say it’s a staple in their routine.

Using Shea Butter for Eczema and Psoriasis

For those suffering from inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, properly moisturized skin is key to reducing flare-ups and irritation. Queen Helene Shea Butter contains potent natural moisturizers that help:

• Soothe irritation and redness
• Prevent dry, itchy skin that worsens symptoms
• Protect sensitive areas prone to flare-ups
• Improve skin hydration and suppleness
• Reduce appearance of plaques and scales
• Lock in moisture to avoid repeat dryness and cracking

While not a cure, shea butter can help manage problem areas when applied 1-2 times per day. Its anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting abilities make it ideal for minimizing the visible symptoms like peeling, burning or itchy skin.

When going through a rough patch with either condition, shea butter may provide much-needed relief and calming hydration. Always consult your dermatologist too for professional treatment options.

Is Queen Helene Shea Butter Greasy?

Some shea butter creams feel heavy or leave behind a greasy film that sits on top of the skin. But Queen Helene Shea Butter goes on velvety smooth and absorbs fully without any greasy residue.

Though it is ultra-hydrating, the texture is not too thick or oily. It glides onto the skin and penetrates fully to quench thirsty skin rather than sit on the surface clogging pores. The moisturization lasts all day without becoming overly greasy or shiny.

Shea butter contains lots of fatty acids which provide nourishment, but Queen Helene’s formula allows it to truly melt into the skin for a natural, non-greasy glow. For deep hydration without the greasiness, this shea butter is a winner.

How Queen Helene Shea Butter Compares to Other Brands

When researching shea butter creams, you’ll see lots of options pop up. But not all shea butter is created equal. Here’s how Queen Helene stacks up to competitors:

• More Affordable – It’s budget-friendly yet still provides premium quality shea butter. Priced lower than boutique brands.
• Thicker Texture – It has a richer, more whipped consistency that spreads easily. Very concentrated formula.
• Clean Ingredients – No mystery additives or preservatives. Just pure, natural shea butter sourced from Africa.
• Unscented – No added essential oils or fragrances. The light, nutty shea scent comes from the shea nuts.
• Effective for Dry Skin – Customers consistently rate it highly for treating dryness on face and body. Intense moisturization.
• Cruelty-Free – Not tested on animals and completely vegan. Ethical shea sourcing practices.

For an affordable, yet potent shea butter that absorbs quickly, Queen Helene offers great quality for the price. The simplicity of the single-ingredient formula highlights the nourishing effects of shea.

Who Can Use Queen Helene Shea Butter?

The gentle, fragrance-free formula makes Queen Helene Shea Butter suitable for most skin types. Here are some key skin types who can benefit:

• Dry Skin – The ultra-hydrating formula provides intense nourishment for parched, flaky skin in need of moisture.
• Sensitive Skin – The ingredient list contains no common irritants. Shea is soothing and well-tolerated for easily inflamed skin.
• Mature Skin – Shea butter has antioxidant benefits to combat aging. It can improve elasticity and smoothness.
• Oily/Acne-Prone Skin – Use a thin layer only on dry areas as shea can clog pores if over-applied. Avoid breakout zones.
• Eczema/Psoriasis – Shea butter calms inflammation and repairs dryness associated with these conditions when used regularly.
• Stretch Mark Prone Skin – The collagen-stimulating and skin-firming effects make it ideal for preventing and reducing stretch marks.

Perform a patch test when first using it to check for any sensitivity. But shea butter is gentler than many oils and butters for moisture that most skin types can use without irritation.

Does Queen Helene Shea Butter Improve Skin Elasticity?

One of the most impressive benefits of shea butter is its ability to improve skin elasticity, especially with long term use. Shea is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and E that help stimulate collagen production. Collagen provides the structural support in the dermis layer to keep skin firm and supple.

The fatty acids like linoleic acid also penetrate deeply to nourish skin cell growth and regeneration. Damaged cells are repaired to maintain healthy, youthful looking skin that bounces back better from stretching or wrinkling.

Regular application of shea butter helps skin retain its natural elastic qualities rather than lose plumpness and sag over time. For areas prone to sagging like neck, elbows and knees, massaging in shea butter can restore a more lifted, toned appearance.

Is Queen Helene Cruelty-Free and Vegan?

Queen Helene is proud to be 100% cruelty free and vegan. None of their products are tested on animals at any stage of production. Their Shea Butter contains zero animal ingredients or byproducts, making it suitable for vegans.

The shea butter itself is ethically sourced from the African shea nut through fair trade partnerships that support local communities. This ensures no animal testing or exploitation occurs during shea production and trading.

You can feel good about nourishing your skin with this socially and environmentally conscious brand. Queen Helene offers affordability, quality and accessibility without compromising any principles.

How Often Should You Use Queen Helene Shea Butter?

There’s no limit on how often you can lather on this good-for-skin shea butter! Apply it as often as your skin needs a moisture boost. Here are some general guidelines based on your skin type:

• Dry Skin – Daily use morning and night is ideal. You can even do a midday application if skin feels tight or parched.
• Normal Skin – Apply every other day after showering focusing just on any dry spots that pop up. 1-2 times daily in cold dry months as needed.
• Oily/Acne-Prone Skin – Limit use to dry patches only 1-2 times per week to avoid clogged pores. Only use a thin layer where needed.
• Sensitive Skin – Start with just 2-3 times a week and gradually increase as tolerated without irritation.
• Body – Anywhere with rough, flaky skin like hands, feet, elbows can use it multiple times a day to improve texture.
• Face – Take care not to over apply on facial skin if acne-prone. Use every other day or as a spot treatment on tight dry areas.

Listen to what your skin needs and apply as frequently as required to relieve dry tightness and locking in moisture.

What is the Scent Profile of This Shea Butter?

Queen Helene Shea Butter is fragrance-free and uses a filtered grade of shea butter that has a very faint, neutral scent. There is no added perfumes or botanical oils that could cause irritation.

The light nutty aroma comes from the natural shea nut itself. Some shea butters have a smokier or grassier scent if unrefined or processed differently. But Queen Helene removes any residual earthy tones for super subtle shea nuances.

Some may notice an ever-so-slightly nutty or vanilla-like background smell. But the scent is very gentle and fades quickly once applied to the skin. For easy scent sensitivity, this is a great pick with no fragrance additions.

Time to Treat Your Skin to Sheer Hydration

For skin that craves serious moisture without clogging pores or irritation, reach for Queen Helene Shea Butter. This simple, affordable skin saver should be a staple for dry, flaky skin. Its miracle-working powers relieve tightness, smooth texture and improve tone without any unwanted perfumes or chemicals.

Ready to give your skin the royal shea treatment? Stock up on this skin care must-have and experience silky softness from head to toe! Your skin’s thirst will finally be quenched.