Shea butter works as an emollient that softens and hydrates skin. Because it contains several types of fatty acids — including lineoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids — that improve the skin's natural barrier, shea butter also protects skin from damage from the environment like pollutants.
According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, shea butter
also contains quite a few antioxidants, including vitamins A and E,
along with many of the same ones found in green tea — a known
antioxidant powerhouse. While more research is needed to prove shea
butter is an anti-aging ingredient, antioxidants (especially vitamin A)
have been shown to prevent free radical damage when applied to the skin. 
