Best Shea Butter Face Moisturizers of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Shea butter face moisturizers have become increasingly popular due to their natural and nourishing properties. Made from the fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, these moisturizers are rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids that help to hydrate and protect the skin. They are particularly effective for those with dry or sensitive skin, as shea butter has been shown to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation. Many shea butter face moisturizers are also free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them a great choice for those looking for a more natural skincare routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer Cover #TOP 1
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer Cover #TOP 2
Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream Cover #TOP 3
ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Shea Butter Face Moisturizers

#TOP 1

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer

91669
2 Ounce (Pack of 2)
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer Cover
SheaMoisture Skin Care, Face Moisturizer, Authentic African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer for Acne & Blemish Prone Skin, Tamarind Extract, Tea Tree Oil & Shea Butter, 2 Pack - 2 Oz Ea

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Balancing Moisturizer, also known as SheaMoisture Black Soap Moisturizer, is the perfect solution for those with oily to combination skin. This moisturizer combines the moisturizing properties of African Black Soap with natural actives to provide hydration and balance to the skin. The soothing tea tree oil helps to reduce inflammation and has antiseptic properties, making it ideal for oily skin. With shea butter, coconut oil, and other natural moisturizers, this facial moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. It is easy to use, simply apply to the face and neck after cleansing and toning. Plus, SheaMoisture is a brand that is committed to using certified organic and fair-trade ingredients, without any harmful chemicals or animal testing.

What We Like
Hydrates and balances oily to combination skin
Soothes inflammation and calms itchy skin
Contains natural moisturizers for healthy and radiant skin

Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer

Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer Cover
Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer - Hydrating Facial Lotion with Avocado Oil and Shea Butter and Antioxidants - Anti-aging Skincare for Face

Give your skin a boost with Good Molecules Moisturizer. This lightweight daily moisturizer is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to nourish and hydrate your skin, leaving it smooth and healthy. Its non-greasy formula makes it easy to layer with sunscreen or makeup, providing all-day hydration and nourishment. The plant-based alternative to silicone helps smooth skin texture and reduce fine lines, while macadamia seed oil moisturizes and nourishes. Shea butter, rich in antioxidants, soothes and hydrates your skin. Suitable for all skin types, this moisturizer is a perfect addition to your beauty regimen. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin, let it absorb, and enjoy its lightweight finish and gentle formula.

What We Like
Nourishes and hydrates
Lightweight and non-greasy
Smooths skin texture and reduces fine lines

ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

ETUDE
110090416
ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream Cover
ETUDE House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream 60ml (21AD) | Hypoallergenic Shea Butter Hydrating Facial Cream for Sensitive Skin, Water-oil Balance & Panthenol for Damaged Skin | K-beauty

ETUDE SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream is a hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free cream suitable for sensitive skin. It contains natural ingredients and shea butter substance that moisturize, hydrate and strengthen the skin's resistance. The formula helps to maintain the correct pH level of the skin, rejuvenate and soothe irritated skin. It is dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic.

What We Like
Contains natural ingredients and is fragrance-free
Helps to maintain the correct pH level of the skin
Hydrates and strengthens the skin's resistance
#TOP 4

e.l.f. SKIN Daily Hydration Moisturizer

57016
White
e.l.f. SKIN Daily Hydration Moisturizer Cover
e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Daily Hydration Moisturizer, Ultra-Hydrating Formula, Infused with Aloe, Jojoba Oil & Shea Butter, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 2.53 Fl Oz

e.l.f. SKIN Daily Hydration Moisturizer is a lightweight and deeply nourishing moisturizer that is infused with Aloe to soothe the skin, Jojoba Oil & Shea Butter to hydrate, Vitamin E to soften, and Grapeseed Oil to even out skin tone. Perfect for all skin types, this vegan and cruelty-free moisturizer is ideal for those looking for a naturally radiant complexion.

What We Like
Lightweight and deeply nourishing
Infused with Aloe, Jojoba Oil & Shea Butter
Vegan and cruelty-free
Ideal for all skin types
Reveals a naturally radiant complexion

Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream

4346004732
WHITE
Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream Cover
Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream for All Skin Types | Supports Natural Moisture Barrier | Shea Butter + Baobab Seed Oil | EWG Verified + Cruelty Free | 1.7 fl oz

Honest Beauty Deep Hydration Face Cream is a luxurious moisturizer that is formulated with Daikon Radish Seed Oil, Baobab Seed Oil, and Shea Butter. It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and cruelty free. Customers have praised its ability to soften and condition skin, support skin's natural moisture barrier, and its lack of parabens, phthalates, PEGs, dyes, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances. It has been praised for its ability to help with dry skin, eczema, and red patches. However, some customers have complained about the strong herbal scent.

What We Like
Hypoallergenic & Dermatologist Tested Non-comedogenic
Cruelty free
Helps with dry skin, eczema, and red patches
Lack of parabens, phthalates, PEGs, dyes, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances
#TOP 6

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Water Face Moisturizer

3245-6
White
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Water Face Moisturizer Cover
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Water Face Moisturizer, 1.7 Ounce Jar

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Water Face Moisturizer is a natural coconut water facial moisturizer that provides deep hydration for 24 hours. It is infused with coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and papaya enzymes, and is ethically formulated with sustainably sourced organic coconut oil. Customers love this moisturizer for its lightweight, non-greasy formula that hydrates better than more expensive creams, and its pleasant coconut scent.

What We Like
Lightweight, non-greasy formula
Provides deep hydration for 24 hours
Pleasant coconut scent
Ethically formulated with sustainably sourced organic coconut oil
Suitable for summer wear or under makeup
#TOP 7

Nature Republic Shea Butter Steam Cream Moist

NK0532
Moist
Nature Republic Shea Butter Steam Cream Moist Cover
Nature Republic Shea Butter Steam Cream Moist 100 ml / 3.38 fl. oz. Moisturizer, Facial Cream, Vitamin, Nourishing, Skincare, Sensitivity, Protective Barrier

Nature Republic Shea Butter Steam Cream Moist is a face moisturizer that contains shea butter 1,000 ppm, which provides rich nutrients to our dull skin to be glossy and elastic. It helps our skin to be glossy relieved, nourished, moisturized, and recovered. It also balances between moisture and oil and forms a moisture barrier to keep your rough skin satiny and silky. The steam emulsion stabilizes ingredients by 100 degrees smoke constantly, making it mild on the skin and its texture is soft. The product is suitable for rough skin caused by external stimuli and pollutants, especially in summer and winter.

What We Like
Provides rich nutrients to make skin glossy and elastic
Helps skin to be relieved, nourished, moisturized, and recovered
Forms a moisture barrier to keep rough skin satiny and silky
#TOP 8

SheaMoisture Face Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin

764302270263
black
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
SheaMoisture Face Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin Cover
Sheamoisture Face Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin African Black Soap with Shea Butter 2 oz

SheaMoisture Face Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin is a gel moisturizer with clarifying African Black Soap and Bamboo Charcoal. It is a lightweight moisturizer that clarifies and infuses moisture, making it an anti-aging moisturizer and moisturizing cream. Made with Fair Trade Shea Butter and a moisture-rich blend, this face moisturizer creates an acne face moisturizer, gel skin cream, and facial lotion that gives oily, blemish-prone skin clarifying balance. Also made with Cooling Aloe, this face lotion and moisturizer for oily skin, moisturizing cream or gel face serum soothes and nourishes, leaving skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and refreshed. It is easy to apply and has no Parabens, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Sulfates, and no Animal Testing.

What We Like
Clarifies and infuses moisture
Anti-aging moisturizer and moisturizing cream
Soothes and nourishes, leaving skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and refreshed
No Parabens, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Sulfates, and no Animal Testing
Good for those struggling with adult acne
#TOP 9

Delfanti-Milano Vitamin C & Shea Butter Moisturizer

SISS591678
Delfanti-Milano Vitamin C & Shea Butter Moisturizer Cover
Delfanti-Milano • VITAMIN C & SHEA BUTTER • Moisturizing Day Cream • Face and Neck Moisturizer • Made in Italy

The Delfanti-Milano Day Cream is designed to enhance your skincare routine. With Vitamin C, it helps brighten your complexion, giving you a more radiant look. The inclusion of Shea Butter nourishes your skin, thanks to its rich content of Vitamin E and Omega-3, promoting a refreshed appearance. Aloe is also a key ingredient, providing deep hydration and soothing your skin, making it feel comfortable throughout the day. Additionally, this moisturizer is enriched with peptides and grape seed oil for added benefits, ensuring your skin stays healthy and revitalized.

What We Like
Brightens skin tone
Nourishes and hydrates
Soothes skin irritation
Contains beneficial peptides
#TOP 10

Olay Regenerist Shea Butter + Peptide 24 Rich Cream Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Shea Butter + Peptide 24 Rich Cream Moisturizer Cover
Olay Regenerist Shea Butter + Peptide 24 Rich Cream Face Moisturizer, Fragrance Free, 1.7 oz (48g)

Olay Regenerist Shea Butter + Peptide 24 Rich Cream is a luxurious, fragrance-free cream that provides rich skin conditioning. It hydrates and nourishes dry skin with powerful ingredients like Vitamin B3, Peptides, and Shea Butter for a soft and glowing skin. This cream can be used day and night on cleansed skin and can even be worn under makeup. With continued use, your skin will look and feel smoother and more hydrated.

What We Like
Provides rich skin conditioning and hydration
Contains powerful ingredients like Vitamin B3, Peptides, and Shea Butter
Fragrance-free and can be worn under makeup
Improves the way your skin looks and feels with continued use
Made without parabens, phthalates, fragrance, synthetic dyes or mineral oils
Buying Guide Image

Finding the Best Shea Butter Face Moisturizers to Meet Your Needs

Introduction

Shea butter is a popular ingredient in many skincare products, especially face moisturizers. It is derived from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to West Africa. Shea butter is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for those with dry or sensitive skin. In this article, we'll explore how to choose the best shea butter face moisturizers.

Look for Unrefined Shea Butter

When choosing a shea butter face moisturizer, it's important to look for unrefined shea butter. Refined shea butter has been stripped of some of its natural nutrients and can be less effective. Unrefined shea butter is raw and retains all of its natural properties, making it a better choice for skincare.

Check the Ingredients List

It's important to check the ingredients list of any skincare product, including shea butter face moisturizers. Look for products that contain natural, nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals such as parabens and sulfates, as these can irritate the skin.

Consider Your Skin Type

When choosing a shea butter face moisturizer, it's important to consider your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight moisturizer that won't clog your pores. If you have dry skin, look for a richer, more hydrating moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, look for a fragrance-free product that won't cause irritation.

Look for Added Benefits

Many shea butter face moisturizers come with added benefits such as SPF protection or anti-aging properties. If you're looking for a multi-functional product, consider one that offers additional benefits beyond basic moisturizing.

Brand Matters

When it comes to skincare, brand matters. Look for brands that are known for their high-quality, natural ingredients and commitment to sustainability. Some popular brands that offer shea butter face moisturizers include L'Occitane, SheaMoisture, and Nubian Heritage.

Conclusion

Choosing the best shea butter face moisturizer can be a daunting task, but by following these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect product for your skin. Remember to look for unrefined shea butter, check the ingredients list, consider your skin type, look for added benefits, and choose a reputable brand. With a little bit of research, you'll be able to find a shea butter face moisturizer that will leave your skin looking and feeling its best.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is shea butter good as a face moisturizer?

Yes, shea butter can be used as a face moisturizer. It is a proven moisturizer that can make your skin appear smoother. However, some individuals may experience breakouts when using shea butter on their face. Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree.

2. Is shea butter good for face wrinkles?

Yes, shea butter can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It boosts collagen levels and promotes the generation of new skin cells, which can result in a reduction of wrinkles and prevent new signs of aging from appearing.

3. Is it good to put shea butter on your face everyday?

Yes, shea butter can be used on the face every day. It is important to apply it to clean and debris-free skin. By removing bacteria and oil from the skin, shea butter can be more effective when applied.

4. Does shea butter moisturizer clog pores?

Shea butter is not comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. However, it has a thick consistency and is naturally oily, so it is generally recommended to avoid applying pure shea butter directly to the face to prevent potential pore clogging.

5. Is shea butter good for older skin?

Yes, shea butter is beneficial for older skin. It contains antioxidants and multivitamins that help neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and regenerative properties can help prevent irritation and slow down the skin aging process.

Editor's Notes

During our shea butter face moisturizer research, we found 48 shea butter face moisturizer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 103,427 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shea butter face moisturizers list. We found that most customers choose shea butter face moisturizers with an average price of $17.47.

The shea butter face moisturizers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shea butter face moisturizers, including SheaMoisture, Good Molecules, ETUDE, e.l.f., Honest Beauty. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 415 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.