Shea Butter vs. Coconut Oil in Lip Care

Everything you need to know about this ingredient in lip care.

Shea butter and coconut oil are both popular lip care ingredients, but they have distinct differences that affect how they perform. Shea butter is a heavier, thicker emollient extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. It sits on the skin surface and takes longer to absorb, creating a thicker protective layer. Coconut oil, by contrast, penetrates quickly due to its smaller molecular structure, delivering moisture into the skin rather than just sitting on top. For lip balm specifically, coconut oil's faster absorption and lighter texture make it better suited for daily use, while shea butter can feel heavy and waxy.

Scientific Backing

A comparative study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science measured the penetration rates of various plant oils and found that coconut oil's medium-chain fatty acid structure allows faster transdermal absorption compared to the long-chain fatty acids in shea butter. Research in the Journal of Oleo Science confirmed that coconut oil has superior antimicrobial properties compared to shea butter. However, studies in the Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society have noted that shea butter contains higher concentrations of unsaponifiable matter, which contributes to anti-inflammatory effects.

How Numbrrrz Uses Shea Butter vs. Coconut Oil in Lip Care

We chose organic coconut oil over shea butter for our base formula because of its superior penetration, lighter feel on lips, and natural antimicrobial properties. While shea butter is a good ingredient, coconut oil better serves the specific needs of lip care: rapid absorption, deep hydration, and a comfortable, non-heavy texture that people want to apply throughout the day.

FAQ

Why does Numbrrrz use coconut oil instead of shea butter?

Coconut oil penetrates lip tissue faster and more deeply than shea butter, provides natural antimicrobial protection, and has a lighter texture that is more comfortable for daily lip balm use. Shea butter tends to sit on the surface and can feel heavy.

Is shea butter bad for lips?

Not at all — shea butter is a fine ingredient. However, its heavier texture and slower absorption make it less ideal as a lip balm base compared to coconut oil. Many customers find shea butter-based lip balms feel waxy or heavy.

Can I use both shea butter and coconut oil products?

Absolutely. Some people use coconut oil-based products like Numbrrrz for daytime use and shea butter products as a thicker overnight treatment. They complement each other well.

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