Shea butter is a natural moisturizer used to improve skin health. This study investigates its effects on skin barrier function, hy-dration, and lipid profile, using analytical chemistry methodologies. Trans-Epithelial Water Loss (TEWL), corneometry, im-pedance spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to assess skin barrier function, hydra-tion, and lipid profile after shea butter application. Results show that TEWL decreased by 37.8% after 24 hours (p < 0.01), Skin hydration increased by 58% after 24 hours (p< 0.001). Impedance spectroscopy showed a 33% increase in skin imped-ance, GC-MS analysis revealed a balanced fatty acid composition in shea butter, ceramide profiling showed six subclasses, with Ceramide 1 and 2 being the most abundant. The results demonstrate shea butter's efficacy in improving skin barrier func-tion, hydration, and lipid profile. The rapid decrease in TEWL and increase in skin hydration suggest immediate effects on skin lipids. Shea butter's fatty acid composition contributes to its moisturizing and barrier-enhancing properties. This study provides evidence for the benefits of shea butter in maintaining healthy skin. Its natural moisturizing properties make it a valuable in-gredient in skincare products.
