When we started developing Calm Balm, we wanted to ensure it was something we could, and would want to, use every day
There are always new ingredients appearing in the skincare world, each promising to be the next big thing. Some stick around, while others disappear as quickly as they arrived.
Shea butter is different.
People have been using it for generations because it's incredibly good at looking after dry skin. There isn't anything flashy about it, and that's probably why I like it. It does its job well, feels beautiful on the skin and has been part of everyday skincare long before it became an ingredient you'd recognise on a label.
It was an easy decision to include it in Calm Balm.
What Is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is made from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Once the nuts are harvested, they're processed into the rich, creamy butter that's used in balms, moisturisers and skincare products around the world.
It's naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamins, which is why it's often chosen for products designed to care for dry or thirsty skin.
Why Is Shea Butter Good for Dry Skin?
If your skin feels dry, it's not always enough to add moisture. You also want ingredients that help keep that moisture where it belongs.
That's one of the reasons shea butter has been used for so long.
It melts into the skin beautifully and helps create a protective layer that reduces moisture loss, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable rather than greasy.
It's particularly lovely on hands, elbows, cuticles and anywhere else that tends to dry out, especially during winter.
Why We Included It in Calm Balm
Every ingredient in Calm Balm has a reason for being there.
Shea butter creates the smooth, nourishing base that makes the balm easy to apply, while helping leave your skin feeling soft after each use. It works alongside hemp seed oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil and beeswax to create a balm that's as comforting on your skin as it is to use before bed.
For me, Calm Balm has never been about adding another step to an already busy day.
It's about taking something you're probably already doing, like getting ready for bed or making a cup of tea, and turning it into a small ritual you'll actually look forward to.
Sometimes the Simplest Ingredients Are the Best
One thing I've learnt over the years is that good products don't always need long ingredient lists.
Sometimes a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients is enough.
Shea butter is one of those ingredients I keep coming back to. It's familiar, dependable and feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago because it continues to do exactly what people have always appreciated it for: helping dry skin feel softer and more comfortable.
That's exactly why you'll find it in Calm Balm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shea butter?
Shea butter is a natural butter made from the nuts of the African shea tree. It's widely used in skincare because it helps moisturise and soften dry skin.
Is shea butter good for dry skin?
Yes. Shea butter helps nourish dry skin while supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it a popular ingredient in balms and moisturisers.
Can you use shea butter every day?
Absolutely. Shea butter is gentle enough for daily use and is commonly found in everyday skincare products.
Why did Jade and May choose shea butter for Calm Balm?
We wanted Calm Balm to feel nourishing from the moment you applied it. Shea butter creates a beautiful base for the balm while helping leave your skin feeling soft and comfortable after use.
What other ingredients are in Calm Balm?
Alongside shea butter, Calm Balm contains hemp seed oil, olive oil, virgin coconut oil, sweet almond oil, beeswax, vitamin E, lavender essential oil, German chamomile CO₂ extract and calendula extract
