What is shea butter made of? It is composed primarily of palmitic acid (2-6%); stearic acid (15-25%); oleic acid (60-70%); linolenic acid (5-15%); linoleic acid (<1%), as well as a unique unsaponifiable fraction that gives it excellent moisturizing and emollient properties. It contains antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and catechins (also found in green tea). Other specific compounds have been detected, such as triterpene alcohols, which have anti-inflammatory properties; cinnamic acid esters, which have a limited capacity to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation; and lupeol, which prevents the effects of skin aging by inhibiting enzymes that degrade skin proteins. Shea butter also protects the skin by stimulating the production of structural proteins by specialized dermal cells.