Shea Butter Market Assessment, By Nature [Crude, Refined], By Application [Cosmetics and Personal Care, Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals], By Distribution Channel [Convenience Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Channel, Others]

Shea Butter Market Assessment, By Nature [Crude, Refined], By Application [Cosmetics and Personal Care, Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals], By Distribution Channel [Convenience Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Channel, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global shea butter market was valued at USD 2.56 billion in 2023, expected to reach USD 4.51 billion in 2031, with a CAGR of 7.35% for the forecast period between 2024 and 2031. The market is driven by versatile uses of shea butter, along with customers' evolving preferences. Shea butter has calmative properties, which help in soothing and softening dry skin. Additionally, shea butter includes ingredients that help reduce swelling on the skin, leading to ease in the treatment of skin-swelling disorders, including eczema.

Moreover, shea butter is utilized in the production of several cosmetics, such as lotions, creams, soaps, lip balms, and others, for its excellent emollient properties. These properties of shea butter are derived from the triglycerides or fatty acids that make up at least 95% of its composition. Its versatile usage has fueled its demand in the cosmetics and personal care market.

Apart from cosmetics, shea butter is used in the food and beverage industry due to its brilliant nutritional properties and as a healthy fat alternative. Approximately 90% of Africa's shea exports are utilized in the food sector. Manufacturers of confectionery, baking items, and dairy products incorporate shea butter in their creations because of its texture and nut-like flavor. Additionally, the medicinal properties of shea butter attract the pharmaceutical industry to create formulations for topical treatments. People apply shea butter topically to the skin to treat various ailments, including eczema, burns, dandruff, dry skin, and acne.

Crude and refined forms of shea butter are available in the market, catering to the diverse needs of various consumers. With growing online retail platforms, consumers have easy access to shea butter available at competitive prices. However, offline channels continue to play a significant role in distribution of shea butter.

Overall, the market for shea butter has scope for expansion, with rising awareness of the product's beneficial effects and diverse applications.

Growing Awareness Among Consumers Drive Market Growth

As more consumers are aware of the growing health and wellness trend, the interest in the ingredients used in everyday products is rising. As shea butter is derived naturally and offers numerous benefits for skin and hair, consumers are keenly interested in understanding the properties of shea butter. The moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the product have been well researched so far. It offers viscosity-controlling and skin-conditioning qualities, according to the European Commission's COSING cosmetic ingredient database. Additionally, pure shea butter contains a high percentage of unsaponifiables (5-7%), which are said to offer calming and anti-oxidant qualities. Products incorporating shea butter across different industries are driving the growth of shea butter market.

Moreover, clean and transparent labelling influences the consumer buying behavior and enhances their trust in the brand and the product. In August 2023, Wildflower, the brand under Rubicon Organics, launched two new products, Wildflower 1:1 CBD:THC Relief Stick and Wildflower Extra Strength Relief Stick. These products have a blend of shea butter, along with coconut oil and essential oils used in their formulations.

Rising Trend of Using Natural Ingredients Fuels the Demand

The harmful effects of synthetic elements on wellness and environment have fueled the growing trend towards natural and organic ingredients. As shea butter is naturally derived from nuts, people are showing inclination towards qualities. It brings manufacturers to incorporate shea butter in various product formulations. These natural ingredients are perceived to be safer and gentler on skin and bodies. Therefore, the preference for shea butter is rising, consequently driving its demand across verticals. Green living movements and clean beauty campaigns have further propelled the growth of shea butter market. In February 2024, the personal care brand, Raw Sugar Living, which promotes clean beauty concept through its products, was launched in Canada. Several products hit the Canadian shelves including body butter which contained shea butter as the key ingredient to cater to the customers looking for skin hydration using natural ingredients.

Crude Shea Butter Dominates the Market

Raw shea butter type holds largest market share in 2023. Less processed oils are capturing the interests of consumers because of the advantages they offer including increased skin hydration, faster healing of cuts and scrapes, and reduced risk of breakouts. For instance, Sundial Brands LLC owned SheaMoisture offering a range of personal care products with raw shea butter as the primary component. The range includes products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, body butters, and lotions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a great option for people suffering from joint and muscle pain. Consuming unrefined shea butter helps in weight management as it has higher concentration of healthy fats.

Europe to Dominate the Market

With the maximum market share across the world in 2023, Europe held the largest share due to the presence of numerous cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical businesses located in the region. Shea butter is widely utilized in the production of items such as body lotions, moisturisers, and chocolates. Furthermore, the availability of plentiful supplies of raw materials from Sub-Saharan countries in the region are expected to sustain this rise. 19 thousand tonnes of vegetable oils (including shea butter) worth more than USD 72 million were imported by the United Kingdom in 2022, out of which more than 16,000 tonnes were imported from European Union countries.

In April 2023, Netherlands-based company, The Flower Farm, launched a spread made using shea butter, instead of palm oil. With the initiative, the company aims to look at a broader perspective of sustainability, as it claims to save 726,000 kilos of palm oil and more than 1.85 million square meters of palm oil plantation so far.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

With growing trend of organic luxury skincare across the world markets, raw shea butter will observe a spike in demand. Due to the presence of plenty of fatty acids and vitamins in shea butter, it is an ideal ingredient for skin care product manufacturers.

Researchers are studying on creating oral dosage using extracts from shea bark to decrease antimicrobial activities in animals. Possible antibacterial properties of shea butter on humans will lead to an extended use of shea butter in future.

As companies strive to differentiate themselves by superior product quality, pricing tactics, and customer satisfaction, competition will encourage a never-ending search for innovation and exceptional performance.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Global shea butter market holds a dynamic landscape with several key players introducing innovative products and shaping the outlook of the industry. Prominent players hold majority of market share by working on product diversification, expanding their product portfolios with a variety of shea butter products, and making sustainability efforts. The key to the market enables companies to grow and hold onto their respective market shares is innovation and portfolio growth. Strategic mergers and acquisitions are helping businesses expand into new markets and offer new products, which improves the outlook for the market.