Does Shea Butter contain naturally occurring latex?
Most people are familiar with latex from the tissue beneath the bark of the rubber tree responsible for the multitude of rubber products. Shea butter contains natural latex. Although it is not exactly the same as the sap-like latex extract from the Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis), it is very similar in chemical composition. Although the quantities of latex in shea butter are small, this natural latex is responsible for the sealing property that shea butter has that may aid in protecting your skin and also contributes to its ability to protect the skin from sun damage. It should be noted, however, that anyone with a known latex allergy should do a patch test before using. To date, there have been no Shea Butter latex allergic reactions reported to the FDA.
