Shea butter soap and olive oil soap both offer all-natural forms of moisturizing the body. In addition, both products are derived from plants and are rich in nutrients with beneficial qualities. However, olive oil and shea butter are not one and the same; they come from different plants and contain their own set of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
Background on Shea Butter
Shea butter soap is composed primarily of Shea butter, a creamy substance derived from the fat in the fruit of the karite tree, which is grown in the Shea region of West Africa. This cream is made of 100 percent botanical ingredients and received nearly a perfect safety rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which reviews the ingredients in cosmetic products for their safety and associations with harmful effects. However, the processing of Shea butter is not well-regulated, leading to variations in the quality of imported Shea butter, according to the American Shea Butter Institute. Shea Butter soap that is certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guarantees that it is of good quality.
Nutrients in Shea Butter
Shea butter contains vitamin A, which renews and regenerates skin, and vitamin E, which increases circulation and blood flow to the skin and prevents skin damage. Shea butter also contains natural ultraviolet absorbing factors to help prevent skin damage caused by the sun.
Background on Olive Oil
Olive oil comes from the olive fruit, which grows on the olive plant. Most soaps use virgin olive oil, which is olive oil extracted under thermal conditions then washed, decanted, centrifuged and filtered without the use of solvents or mixed with any other oils. Virgin olive oil is also referred to as oleic acid.
Nutrients in Olive Oil
Olive oil contains notable amounts of vitamin E, which increases circulation and blood flow to the skin and prevents skin damage. It also contains active phytonutrient compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been found to be significantly anti-inflammatory. In addition, olive oil contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, which support brain and nerve function and help lower the risk of heart disease.
Other Ingredients
Olive oil soap and Shea butter soap can be purchased in their pure forms. They also can contain additional ingredients that act as a preservative, such as fragrance and sodium chloride or plant-based ingredients used to add a pleasant smell such as green tea, lavender or citrus.
Member Comments