The brand has great picks for hair, skin, and body
We’ve seen a lot of beauty brands in our day, but none that have offerings quite as extensive—or inclusive—as SheaMoisture. Whether it’s across their hair, body, or skincare categories, there’s a truly dizzying array of options with choices for every particular want and need. There are shampoos and stylers for any hair type or textures, plus scrubs, washes, and lotions galore for any complexion concern. There’s even a range of baby and kids products with formulas that even adults will love.
Inspired by Sofi Tucker, an entrepreneur who sold shea butter, African black soap, and other homemade beauty goodies in Sierra Leone in 1912, the brand still uses shea butter handcrafted by women in Africa. There’s an emphasis on sustainable, natural, and fair trade ingredients across the board, and they also invest proceeds from every purchase to help support women across the world.
We conducted hours of research to find the best SheaMoisture products on the market, evaluating options on their active ingredients and benefits. After considering dozens of product, we landed on these top-rated picks-consisting of cult classics, best-sellers, and our personal favorites.
01
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Best Overall: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Face & Body Bar
What We Like
- Lathers well
- Doesn’t strip skin
- Works on face and body
What We Don’t Like
- Large size can be awkward to hold
Arguably the most iconic product in the entire line-up, this bar blends purifying African black soap with moisturizing shea butter. Lather it up and use it all over your face and/or body and let it do its thing, pulling out impurities, dirt, and other grime, but still leaving skin feeling super soft and never stripped.
02
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Best Strengthening : SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Edge Treatment
What We Like
- Deeply hydrating
- Protects and restores hair from damage
- Can be used as edge control
What We Don’t Like
- Can leave a white residue
For those whose hair has taken a beating due to repeated coloring, chemical straightening, or heat styling, this sudser is a great choice. (Though it also works well on naturally kinky, curly, and wavy hair.) There’s of course raw shea butter in the mix for hydration purposes, combined with coconut oil, plus deep cleansing apple cider vinegar. Meanwhile, black castor oil and rice proteins help strengthen hair, so they’re less prone to breakage.
03
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Best Leave-In Treatment: SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave In Treatment
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Improves elasticity
- Adds shine
What We Don’t Like
- Mist could be finer
Coconut oil is one of the absolute best oils for hair, and this leave-in makes it easier than ever to reap those benefits. It’s combined with coconut milk for an extra potent dose of moisture, good for your hair vitamin E, and natural triglycerides that help condition your hair. Also noteworthy is the use of acacia senegal, a plant-based ingredient that locks in moisture and increases hair’s suppleness and elasticity, always a good thing. Mist it on damp hair from mid-lengths to ends, then blow-dry or air-dry as usual.
04
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Best for Curls: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Fights frizz
- Adds shine
What We Don’t Like
- Unhygienic container
This cult classic is a must-try for anyone with thick, curly hair. Shea and mango seed butter, plus a long list of natural oils (including coconut, avocado, and neem seed, just to name a few), help define and control curls without ever weighing them down. It also helps fight frizz, always a plus.
05
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Best for Split Ends: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate Repair Protein-Strong Treatment
What We Like
- Blocks out humidity
- Strengthens
- Adds shine
What We Don’t Like
- Small amount
To be fair, no product is going to completely get rid of split ends—only a trim can do that. But this treatment can help hold you over until your next salon visit. Credit organic shea butter, manuka honey, and yogurt that essentially help seal together frayed tips, while also blocking out humidity to combat frizz. Honey also strengthens and boosts shine. While it works on all hair types, reviewers point out that you get the best results when the amount you use is tailored based on your hair texture.
06
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Best Body Wash: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Foaming Milk & Body Wash
What We Like
- Great smell
- Lathers well
- Softens the skin
What We Don’t Like
- A little watery
We like this body wash both for the innovative texture and amazing fragrance. True to the name, it has a thick but milky texture that lathers to a foamy consistency when cleansing. The formula is super hydrating and refreshing, though it still feels like you’re getting a deep clean. Coconut oil ups the hydration aspect, while vitamin E tones and moisturizes for skin that looks smooth and even.
07
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Best Face Mask: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask
What We Like
- Doubles as a spot treatment
- Jar lasts a long time
- Smells good
What We Don’t Like
- Unhygienic container
If using African black soap daily is a little too much for your skin, try it via this skin-clearing mask, which can be used weekly. The namesake ingredient does its purifying duties, but there is also tamarind extract (a natural exfoliating astringent) and antibacterial tea tree oil in the mix, too. The point being, it’s great for helping to combat blemishes, no matter whether you apply it on your entire face or just on problem areas.
08
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Best for Dry Skin: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Body Wash
What We Like
- Nourishes dehydrated skin
- Paraben-free
- Great smell
What We Don’t Like
- Runny consistency
Anyone looking for a simple yet effective body moisturizer will appreciate this formula. Shea butter is indeed the star of the show, bolstered with several other natural butters and oils. It’s the greatest, medium-rich texture, thick enough to use on even super dry spots like hands or elbows, yet not so heavy that it doesn’t absorb quickly.
09
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Best Mousse: SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Flyaway & Wrap Mousse
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Dries fast
What We Don’t Like
- Some may prefer a stronger hold
The latest addition to the brand’s hair care portfolio is this line, specially made for weaves, wigs, and more. The entire collection is a hit with team Byrdie, this styler in particular. Because it’s water-based and enriched with aloe vera, it’s extremely soft and featherweight, never stiff or crunchy. It also can be used on either wet or dry hair and can easily be used to create a variety of different styles.
10
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Best for Sensitive Skin: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Eczema Therapy
What We Like
- Dermatologist-tested
- Quick results
- Lathers well
What We Don’t Like
- Strong smell
Another African black soap option, this bar is slightly different from the OG, boasting the addition of a homeopathic remedy for eczema, plus natural ingredients that reduce both itching and irritation. Coupled with the fact that it’s dermatologist-tested, this is a standout formula for anyone battling mild eczema and/or psoriasis.
11
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Best Lightweight: SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Velvet Skin Gel Cream
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Boosts radiance
- Layers well under other products
What We Don’t Like
- Unhygienic container
Gel-based moisturizers are a top choice for anyone with oily skin and/or to use during the summer, thanks to their lighter texture and feel. This particular option touts purple rice water for hydration but also has the added benefit of ever-so-slightly exfoliating papaya extract, great for helping to smooth and reveal radiant skin in one fell swoop. Top tip: Stash it in the fridge to make it feel extra refreshing.
12
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Best Gentle Formula: SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Baby Lotion
What We Like
- Pump bottle
- Smells good
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Strong smell
Yes, this is part of the baby line, but truly, anyone can use it; the gentle formula makes it an especially great option if you have easily stressed-out skin. 100% virgin coconut oil and fatty acid-rich murumuru butter hydrate and nourish, and the fresh and slightly sweet fragrance is derived from essential oils, so there’s no need to worry about it irritating skin.
13
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Best Conditioner: SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner
What We Like
- Good value
- Adds shine
- Won’t weigh hair down
What We Don’t Like
- Pump bottle could be improved
If your hair isn’t overly dry and you want lightweight hydration and shine, this conditioner is for you. Reviewers rave about the scent, a sweet coconut blend that isn’t overpowering, and the way it helps tame curls and boost shine. With coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, it smooths hair and helps detangle, resulting in hair that’s easier to style and manage.
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Best Shampoo: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
What We Like
- Available in a range of sizes
- Rich, creamy texture
- Hair feels softer
What We Don’t Like
- Scent may not be for all
While many shampoos leave hair feeling stripped, the SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Shampoo feels like liquid silk when you lather it into your hair, leaving it softer and more manageable. It’s a great option if your hair tends to get snarled when you shampoo because it helps make it more manageable. Extremely dry, damaged hair types get a dose of hydration from the formula that includes shea butter, rice protein, and honey.
Final Verdict
SheaMoisture has a wealth of great products, but our favorite overall is the cult-classic African Black Soap. It’s a customer drugstore favorite, being able to treat blemishes, clarify oily skin types, and gently exfoliate. But, they also have amazing picks in curly hair care (like the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Leave In Treatment), and body care (such as the Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash and the Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Wrap Mousse).
FAQ
Are SheaMoisture products all natural?
Yes. SheaMoisture uses many organic and Fair Trade ingredients in its products, including the shea butter and Jamaican black castor oil. You’ll find ingredients like natural oils including coconut and jojoba, butters like mango seed butter, and activated charcoal. You won’t find synthetic preservatives, parabens, or silicones in SheaMoisture products.
Are SheaMoisture products for black hair only?
No. While SheaMoisture is a Black, woman-owned business, and many of its products are geared toward natural hair, anyone can use its products. SheaMoisture’s soaps, hair products, and skincare address a range of skin and hair concerns, and its high-quality products work on many hair types, including straight, wavy, curly, and kinky.
Are SheaMoisture products good for hair?
Yes. SheaMoisture’s products are tried-and-true, and well-loved for good reason. They work as well as—or in many cases, better than—their more expensive counterparts. They’re also free of fillers and potentially harmful ingredients, unlike many other popular haircare products.
