When you hear the word cocoa, what is the first thing that pops up in your mind? Chocolate, isn’t it? While cocoa butter is, in a way, related to chocolate, it is a completely different product. It is a plant-based fat obtained from the cocoa bean after they are dried, roasted and pressed. Full of fatty acids, this butter that is also used as a food product, benefits the skin in multiple ways. Read on to know more about the ingredient, all the cocoa butter benefits for skin, how to use it, and more.
Moisturises skin
Since it is a plant-based fat, cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and hydrates the skin deeply. Moreover, it also contains oleic, palmitic and stearic acids. The presence of all these nutrients in cocoa butter makes it the perfect ingredient for body moisturisers and lip balms. Hence, for those with dry skin, regular use of cocoa butter benefits the skin.
Reduces stretch marks and scars
We all know that stretch marks can be annoying and make us conscious at times. Here’s where cocoa butter benefits for skin come into the picture! Many women who regularly used cocoa butter claimed that it kept stretch marks at bay during and after pregnancy. The abundance of antioxidants as well as fatty acids in cocoa butter offer a remedy for stretch marks and make the skin spotless. This is why there are several anti-stretch mark products that list cocoa butter as an ingredient. In addition to reducing stretch marks, cocoa butter is also useful in healing scars.
Delays signs of ageing
Cocoa butter is a powerhouse of antioxidants, and polyphenols, which means it is very helpful in fighting free radicals that are responsible for skin damage, skin ageing, pigmentation and dull skin. To keep your skin healthy and young-looking, protecting it from damage caused by free radicals is very important. Moreover, the rejuvenating properties of cocoa butter also boost cell regeneration while treating signs of ageing such as wrinkles, dark spots, blemishes, etc. Hence, as evident, cocoa butter benefits for skin are many with regards to keeping the effects of age far from your skin.
Treats inflammation
Another benefit of cocoa butter for skin is that it is anti-inflammatory in nature, with a high concentration of vitamin E. Owing to these, cocoa butter soothes inflamed skin and is a remedy for infections and allergies.
Fun fact: Some shaving creams contain this herbal butter as it helps keep the skin smooth and heals small cuts that could occur during shaving.
Heals sensitive skin
For those with sensitive skin, using cocoa butter may be beneficial as it helps soothe irritation such as eczema and dermatitis.
How To Use Cocoa Butter For Skin?
Cocoa butter is widely available in jars and easy-to-use sticks in two forms: refined or unrefined. Unrefined cocoa butter is creamy yellow in colour, and is in its rawest form. It is easy to find and smells strongly of chocolate, so keep that in mind before you buy it. You can also buy raw cocoa butter in large batches if you prefer the DIY skincare route. If not, you can go for refined cocoa butter.
Since it is refined, it is stripped away of the strong scent and colour, making it easier to incorporate into recipes. Now that you know how cocoa butter benefits skin by keeping it supple and younger-looking, aren’t you looking forward to using it on your skin as soon as you can? We hope you are because we have some do-it-yourself techniques to share with you! Here are some ways you can use cocoa butter for your skin.
Cocoa butter body scrub
To prepare the scrub, melt 1/8th cup of cocoa butter. When it melts completely, add half a cup of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1/4th cup almond oil to it. If you want the scrub to be scented, add a few drops of any essential oil you have, or a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Your scrub is now ready for use! Store in an airtight jar and use it whenever you feel like giving your body a pampering session.
Cocoa and jojoba body butter
Melt half a cup of cocoa butter and half a cup of coconut oil. To this, add 4-5 drops of jojoba essential oil and 2-3 tablespoons of almond oil. Keep it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Take it out and whip it until it forms a frothy, creamy texture. Add two teaspoons of vitamin C serum and store it in an airtight jar.
Whipped cocoa butter
To make some whipped cocoa butter, melt 3/4th cup of cocoa butter with 1/4th cup coconut oil. Freeze it for 20 minutes and after that, whip it for 5 minutes, or until it attains a smooth and silky texture. Store it in an airtight jar and use it whenever you feel like it. Do note that this will last for three months, do not use it beyond that period.
Cocoa and shea body butter
While cocoa butter is amazing by itself, how about combining it with shea butter? To prepare this body butter, melt half a cup of cocoa butter and 1/4th cup of shea butter. To this mixture, add 3 tablespoons of almond oil and half a teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Next, add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to the mix. However, this step is optional. Once the body butter is ready, store it in a jar.
Cocoa butter face moisturiser
In a bowl, mix half a cup of coconut oil, a tablespoon of cocoa butter, 2 teaspoons almond oil and 5 drops of lavender oil. Whip the mixture for 5-7 minutes, until it achieves a fluffy texture. Store in a jar and use it after you wash your face every time.
Do note: During summers, store this homemade moisturiser in the refrigerator.
Cocoa butter anti-ageing face cream
Melt 1/4th cup each of cocoa butter and shea butter. Once melted, add to the mixture 1/4th cup of safflower oil. The next step is adding essential oils. Add 20 drops of frankincense oil, 15 drops of geranium oil and 10 drops of rose oil to this mix. Refrigerate for an hour so that it attains a semi-solid consistency. After an hour of freezing the mixture, whip it until it becomes light and fluffy. Store in a jar and apply on your face every night before going to bed.
Frequently asked questions:
1) Does cocoa butter darken the skin?
No, cocoa butter does not darken the skin. On the contrary, it protects the skin from outside agents that can potentially damage and darken the skin.
2) Can you put raw cocoa butter on your skin?
Yes, you can absolutely use raw cocoa butter on your skin.
3) Does Cocoa Butter Have Any Side Effects?
As you may know by now, the benefits of cocoa butter for the skin are many and it is considered safe as long as you are not allergic to the cocoa plant. However, cocoa butter is known to clog pores, so caution should be exercised if your skin is acne-prone. You should also not use cocoa butter on your skin if your skin is prone to breakouts.
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Written by Nisha Shah on 2nd Aug 2021
Writer, avid reader and a lover of all things creative is the best way to describe Nisha Shah! Equipped with a degree in Journalism and a certification in Digital Marketing, she brings a distinct perspective to her writing. With experience in content covering a range of topics from health to travel and beauty to food, she manages to bring something interesting and yet easy-to-read for her readers. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a book and coffee, bingeing on movies and TV shows, experimenting with photography and lots more!