The Cocoa Butter benefits have been known and used for centuries in skin and haircare. It is rich in emollient properties and offers numerous benefits for overall skin health. Cocoa Butter can be beneficial for various skin issues like dry and crêpey skin, stretch marks, and improving the flexibility of your skin. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways in which Cocoa Butter can benefit your skin.
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Where Does It Come From?
Cocoa Butter is a pale yellow, solid fat that is extracted from cacao beans when making cocoa powder. It is solid at room temperature and has to be melted before it can be used in creams and lotions. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild chocolate aroma.
The INCI is Theobroma Cacao. The plant is grown in several countries, but most notably West Africa, where more than half of the global supply is sourced.
The cacao beans are fermented and then dried. This develops the flavour, and then they are roasted to intensify that flavour and aroma even more. The beans are then ground into a paste and pressed. This separates out the cocoa solids and allows the liquid butter to be collected underneath the press. It is then gently refined to remove any impurities and extend its shelf-life.
This is exactly the same product that is used in high-end chocolate production, but with the addition of cocoa powder.
Cocoa Butter as a Moisturiser for Dry Skin
As a natural moisturiser, it is superior to the synthetic ingredients used in many lotions and creams. It is free from harsh chemicals and additives that can irritate sensitive skin. It soothes and nourishes without causing irritation. It conditions your skin with vitamins and essential fatty acids that promote healthy skin cell growth and repair.
It’s highly effective in treating dehydrated skin due to its emollient properties. It creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and locking in hydration. The technical term for this is TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL), and specialist equipment is used to measure how effective a product is. Cocoa Butter receives outstandingly positive ratings. Regular use can replenish the skin’s moisture levels, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
Antioxidant Properties of Cocoa Butter for Skin
Cocoa butter is also rich in antioxidants that help to fight off free radicals, which can damage the skin and contribute to premature ageing. Its antioxidant properties make it an excellent choice for keeping the skin healthy and younger looking. Regular use will help to protect against environmental stressors and pollution, promoting overall skin health.
Typical Essential Fatty Acid Profile of Cocoa Butter
- C16:0 Palmitic Acid 25% to 26%
- C18:0 Stearic Acid 34% to 37%
- C18:1 Oleic Acid (Omega-9) 34% to 35%
- C18:2 Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) 4%
- C18:3 Alpha Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) max 0.5%
It also contains antioxidants that can help fight off free radicals and protect the skin from premature ageing.
Palmitic Acid is the most commonly found saturated fatty acid and it has great emollient properties. In hair care formulations it softens your hair without leaving it feeling sticky or greasy.
Stearic Acid helps to keep products stable over time and also conditions your hair without making it feel lank or heavy. It is an effective skin softener.
Oleic Acid is also known as Omega-9, and it is excellent at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In body products like massage creams and balms, it helps to reduce stiffness in your joints, easing inflammation and pain. It is another essential fatty acid that keeps your skin soft and supple. When added to hair products, it stimulates the hair follicles to help grow stronger and thicker hair.
Linoleic Acid is also known as Omega-6 and this fatty acid has good anti-inflammatory properties and even helps wound healing. In skincare products it helps your skin retain moisture (TEWL). It can be used for acne products to soothe current problems and also reduce the chance of future breakouts. For hair care, it’s a great moisturiser and also promotes strong hair growth.
Cocoa Butter Benefits for Skin Conditions
Cocoa Butter has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Its moisturising and soothing properties can help to alleviate itching, redness, and inflammation associated with these conditions. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin, providing relief and nourishment without causing further irritation.
Can Cocoa Butter Help with Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a common concern, especially among women who have experienced pregnancy or anyone that has had rapid weight changes. Cocoa Butter has cocoa polyphenols, which enhance the skin’s quality and make it stronger against stretching, and less likely to develop stretch marks. Using Shea Butter enhances the effectiveness of it. Shea Butter contains phytosterols that help regenerate new skin cells in the basal layer.
Enhancing Skin Tone with Cocoa Butter
Cocoa Butter can improve the overall appearance and tone of your skin. It helps to even out skin discolouration and promote a more radiant complexion which is so important in products that slow down skin aging. Regular use can help to reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, and dark spots, leaving your skin looking smoother and more youthful.
Is Cocoa Butter Suitable for All Skin Types?
Cocoa Butter benefits all skin types, but it’s particularly beneficial for people with dry and dehydrated skin. It is frequently used in mature skin products and night creams. It can also work on oily and combination skin when mixed with oils that help improve oily skin, such as Hazelnut oil.
Using Cocoa Butter With Cannabis
Cannabis can be infused into many oils, but butters pose an extra level of difficulty because they solidify at room temperature. When using the POT by NOIDS herbal extractor, you can add Cocoa Butter or unrefined Cocoa Butter to the glass beaker along with decarboxylated cannabis. The heat will melt the butter easily.
Once the infusion process has finished, put the straining filter on the glass beaker and squeeze out the oil. The beaker will be very hot, and you can’t wait for it to cool down as the butter will solidify. You’ll need to wear oven gloves to do this safely.
Once strained, wipe out the used herb from the beaker using paper towel. Clean off the filter as well. Both parts are safe to put in the dishwasher for an easy clean up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Benefits of Cocoa Butter for Skincare?
Cocoa butter is great for skincare. It moisturises the skin, makes it more supple, and reduces signs of ageing. It also acts as a natural skin emollient, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Can Cocoa Butter Be Used For The Face?
Yes, Cocoa Butter can be used on the face. Its moisturising properties make it suitable for dry skin and can help combat issues like dry patches or flakiness. Because it is solid at room temperature, it is best to blend it with other softer butters or oils to make it easy to apply. Best of all, make your own balms, creams and lotions with it.
How Can I Use Cocoa Butter for Skincare?
It is very easy to make your own products such as lotions and creams. Check out the formulations section of this blog. It can be used in DIY skin moisturizer recipes, emulsified body butters, and lip balms.
What Are The Effects of Cocoa Butter on The Skin?
Cocoa Butter helps to deeply moisturise the skin, improve skin elasticity, and keep the skin hydrated and more flexible. It can also be effective in reducing the appearance of scars. Many pregnant women will use Cocoa Butter products on their bellies when pregnant to reduce the risk of stretch marks forming. Combining this with Shea Butter also works very well.
Is Cocoa Butter High in Antioxidants?
Yes, Cocoa Butter contains a variety of beneficial compounds, including polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals and prevent premature ageing.
How Can I Find Cocoa Butter in its Raw Form?
You can find raw Cocoa Butter in health food stores and suppliers of cosmetic raw materials. Many formulators don’t use it because raw, unrefined Cocoa Butter can have a very strong aroma that not everyone likes.
Can Cocoa Butter be Used as a Natural Remedy for Itchy Skin?
Absolutely yes! Cocoa Butter is a brilliant ingredient for soothing many skin problems from dermatitis to eczema and psoriasis. You can also formulate a hair conditioner or hair mask which will help soothe an itchy scalp and get rid of dandruff.
Conclusion
Cocoa Butter makes an exceptional moisturiser as it is a natural emollient, outshining synthetic alternatives. Rich in antioxidants, it protects against free radical damage, preserving youthful skin. The unique fatty acid profile of this butter, which includes Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, and Linoleic acids, improves hydration levels in your skin and reduces inflammation. It’s effective in treating different skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and stretch marks.
Cocoa Butter is good for different types of skin, but most especially, dry and dehydrated skin. It works well with Shea Butter to help regenerate skin cells. It helps to smooth out uneven skin tones, scars, and blemishes, and even the most sensitive skin can benefit from its gentle action.
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