Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter at a Glance

• Emollient lipid extracted from cocoa beans
• Moisturizes & soothes dry, sensitive skin
• Rich in fatty acids & antioxidants that support skin health
• Ineffective for stretch marks, despite common claims
• Solid at room temperature but melts on contact with the skin

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter Description

(cocoa) seed butter, commonly known as cocoa butter, is an emollient lipid extracted from cocoa beans. Renowned for its moisturizing and soothing properties, it is a popular ingredient for dry and sensitive skin.

Among its beneficial characteristics, cocoa butter lubricates the skin’s surface and prevents water evaporation, resulting in a skin-softening effect while sealing in hydration. Additionally, it is rich in fatty acids that support the skin’s barrier health, helping it better withstand external stressors. Among the fatty acids found in cocoa butter are capric, palmitic, oleic, stearic, myristic and linoleic. They work together to reinforce skin’s barrier and promote a supple feel.

Cocoa butter also offers protective and anti-aging benefits due to its antioxidant content, making it a well-rounded ingredient used in a wide range of products, including sunscreens, body lotions, facial moisturizers and lip balms.

Note: While many brands tout cocoa butter as a miracle ingredient to prevent or reverse stretch marks, independent research has not found it to be effective in this regard. Comparative studies report no significant difference in results when tested against a placebo cream or lotion.

Depending on the concentration of cocoa butter used in a formula, its natural chocolatey aroma may be detectable. However, it is not considered a skin-irritating form of fragrance.

Cocoa butter is solid at room temperature but melts on contact with the skin. Recommended use levels from cosmetic ingredient suppliers range from 2-100%, depending on the type of product.

(cocoa) seed butter may be used as a skin-protectant active in OTC drug products if it constitutes 50% or more by weight of the final formula. When listed as an active ingredient, the established drug name is Cocoa Butter.

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter References