Some people suggest that cocoa butter can improve skin health and appearance and may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, research into these benefits is limited.
People have used cocoa butter for its reported health benefits for centuries. Many studies focus on cocoa powder, which has specific properties that could promote skin health. Little research has looked at whether these benefits extend to cocoa butter.
This article will discuss the benefits of cocoa butter, its uses, and possible side effects.
Cocoa butter is a type of vegetable fat that comes from cocoa beans. Manufacturers extract creamy cocoa butter from the beans by fermenting, drying, roasting, and then pressing them. They turn the remaining portion into cocoa powder.
Cocoa butter is a common active ingredient in lotions, creams, and lip balms.
In more recent times, researchers have found that cocoa may have several positive properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Many of these properties are due to substances that cocoa powder contains, such as catechin. Cocoa butter may also have healthful benefits.
Many people use cocoa butter topically in an attempt to improve skin health and appearance. However, many of the reported benefits of cocoa butter rely on anecdotal or low-quality evidence. The following section details a selection of these reported benefits.
Skin health
Several components of cocoa butter are associated with skin health. A
However, it is important to note that the referenced studies were of low quality, and these benefits have not been fully proven through rigorous study.
Moisturizing the skin
Cocoa butter is a core ingredient in many skin moisturizers. Some people use pure cocoa butter to help relieve dry skin.
Like other natural moisturizers, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter contains a high level of fatty acids. These fats may help form a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping and, therefore, stopping the skin from drying out.
Preventing stretch marks
Many people claim that cocoa butter can prevent stretch marks from developing, especially during pregnancy. However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association states that there is no proof that this is the case.
Stretch marks are a natural process and do not require treatment. However, anyone concerned about the appearance of stretch marks should speak with their doctor before trying at-home remedies.
Pure cocoa butter is edible. However, it contains a mixture of monounsaturated and saturated fats and few nutrients.
According to the
- 120 calories
- 13.6 g of fat
Cocoa butter also contains small amounts of vitamin E and vitamin K.
Cocoa butter is safe for use on the skin. Pure cocoa butter does not contain any ingredients that are likely to cause problems in most people.
People can eat pure cocoa butter but should not ingest cocoa butter products designed for the skin.
As with many skin care products, cocoa butter formulations may contain other ingredients that could irritate the skin. Always check the label for potential irritants.
Cocoa butter is a type of fat that comes from the processing of cocoa beans. It is the primary ingredient of chocolate, and many people use it as a topical treatment for its potential skin benefits.
Cocoa butter could help promote skin health and moisturize the skin. Though many people find cocoa butter beneficial, there is currently little to no scientific evidence to support these claims.
