Chocolate has long been celebrated for its comforting properties, and its key ingredient, cocoa butter, plays a significant role. This rich, plant-based fat not only forms the foundation of premium chocolates but also offers numerous benefits beyond the palate.
Cocoa butter is an emollient, which means it’s a non-cosmetic solution that soothes the skin. It’s so gentle, in fact, that it’s used to treat skin conditions like eczema.
This solid, waxy substance is extracted from the cocoa bean, and hence retains its richness in polyphenols – a very specific form of antioxidant that promote health both internally (when eaten) and externally, when applied to the skin.
The polyphenols in cocoa butter have been shown to reduce the signs of aging on the skin, and even prevent cell mutations that cause skin cancer.
A little tip for the DIY-ers in the crowd: cocoa butter is usually found cheaper and in higher qualities when it’s in solid form. For a quick natural moisturizer, add warm water to a small piece of the butter, and rub between hands before spreading on the affected area.
INCI Name: Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Seed Butter
Source:
Andújar I, Recio MC, Giner RM, Ríos JL. Cocoa Polyphenols and Their Potential Benefits for Human Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2012;2012:906252. doi:10.1155/2012/906252.
