Cocoa butter, a beloved skincare ingredient, holds a special place in the beauty industry. People have used this natural plant-based fat for a long time because of its outstanding moisturizing abilities, making it a crucial ingredient in many cosmetic products. In this article, we will examine the numerous properties of cocoa butter.
If you regularly use different beauty products like body lotions, creams, and soaps, you likely already use cocoa butter in some way. In this article, we will address all your questions about this ingredient.
Cocoa butter, recognized for its strong moisturizing properties, is a natural fat derived from the pods of the Cacao tree, which is also known as the Chocolate tree and is originally from South America. Interestingly, over half of the commercially produced cocoa butter originates from West Africa.
BLACK COCOA BUTTER VS YELLOW COCOA BUTTER
Many people have misunderstood the difference between yellow and black cocoa butter. Some think that yellow butter is a changed version of black butter, but that’s not correct. The main distinction is that both yellow and black cocoa butter are formed during the processing of cacao beans.
Butter from non-germinated beans has an off-white to pale yellow color, whereas the other type comes from germinated beans and is nearly black. Yellow butter variations are typically preferred for skin-related uses.
UNREFINED VS REFINED …
Like many other natural fats, cocoa butter has two main types: Unrefined/Raw/Organic and Refined/Inorganic. Interestingly, the extraction method doesn’t significantly impact the butter; it’s the processes that follow that make the difference.
- Unrefined/ Raw – is the purest form, obtained without subjecting it to excessive heat during extraction, and it remains unprocessed. It usually possesses an off-white to pale yellow color and emits a strong, enticing chocolate scent. This variety is considered to have the highest nutritional value.
- Refined – undergoes at least one refinement process, typically involving bleaching to achieve a bright white color. Some varieties may also include the addition of extra color to enhance the natural pale yellow hue. Additionally, it goes through deodorizing treatments. Although it may lose some nourishing elements, refined cocoa butter retains its emollient and moisturizing properties, similar to the unrefined variety.
COCOA BUTTER BENEFITS …
Cocoa butter, known for enhancing skin health, boasts a nutrient-rich composition containing various acids and vitamins, including oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, vitamin K, and phytosterols.
- Moisturises Skin…
Cocoa butter earns high favor because it deeply penetrates the skin, establishing a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. Palmitoleic Acid nurtures the skin, and Linoleic Acid aids in preserving its moisture.
The primary components of cocoa butter, Oleic Acid, Stearic Acid, and Palmitic Acid, collaborate to nourish, tone, and offer relief for skin issues such as burns and itching.
- Reduces Signs of Ageing…
Apart from its rich vitamin E content and palmitoleic acid, cocoa butter possesses the capacity to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also stimulating collagen production to enhance skin elasticity.
Palmitoleic acid, known for its skin-nourishing and toning properties, plays a crucial role in retarding the development of wrinkles. This potent component not only promotes a youthful appearance but also assists in lifting and firming the skin, while additionally thwarting the formation of new wrinkles.
When vitamin E and oleic acid are combined, they can prevent harm to your skin from something called free radicals. These free radicals can speed up the aging of your skin. Mixing these two substances can also improve the circulation in your skin, which is beneficial for giving your skin a healthy and youthful appearance.
- Reduces Acne…
Surprisingly, oils and butters can assist in treating acne. They contain a variety of beneficial antioxidants that can clear your skin and shield it from damage. Cocoa butter, in particular, is abundant in Vitamin E and Oleic Acid, which are also advantageous for your skin.
- Diminishes Appearance of Blemishes, Scars and Marks…
Scars, marks, or blemishes appear when your skin’s inner layer is injured. Your body produces extra collagen, resulting in a scar that darkens certain areas of your skin. This happens because your body’s natural production of melanin, responsible for skin color, becomes disrupted.
In addition to benefiting your skin, cocoa butter can also minimize the visibility of scars and blemishes. This occurs because it contains nutrients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin F, and Oleic Acid, which can diminish the swelling and rough texture of the scar. It also contains Palmitoleic Acid, which can lend a more natural appearance to your skin and lighten the scar’s appearance.
