Cocoa butter
for skin
What is cocoa butter
for skin?
It probably doesn't come as a surprise to hear that cocoa butter comes from the cacao bean. However, what may not be as well-known, is how it's transformed into the rich, moisturising cream it is today.
Cocoa butter is the natural, plant-based fat that is extracted from cacao beans. The beans are taken out of the cacao plant before being fermented, roasted and pressed to separate out the fat - or as it's more commonly known as, the cocoa butter.
Cocoa has always been a very popular ingredient, and dates back to Mayan and Aztec civilizations around 3,000 years ago. Whilst primarily being used for medicinal purposes, in more recent years cocoa products have also proven themselves to be invaluable for other reasons. And no, we're not just talking about chocolate (although it is delicious).
You may have noticed cocoa butter present in a range of skincare products - whether that's lotions, creams, or even lip balms. But in case you weren't as familiar with the cocoa butter benefits, we've got you covered with all the information you need about cocoa butter for skin.
What makes
cocoa butter unique?
What are the cocoa butter benefits
when using it in lotion?
1. Rich moisturiser
Cocoa butter contains a high level of essential fatty acids and vitamins, helping your skin stay hydrated and rejuvenated by locking in moisture. They also help form a protective layer on the skin, which can help maintain the skin's elasticity and tone whilst also preventing the skin from becoming too dry.
2. Contains natural antioxidants
Cocoa butter is packed with antioxidants, making it the perfect barrier against any free radicals that may damage your skin - such as dark patches and premature skin aging. Some of these antioxidants (called polyphenols) are also known to reduce inflammation and protect the skin from sun damage. Win win!
3. Kind to sensitive skin
Cocoa butter for skin is gentle on the touch, making it great for soothing burns, rashes or damaged skin. It is also often used to relieve sensitive skin if you're suffering from eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, because of its non-irritable qualities.
4. Reduces stretch marks
Many women claim cocoa butter helps to minimise and prevent the visibility of stretch marks, particularly during and after pregnancy. Although many women use cocoa butter for skin care, it isn't a miracle ingredient for stretch marks and might help to minimise them but also might not.
How do i use
cocoa butter lotion?
Apply a generous amount of cocoa butter lotion to your body post shower and massage it in circles until the lotion is all rubbed in. Once dry, your skin will be left feeling moisturised, hydrated and revived. What could be better, or even simpler!
For facial scars, cocoa butter can help by keeping the skin moisturised and supple and is best applied through a routine massage 2-3 times a day.
A quick note:
Cocoa butter is completely safe to use (unless you're allergic to the cocoa plant), however in some cases it can be known to clog pores for those with more oily and acne-prone skin types. If you're looking for some further guidance, why not tell us more about your skin type and we can help you find the best skincare routine.
NIVEA &
Cocoa butter
The NIVEA Naturally Good Cocoa Butter Body Lotion contains 98% natural ingredients and will effectively hydrate your skin for up to 48 hours - leaving your skin feeling smooth, rejuvenated and deeply moisturised. The Cocoa Butter lotion has been specially formulated for dry to very dry skin and is made with 100% natural Cocoa Butter.
Using cocoa butter for skin is a great way to protect and hydrate your skin. But there are a few other things you can do to help with clear skin:
- Exfoliating your skin to remove any dead skin cells
- Keeping your skin hydrated by drinking 1.5 litres of water a day
- Making sure you get enough beauty sleep
- Using sunscreen everyday to protect your skin
What else can i use
cocoa butter for?
How to make
cocoa butter at home
- Clean your cocoa beansBegin by running some cocoa beans under cold water to make sure they are clean, before leaving them out to dry.
- Roast your cocoa beansEvenly roast your cocoa beans to loosen up their shells at around 40-50 degrees Celsius for approximately an hour and a half. Then quickly cool them off using a fan.
- Remove the shellsUsing a hammer, tap each cocoa bean to remove its shell and shake the contents through a sieve to separate the shells from their insides – or "nibs" as they are often known.
- Grind the cocoa nibsUse a grinder to melt the fat, turning the powdery nibs into a liquid known as cocoa liquor.
- Strain the cocoa liquorFinally, take the liquor and strain it through a cotton cloth. The cocoa butter should filter through and be ready to store and use.