Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cocoa butter, derived from the cocoa bean, is widely used in general skin care as a moisturizer. Its use is supported by both traditional practices and some scientific evidence, though the depth of research is limited. Traditionally, cocoa butter has been used for centuries in Africa and South America for skin conditioning and protecting against harsh climates. Scientifically, cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids (such as oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids), which are known to help moisturize and soften the skin by forming a protective barrier that slows water loss. Several small studies and reviews have noted its emollient properties and its ability to improve skin hydration and elasticity. However, clinical trials specifically on cocoa butter’s efficacy for general skin care (beyond anecdotal or self-reported outcomes) are sparse, and most benefits are inferred from its composition and similarity to other plant-based emollients. There is insufficient high-quality evidence to claim that cocoa butter is superior to other standard moisturizers. Overall, while cocoa butter is generally safe, effective as a moisturizer, and widely used, robust clinical evidence supporting its use for broader skin care benefits is limited.

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Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)

3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Abalone
Algal protein
Allantoin
Almond fruit
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
amaranth
Anserina
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
Asam gelugor
Ascophyllum nodosum
astaxanthin
avocado
azelaic acid
beet
behenic acid
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Biopeptide
birch
bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
Black spruce
borage
bottle gourd
Brassica
butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
Carnosine
castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
dulse leaf
Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
Gac
geraniol
Glucosylceramide
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
Glycosylceramides
goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
heartwood
Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
Kachnar
keratin
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
Nectarine
Night jessamine
Oak
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
oryza
palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
Phlebodium decumanum
Phytoene
Phytofluene
procyanidin
procyanidol
pumpkin
radish
red clover
rockweed
root tuber
rose
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
sea salt
sesame
Shark oil
silica
silicon
Silk protein
Snakeroot
spinach
Taraxacum
Triglycerides
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Tyrosinase
Urolithin A
vegetable oil
Verbascoside
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc

Other health conditions supported by cocoa butter

Abrasions
Diaper Rash
Eczema
Itching
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Wrinkles

Products containing cocoa butter

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.