BEST FOR DRY SKIN

antioxidant

emollient

humectant

antiseptic

sun protectant

lubricant

softener

BENEFITS

protecting

moisturizing

hydrating

cleansing

soothes

smoothes

softens

• softens

soothes

reduces dryness

improves skin flexibility

reduces redness

diminishes swelling

protects cells from oxidation

reduces the appearance of fine lines

conditions skin

protects skin from environment

moisturizes deeply

• prevents chapping, cracks and stretch marks

lubricates

helps eliminate scarring

APPLICATIONS

chapped + cracked skin

delicate skin

dermatitis

mature skin

thirsty skin

wrinkles

Especially good for: dry skin, mature skin, chapped and climate damaged skin, scars, inflammation, psoriasis, eczema

USES

lotions

creams

ointments

soaps

emollient

thickener

Cocoa butter is a wonderful skin care emollient. It contains high levels of polyphenols, is rich in vitamin E, and moisturizes, protects, and soothes the skin. Highly protective of the skin, it acts as a water repellent. Cocoa butter contains about 5 IU of vitamin E per ounce. Vitamin E is a potent skin antioxidant and a well-known skin soother and moisturizer.

As this butter is derived from the fat that surrounds the cocoa bean, it has a distinctive "chocolate" scent and flavor. It may overpower the aroma of essential oils if used as a single base, but it is great when blended with other oils and adds a rich, creamy and thick consistency to lotions and creams.

Also called theobroma ("food of the gods") oil, cocoa butter is the solid edible natural fat of the cacao bean, extracted during the process of making chocolate and cocoa powder. It is one of the most stable fats known, containing natural antioxidants that prevent rancidity and give it a shelf life of two to five years. It is used for its smooth texture in various foods, as well as in cosmetics and soaps, pastes and emollient creams. Cocoa butter softens and lubricates the skin, and melts at body temperature making it good for massage creams.

more on cocoa butter . . .

ABOUT THE PLANT

Theobroma cacao is a small evergreen tree in the Malvaceae family, native to deep tropical regions of Central and South America. Its seeds (cocoa beans) are use to make cocoa powder, ganache and chocolate.

ABOUT THE OIL

very stable, not prone to going rancid

Cocoa butter is a creamy, waxy, fatty substance that is solid at room temperature but melts at very low heat and when it comes in contact with the skin. A warm water bath on the stove works well.

Similar to coconut oil in consistensy.

Coca butter is derived from cocoa beans and has a distinctive “chocolate” scent.

Organic and unrefined Cocoa butter is the best butter for skin care. As soon as it is refined it loses its wonderful skin healing properties. The butter should have a yellowish tone and smell faintly of chocolate.

Cocoa butter is used extensively as a base for suppositories. It is also used as a natural thickening agent.

Cocoa butter is very stable and not prone to going rancid.

Derived from the fat that surrounds the chocolate bean. Cocoa beans are pressed to yield the butter.

Creamy, waxy, fatty substance that is solid at room temperature but melts at very low heat and when it comes into contact with the skin.

OF INTEREST

The plant name Theobroma cacao means "food of the gods".

antioxidants

cocoa mass polyphenol

fatty acids

minerals

oleic acid

palmitic acid

vitamin E

vitamins

fatty acids

vitamin E

polyphenols

The aroma of Cocoa butter is reminiscent of chocolate.

Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy

Keville, K. & Green, M. Aromatherapy A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

Mars, B. Beauty by Nature