When you think of cocoa, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? I’m guessing chocolate and brownies? Most people associate cocoa to sweet things. And we can’t blame them, can we? Who doesn’t love chocolate? 

But did you know that when it is made into butter, cocoa has wonderful benefits for the skin and hair? 

HOW IT’S MADE 

Cocoa butter and chocolate are separated at birth. Also called theobroma oil, cocoa butter is extracted from cocoa beans which are found in cacao pods that grow on from the cacao tree. After cocoa beans have been fermented, roasted and separated from their hulls, about 54-58% of the residue is cocoa butter. And then the remaining solids are the main ingredient for chocolate making. 

This natural vegetable fat has a pale-yellow tinge to it. Raw and unrefined cocoa butter has the aroma of coffee. While refined cocoa butter undergoes a process that strips off its colour and scent while maintaining all the essential nutrients. 

Refined cocoa butter is the one that is used in making cosmetic products. It has become a popular ingredient for commercial-bought and homemade skincare and hair care products. 

BENEFITS FOR THE SKIN 

Hydrates: Cocoa butter has moisturising properties that penetrates the deepest layers of the skin. It’s perfect for men and women with dry skin who are looking for natural alternatives to everyday hydrating lotions. It’s also a popular ingredient for lip balm products. 

Detoxifies: The skin is exposed to free radicals everyday and it’s inevitable. If your daily routine involves a lot of outdoor exposure, cocoa butter-based skincare products have antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals. 

Heals: Although there are no guarantees yet, cocoa butter has been observed to minimise skin irritations such as eczema and dermatitis. 

Relieves itchiness: People with severely dry skin that are prone to blotching and itching can benefit by adding cocoa butter in their daily skincare routine. The healthy fats in cocoa butter deeply nourish the skin. 

Reduces the appearance of stretchmarks: If there is one thing that cocoa butter is well-known for in the skincare category, it’s the stretchmark reducing properties. It is popular among pregnant women and they swear by it. 

Minimizes scars: Cocoa butter has regenerative properties. With regular use, it can reduce the appearance of scars. If you have small scars or pimple marks that will not go away, apply all-natural cocoa butter and they will lighten in just a few weeks. 

BENEFITS FOR THE HAIR 

Adds moisture and volume: Rich in vitamin E and other essential minerals, cocoa butter can also be used as a lavish hair moisturiser. It increases the resiliency of the hair and unlike other hair products that makes your hair heavy and flat, cocoa butter adds volume to it while keeping your locks moisturised. 

Thickens hair: Like castor oil, cocoa can thicken hair and promote hair growth. For men and women with hair that is prone to breakage, regular use of cocoa oil or any natural product with cocoa butter-based ingredient, can help solve this problem. 

Protects: Going out for a swim? Cocoa butter has natural fats that are not only absorbed by the hair to make it look shiny and healthy, but it also provides an extra layer of protection that can block chlorine found in pools, which can cause dryness. 

Softens: It’s every girl’s dream to have soft and beautiful locks. Soft manageable hair is versatile hair that can be dressed with different hairstyles with little to no fuss. 

All-natural cocoa butter can address many skincare and hair care problems with regular use. Try it for yourself and experience its wonderful benefits. 

Want to see the benefits? Try our products that contain Cocoa butter, HYDRATING RICH CREAM CLEANSER and HAND & NAIL TREATMENT CREAM