Cocoa Butter
What Is It?
Cocoa butter is a rich, solid fat extracted from cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao). It is widely used in skincare for its deep moisturising, protective, and skin-softening properties. Cocoa butter is high in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, making it ideal for preventing stretch marks, soothing dry skin, and providing a natural protective barrier.
INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Proper Storage & Shelf Life
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Shelf Life: 2–5 years if stored properly.
Refined Or Unrefined
Unrefined (Raw): Deep yellow/light brown, strong chocolate scent, retains all nutrients.
Refined: Pale to white, neutral scent, smoother texture, but loses some antioxidants.
Is It Necessary?
Not essential but highly beneficial for deep hydration, stretch mark prevention, and skin protection. Ideal for body butters, lotions, balms, and lip care products.
Texture & Consistency
Hard, solid butter that melts on skin contact. Firm at room temperature.
Natural Scent Profile
Unrefined cocoa butter has a rich, natural chocolate aroma.
Refined cocoa butter has little to no scent.
Melting Point
34°C–38°C (93°F–100°F) – Melts at body temperature.
Solubility & Compatibility
Insoluble in water
Soluble in oils, butters, and oil-based recipes
Works well in lotions, body butters, lip balms, massage bars, and solid skincare products
Benefits In Your Skincare
Deeply moisturises & softens dry skin
Forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture
High in antioxidants – helps fight free radicals
Prevents & reduces stretch marks
Soothes sensitive, irritated, and inflamed skin
Naturally rich in vitamin E & essential fatty acids
Ideal for dry, cracked skin & lips
PH
5–7 (skin-friendly and non-irritating).
Absorbency Rate
Slow (thick and rich, forms a protective barrier, making it ideal for dry or damaged skin).
Recommended Usage Rate
Lotions & Creams: 2%–10%
Body Butters & Balms: 5%–100%
Lip Balms & Lipsticks: 5%–20%
Massage Bars & Solid Products: 10%–40%
Appearance
Unrefined: Deep yellow to light brown, solid, rich chocolate scent
Refined: Pale to white, smooth, odourless
Strengths
✅ Highly stable with long shelf life (2–5 years)
✅ Intensely nourishing & protective
✅ Ideal for preventing stretch marks & healing dry skin
✅ Safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin
Weaknesses
❌ Hard texture – requires melting for easy application
❌ Can feel heavy or greasy if over-applied
❌ Strong chocolate scent in unrefined form (may need essential oil blending)
❌ May clog pores if used on acne-prone skin
Alternative Ingredients/ Substitutions
Shea Butter: Softer, deeply hydrating, absorbs better.
Mango Butter: Lighter texture, less greasy, fast-absorbing.
Kokum Butter: Firmer texture, deeply nourishing, but non-greasy.
Best Practices
Melt gently using a double boiler to prevent burning.
Blend with lighter oils (e.g., sweet almond, jojoba) for smoother application.
Combine with beeswax or candelilla wax for firmer balms and solid recipes.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
Tips & Tricks
For stretch marks & scars: Mix with rosehip oil and vitamin E.
For deep hydration: Apply pure cocoa butter to elbows, knees, and heels.
For lip care: Combine with coconut oil for a nourishing lip balm.
For a natural body butter: Whip with shea butter and almond oil for a fluffy, soft texture.
Recommended Starter Amount
100g–500g