I Love Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter (aka cacao butter) isn’t just an ingredient in a chocolate bar – it’s an amazing ingredient in lotions, balms and skin-conditioners.

What is it? It is the fat that has been extracted from cocoa beans. Once it touches your skin, it begins to melt and instantly moisturizes and softens your skin.

Many people feel that it is great for skin issues such as dermatitis and eczema. Pregnant women love cocoa butter because they believe that it prevents and treats stretch marks. Aside from stretch marks, many people have noticed an improvement in scars after using cocoa butter a few times a day. There is no medical evidence to prove this, though. It is an antioxidant that is rich in Vitamin E (soothes, hydrates and balances skin).

Mostly used in lotions, soaps and lip balms, it has a pleasing scent so it is also used in aromatherapy products. It is so easily accessible – drug stores, supermarkets, health food stores, they all tend to carry cocoa butter products (lotions, sticks, balms).

As someone who has dry skin throughout the winter, I love cocoa butter. I always use it on my elbows, knees and legs.  In the summer, I use it as a simple moisturizer.  It's one of those year-round items I always have on hand.

On a side note....although I love it, it is not for everyone. If you have a nut allergy, it is suggested that you not use items that contain cocoa butter. Take no chances!