Cocoa Butter Review

What You Should Know

How Cocoa Butter Compares with Leading Beauty Products
 

Product	Star Rating	2 or More Patented Ingredients	Less Than $5 Shipping	Testimonials	Trial Offer
Nue Science (2012 Editors Choice)	(4.8)
Hydrolyze	(4.6)
IQ Derma	(4.0)
Cocoa Butter	(3.7)
Dermitage	(3.7)
Strivectin	(3.6)
Juvederm	(3.6)	N/A
Meaningful Beauty	(3.2)

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Cocoa butter has been used as a beauty enhancer in various parts of the world for hundreds of years. The properties in this unique substance have been touted for their ability to rejuvenate and moisturize the skin, relax tense muscles and protect the skin from sun damage and the effects of aging. Some natural practitioners have even found cocoa butter to be helpful in reducing arthritis pain. Today, consumers can find cocoa butter in many moisturizing lotions and other skin care products, including some anti-aging formulas. This ingredient is popular both for its softening abilities and for the fragrance that many find pleasant and comforting. However, we will examine this substance further to see if it truly has the ability to turn back the clock on the skin.

Cocoa butter can be found in a variety of skin care formulas, or you can purchase this ingredient in its natural form. You can find cocoa butter products anywhere from discount chains to high end department stores. Cocoa butter can also be purchased in its natural state from health food stores and online retailers who specialize in natural products.

Product Details

Cocoa butter is made from cocoa beans that primarily grow in areas of Africa, Central America and South America. The beans are collected and cleaned at a central processing plant, where they are then roasted and ground into a paste-like substance. In the process of creating this thick paste, a muddy brown liquid is produced as a byproduct. This brown liquid can be broken down further until cocoa butter can be taken from it. In some cases, the cocoa butter will be sent to another laboratory for further refinement before it is used in the variety of products we find it in today.

Cocoa butter contains natural emollients that are very effective at moisturizing the skin. The substance is easily absorbed into the skin, where it provides hydration and healing properties. The vitamin E that is found in cocoa butter is also a natural antioxidant that can protect the skin from harmful free radicals like sun damage, pollution and the natural aging process. It is also used by pregnant women across the globe, who rub it on their swollen bellies to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. However, there is limited evidence to suggest that this substance is particularly effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles that have already formed.

The Good

• The substance has excellent moisturizing capabilities and a pleasant scent.

The Bad

• There is no hard evidence to suggest that this substance is particularly effective in diminishing the appearance of existing wrinkles.
• Cocoa butter works best when it is combined with proven anti-aging ingredients.

The Bottom Line

While cocoa butter may be an excellent choice of a moisturizer, it cannot stand alone particularly well as an anti-wrinkle cream. However, those with dry skin may want to look for a wrinkle product that contains this ingredient, as well as other proven anti-aging substances for a cream that will moisturize effectively as it treats wrinkles.