Cocoa butter: properties and applications for facial beauty in cosmetology

The question of the naturalness of cosmetics haunts modern beauties. In contrast to aggressive environmental factors, poor nutrition and ecology, an abundance of chemical additives, fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics, girls and women are increasingly turning to natural oils and extracts.

Cocoa butter is a natural storehouse of healthy fatty acids and vitamins that can preserve the beauty, youth and health of the skin, refresh and even rejuvenate it. In common parlance, the product is also called “the gift of Aphrodite”; it is actively used in the preparation of nourishing and rejuvenating masks, creams, balms for the face and body.

Varieties and production technology

Cocoa butter is a popular product and fruit of the chocolate tree. To prepare it I use cocoa beans.

The oil preparation procedure occurs in several stages:

1. The collected cocoa beans are peeled, filmed and sorted.
2. The prepared raw materials are subjected to high temperature treatment and crushed into powder.
3. Cocoa bean powder is fed to the hot pressing position.
4. Depending on the purpose of the product, the oil is purified. Cosmetic oil undergoes more thorough purification than cooking oil.

The cocoa product has a dense, even fragile consistency and a pleasant aroma. The color of the product varies from light brown to rich chocolate. Before use, it is heated, melted in a steam or water bath. At a temperature of +32ºС, the product begins to melt, becomes fluid and convenient for application to the skin.

The chocolate product, despite the complex preparation process, does not lose its valuable properties and is widely used in cosmetology, aromatherapy, medicine and cooking. The drug is non-toxic and rarely causes an allergic reaction when used.

You won't be able to get cocoa butter at home.

How do you get it?

The oil is extracted by processing cocoa beans. Production is carried out using the hot method. This process is multi-stage.

The result is a solid product with a brittle consistency, but an oily texture with an unobtrusive nut-milk aroma, which becomes liquid at a temperature of +32-35°C, and cocoa powder. When solid, its color varies from cream to brown. At 40°C the oil becomes transparent.

A properly produced product retains the beneficial properties of beans. However, the level of cleaning matters. Refined oil is suitable for external use for cosmetic purposes, although you can also buy unrefined oil, which is considered more vitamin-rich.

A little history

Cocoa butter has been used to preserve youth and beauty of the skin for a long time. The Mayan tribes thousands of years ago considered the chocolate tree a source of timeless beauty, and the resulting oil extract was used to heal wounds.

South Africa is considered the birthplace of the chocolate tree, although today the plant grows successfully in America. For many centuries, Africans have used the oily product to protect their skin from the rays of the burning sun, noting its high protective, healing and moisturizing properties.

Beneficial features

The aromatic product made from cocoa beans has a pronounced antioxidant, moisturizing effect, nourishes, softens the skin and increases its protective properties. The product contains a complex of fatty acids:

• linoleic acid - a natural moisturizer, relieves dryness and flaking;
• lauric - prevents moisture loss in epidermal cells;
• stearic – protects the skin from attacks of harmful bacteria and infections, reduces the inflammatory process;
• oleic - stabilizes lipid balance, prevents the appearance of acne and acne;
• palmitic – evens out skin color, lightens age spots;
• arachina - acts as a transporter of nutritional components deep into the integument, providing a quick effect from the use of cocoa extract.

In addition to fatty acids, natural cocoa butter is rich in vitamins K and E. Vitamin K promotes rapid healing of microwounds and cracks, blocking the inflammatory process. The high content of beauty vitamin E determines the high antioxidant properties of the chocolate product, has a rejuvenating effect, and preserves the beauty and elasticity of tissues.

Phytosterols are another assistant in matters of tissue rejuvenation and regeneration. We must not forget about other important macro- and microelements (magnesium, zinc, potassium, chromium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, iron). Together, they improve metabolic processes in skin cells, strengthen and increase their functionality.

Cocoa butter can be safely used in its pure form or as an additive to ready-made products, other natural oils and extracts.

Attention! The aromatic product made from cocoa beans, even in its pure form, does not irritate the skin, acts gently and effectively, and is suitable for all types of epidermis.

Active ingredients

The oil extract is saturated with fatty acids:

• Lauric acid – maintains water balance in the skin, reduces dryness and promotes rejuvenation, as do the phytosterols included in the composition.
• The action of linoleic acid, which has nutritional properties, has a beneficial effect on the condition of flaky and dehydrated skin.
• Oleic – stabilizes sebum production and blocks the development of inflammation and clogging of pores. Stearic acid, which has antibacterial properties, also contributes to this.
• Palmitic – has lightening properties, so it copes with pigmentation and improves complexion, stimulating the saturation of the skin with oxygen.
• Arachine – promotes the absorption of nutrients.

It also contains vitamins:

• E – prevents the formation of wrinkles, stimulates the production of elastin and collagen in the skin;
• B – nourishes the skin;
• K – whitens and removes inflammation, promotes healing.

This is a non-allergenic and non-toxic product that does not oxidize and serves as a natural preservative when included in cosmetic products. The chemical composition of cocoa butter determines its properties and use on the face.

Indications for use

The list of problems that cocoa butter can cope with is quite wide. Thanks to its valuable, multi-component composition, the product is actively used in medicine and cosmetology.

Indications for the use of cocoa butter for facial skin are:

• signs of age-related withering of the integument;
• expression and age wrinkles, crow's feet;
• stretch marks, scars or acne on the face;
• dull, unhealthy color of the integument;
• dryness and flaking or, conversely, increased oiliness of the skin;
• decreased tone and turgor;
• skin hyperpigmentation;
• frequent acne, inflamed pimples.

Cosmetologists also recommend using chocolate tree extract for preventive purposes, to prevent early aging of the skin. The client's skin type and age are not particularly important.

Important point! You can even apply cocoa butter and formulations containing it to the sensitive area around the eyes and to the surface of the lips. A valuable product will only bring benefits, improve their condition, and fill them with nutritional components.

In medicine, cocoa bean oil is used to strengthen the immune system and treat eczema and other dermatological ailments.

In what cases is it indicated?

Cosmetic cocoa butter for the face will be useful in the following cases:

• For dry skin prone to flaking. In this case, it will help eliminate the constant feeling of tightness and provide the epidermis with natural hydration.
• In the presence of cosmetic defects: post-acne, scars, scars, spider veins, stitches after surgery. Helps to cope with them even if other means are powerless.
• For aging, sagging skin. Helps eliminate wrinkles, smooth the skin, and tighten the contour of the face.
• For pimples, blackheads and other rashes. If you use it regularly, they will gradually disappear.
• For burns and herpes. These problems are easier to eliminate if you make applications and compresses with its addition.

Where can I buy

It is not difficult to buy vegetable oils and extracts. Pharmacies, online stores, cosmetics stores and supermarkets are ready to offer many options, but it is difficult to answer how natural and high-quality they will be.

Study information about the manufacturer, ask for reviews from users and friends, pay attention to the packaging and storage conditions of the product, how it looks and smells.

When choosing a product, pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Smell - the product should smell like cocoa. You can only miss the rich aroma if you buy refined oil.
2. Color - cream. A gray or perfectly white tint indicates a fake or damaged product.
3. Consistency - a natural product is solid at normal temperatures and may crumble. The plastic consistency should alert you.
4. Price – don’t count on too cheap prices, the cost of the product increases every year.

Cocoa butter is an inexpensive product, its price starts from 300 rubles and above. The product is often packaged in a plastic or glass jar with a wide neck to make it easy to remove.

The product can be stored for 2 years from the date of manufacture. The optimal storage temperature is 18ºС. Cocoa butter should not be frozen.

The best manufacturers

As when choosing any other product, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer, which in this case can be not only Dominican, Brazilian or another exotic country, but also Russian. The question of which company is better to buy a product and how much it costs can be answered by a rating of manufacturers of high-quality cocoa butter, compiled based on user reviews.

Royal forest

This is a Colombian company that produces unrefined food products. You can purchase it at a price of 400 rubles. per package weighing 200 g.

Royal forest cocoa butter

ICAM SpA

Italian manufacturer of high quality confectionery products, which are suitable for both food and cosmetic purposes. Sold in various forms, including pieces and granules. You can purchase it at a price of 280 rubles. for 200 gr.

cocoa butter ICAM SpA

Aromatics

Country of origin: Ukraine. The products produced can be used both in food preparation and for cosmetic and other purposes. Average price for 50 ml. – 300 rub.

cocoa butter Aromatika

ChocoLatte

A Russian company operating in the natural cosmetics market for about 10 years. Despite the popularity of many product models, it is one of the inexpensive ones on the market. In particular, the unrefined cold-pressed version can be purchased at a price starting from 239 rubles.

cocoa butter ChocoLatte

Orgtium

Specializes in natural food products. The catalog presents various cocoa products, including hot-pressed ones. The cost of a package weighing 100 g. – 350 rub.

Orgtium cocoa butter

Soap company Spivak

This company sells an unrefined product obtained by squeezing grated raw materials. The cost of a package weighing 100 grams is 280 rubles.

Spivak cocoa butter

PERFECT4U

The domestic brand specializes in selling cosmetics made from natural materials. From this manufacturer you can purchase lump unrefined cold-pressed product in packages of 100 and 200 g. at prices of 500 and 850 rubles. respectively. There are various promotions, so there is a high probability of purchasing products from this brand at a reduced cost.

cocoa butter PERFECT4U

General recommendations for use

The effectiveness of any cosmetic product largely depends on the technique and frequency of use. Expert advice will help you achieve maximum results:

1. Apply the prepared mask, balm, cream or pure melted cocoa butter only to cleansed skin. Firstly, the nutritional components will penetrate deeper into the skin faster, and secondly, there will be no clogging of the pores.
2. Choose a recipe for a mask, balm, or cream with natural ingredients taking into account the type of epidermis.
3. Before using the prepared composition, perform a rapid allergy test. Despite its many-sided benefits and versatility, even cocoa butter can provoke an allergic reaction and irritation of the skin.
4. Strictly follow the recipe and frequency of use of cosmetic products so as not to provoke the appearance of other skin problems.
5. All ingredients, including cocoa butter, must be of high quality. Expired products will not bring any benefit and can even significantly deteriorate your health.
6. Fragrant cocoa butter can be applied to the area around the eyes and lips without fear.
7. The presence of abrasions and scratches on the skin is not a contraindication; on the contrary, cocoa extract will contribute to their rapid healing.
8. Before using the extract, it must be melted in a water or steam bath.
9. There is no need to immediately make a large amount of a natural face mask; over time, its beneficial properties noticeably fade away.
10. A natural product without additives is quickly absorbed, so you can apply it 15-20 minutes before bed or before going outside.
11. Cocoa butter can replace any cream; just apply a little product to the skin of the face, lips, body, and hands.

By the way, cocoa butter extract is an excellent protector from scorching sun rays. Spread a little product on your skin when going to the beach to avoid burns.

Benefits of Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is almost universal as a cosmetic product. Thanks to its composition, it can be used for different purposes , both for young and aged skin:

• to improve the appearance of the skin, even out the complexion;
• for enhanced nutrition and moisturizing of the skin;
• to cleanse pores;
• to eliminate acne and pimples;
• to eliminate inflammatory processes;
• to slow down the aging process of the epidermis;
• for whitening age spots;
• to normalize fat metabolism;
• for healing small wounds and microcracks;
• for protection against frostbite and chapping;
• to increase skin elasticity.

Popular methods and recipes for use

There are several ways to use cocoa butter, popular among them:

1. Application to the face and body in its purest form. A natural extract can replace the usual oil or cream, protect the skin in windy weather, cold and heat, refresh and soften the skin. Melt a little product and apply to the cleaned surface, complete the procedure with a light massage, patting, pinching.
2. Adding to finished cream, face balm. Cocoa butter can make your usual cosmetic product even more effective and healthy. Melt a little natural product and mix with the finished cream and balm. Distribute the enriched cosmetic product onto your face according to the instructions.
3. Preparing a homemade mask, cream, facial scrub. This is perhaps the most popular way to cope with imperfections and skin problems. The choice of product formulation depends on the characteristics of the skin and the blemishes that you want to correct. We have several proven and effective beauty recipes in our arsenal.

A gentle scrub with a moisturizing effect can be prepared from the following ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. l. cocoa butter;
• 1 tsp. natural honey;
• 1 tsp. chopped oatmeal;
• 1 tsp. powdered almonds.

Melt the oil ingredient in a bathhouse, add the rest of the scrub ingredients and mix well. Pour the homogeneous mixture into ice molds and leave to harden. Use the prepared squares to wipe your face, paying special attention to problem areas near the wings of the nose and on the forehead.

It is recommended to store the homemade scrub for no longer than 30 days in a cool place (in the refrigerator). But do not forget, over time the usefulness and effectiveness of the product decreases.

A nourishing mask with a lifting effect with the addition of cocoa bean extract is an excellent opportunity, without chemicals or preservatives, to correct age-related changes on the face, give the skin elasticity and freshness, and fill it with important components and moisture. To prepare you need to take:

• 1 tbsp. l. cocoa extract;
• egg yolk;
• 1 tsp. liquid honey;
• 5 drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Preparation and use: mix all ingredients into a homogeneous mass. Distribute the composition onto pre-cleaned surfaces for 15 minutes, then rinse with water. The mask is ideal for clients 35+.

A mask with a rejuvenating effect will cope with shallow wrinkles on the face, eliminate oily shine, and tighten pores. To prepare it use:

• 40 g white clay;
• 20 ml natural cocoa extract;
• 10 g ground oatmeal;
• 15 ml low-fat kefir or yogurt without additives.

Mix all ingredients until smooth and spread onto cleansed skin in an even layer. Remove any remaining mask after 15 minutes.

A mask that will refresh and even out the complexion, make the skin soft and silky, is prepared from the following ingredients:

• 9 g fresh parsley;
• 6 ml cocoa extract.

Grind the parsley leaves until the juice appears. Add oil extract. Spread the prepared mixture over the surface of your face. After 30 minutes, rinse off the mask with cool water.

For combination skin , try a nourishing mask with cocoa extract and aloe extract. The mixture has a healing effect and helps smooth out fine wrinkles. To prepare you will need:

• 1 tbsp. l. grape seed oils;
• 1 tsp. cocoa extract;
• 1 tbsp. l. juice or pulp from aloe leaves.

The cooking process takes no more than 5 minutes. Melt the cocoa butter and add the remaining mask ingredients. Mix everything well and apply to the face and décolleté. After 15 minutes, rinse off the remaining mixture with cool water.

For dry skin, you should try a composition of the following ingredients:

• 1 tsp. wheat germ oil extract;
• 1 tsp. cocoa butter;
• 1 tbsp. l. avocado pulp.

Mix melted cocoa butter with other ingredients. Distribute the nutritious paste onto pre-cleaned skin and leave for 15–20 minutes. Afterwards, wash your face with warm water. If you do not have time to wait until the remaining oil composition is completely absorbed, wipe your face with warm milk.

a nourishing night cream for facial skin yourself. To do this you will need:

• 1 tsp each oil extracts of sea buckthorn and rose hips, olive oil or jojoba;
• 1 tbsp. l. cocoa butter;
• 3 drops of liquid vitamins A and E;
• 1 tbsp. l. usual face cream.

Mix all ingredients and leave in a cool place to harden. Apply the prepared cream to clean skin before going to bed. The product is best stored in the refrigerator.

Chemical composition [2][3]

Nutritional value (per 100 grams of processed grains)

Vitamin composition (in milligrams per 100 grams of unprocessed grains)

Fats and fatty acids (in grams per 100 grams of processed grains)

Beauty recipes for lips, eyelashes and eyebrows

Cocoa butter perfectly softens and nourishes the skin, so it is often used to make lip balm. Take note of a few effective recipes:

1. Mix almond and sea buckthorn oils (1 tsp each), add melted cocoa butter (1.5 tbsp) and a capsule of liquid vitamin E. Stir the mixture until smooth and refrigerate to set. In the future, apply the product to the surface of your lips, especially when going outside.
2. Melt beeswax and cocoa butter (1 tbsp each) until fluid, add 2 tbsp to the mixture. l. wheat germ oil or other favorite oil. When the mixture hardens, use it as a lip balm.

The aromatic oil extract can also be used to stimulate the growth of hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. a little product to the ends of your eyelashes and eyebrows to make them thicker and more beautiful. Repeat the procedure several times a day.

Can it be taken internally?

The cosmetic product should not be taken orally or added to food; edible cocoa butter is used for these purposes. It is used in the production of white chocolate and confectionery.

It is recommended to use the aromatic extract for those whose bodies are sensitive to sudden changes in weather, and for people with low blood pressure. Regular use of this valuable product improves brain function, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and reduces the risk of heart attack and cancer. Please note that the product is very high in calories, excessive consumption may affect your figure.

For coughs, colds, and sore throats, the aromatic chocolate product will also come in handy. It is enough to consume a little oil (the size of a small pea) every 4 hours.

The product stimulates the removal of mucus. You can prepare a delicious and medicinal drink. To do this, add ½ tsp to warm milk (1 tbsp.) cocoa butter, 1–2 tsp. natural honey. Stir the ingredients and wait until they are completely dissolved. Believe me, with this medicine your children and you will always be healthy.

By the way. You can get valuable components from cocoa powder. A hot drink will give you energy before your planned workout, improve your mood and well-being.

Precautionary measures

Oil extract from cocoa fruits can cause an allergic reaction, so before using the product you should conduct a tolerance test.

For girls with oily skin, it is not recommended to apply the product in its pure form. Combination with other ingredients, ready-made masks or creams will be the best solution to skin problems.

There is no need to be afraid that the oil will harm sensitive skin. The drug acts very gently, does not tighten or injure the epidermis.

The property of the extract to influence microprocesses and the cardiovascular system is partly used to solve problems with cellulite.

Excess weight and diet will become an obstacle to the use of aromatic edible oil internally.

The product has no age-related contraindications; it will be useful for young children and clients in adulthood.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plant extract from cocoa beans has many beneficial qualities that will help maintain youth and health of the skin of the face and body, fill cells with nutritional components, smooth out wrinkles and prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

In addition to the rich composition and effective multilateral action, it is worth noting the following advantages of the product:

• versatility - the oil is indicated for children and adults, for all skin types;
• has a minimum of contraindications;
• can be used in its pure form without the risk of burns;
• easily combined with other oils and ingredients;
• not dangerous by overdose;
• purchasing the product will not cause any difficulties;
• a pleasant aroma that brings true pleasure and delight from the procedure;
• affordable price.

The only drawback of the product is the risk of buying a counterfeit product. If used incorrectly or if contraindications are ignored, pores may become clogged and allergies may develop.

Tips from cosmetologists

• If you have the feeling that cocoa butter is weighing down your skin, try mixing it (after melting) with sesame, peach, almond, and olive oil in an approximate ratio of 1:2 or 1:3.
• Don't be afraid to mix cocoa butter with other oils or herbs. This is a universal product that goes well with other components.
• If for some reason cocoa butter is not suitable for you, you can try using equally healthy and effective macadamia oil for the face.

Product reviews

Natural oils win the hearts of young and adult beauties every year. They captivate with their naturalness, benefits and effectiveness. Cocoa butter is one of the most popular face and body care products.

Users often use cocoa extract to moisturize and nourish the skin. Read about this in the next review.

For lips, eyelids, face, elbows, hair... The next user will tell you about effective beauty recipes and his delight in buying cocoa butter.

The many-sided benefits and pleasure of using Dolphin Coco unrefined cocoa butter are also discussed in the following review.

Cocoa butter Manteca de cacao cocoa butter also won a lot of positive user reviews. Soft and moisturized skin, ease of use and amazing aroma did not leave the next author indifferent.

Natural cocoa bean oil is an ideal assistant in solving skin problems, the use of which will bring a lot of positive emotions. Delicious aroma, instant effect, intense hydration and no harm - the undeniable advantages of the plant extract. Uncover even more recipes and beauty secrets with this product!