Cocoa Butter is the natural fat extracted from Theobroma cacao beans. It is rich in stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids, making it a rich emollient that melts at body temperature. It forms a protective occlusive layer on skin, deeply moisturizing and preventing water loss.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Deeply moisturizing and occlusive
+ Rich in fatty acids (stearic, oleic, palmitic)
+ Natural source of antioxidants (polyphenols)
+ Melts at body temperature for smooth application
+ Helps prevent and reduce stretch marks (anecdotal)
Pros
+ Natural, food-grade ingredient
+ Long history of safe use in skincare
+ Excellent for very dry skin and body care
+ Pleasant natural chocolate aroma
+ Stable — good shelf life
Cons
− Comedogenic — can clog pores on facial skin
− Very heavy — too rich for oily/acne-prone skin
− Solid at room temperature, needs melting
− May cause allergic reaction in those with chocolate allergy
− Can feel greasy on skin
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Plant
Natural Level
Natural
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating
4/5 (high)
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — GRAS
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Body butter
10 - 100%
Lip balm
10 - 50%
Face cream
1 - 5%
Soap making
5 - 30%
References
Scapagnini G et al. (2014) — Cocoa polyphenols and skin. PMID: 24915354
Heinrich U et al. (2006) — Cocoa flavanols and skin. PMID: 16702322