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What Are the Benefits of Cocoa Butter Lotion?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The main advantage of using cocoa butter lotion is that it moisturizes the skin and may help prevent or reduce the appearance of scars. It rubs on smoothly and absorbs easily, allowing it to penetrate better than many other types of lotions or creams which tend to sit on the top of the skin instead. Using this lotion daily will help keep skin, soft, smooth, and adequately hydrated when combined with one's normal skincare routine.

Cocoa butter is derived from cacao seeds, the same substance used in the making of chocolate. It is a fat and is naturally thick and creamy. When added to lotions, it is typically thicker and easier to rub into the skin than other skincare products. Cocoa butter lotion has also been shown to penetrate deep into the skin, allowing it to moisturize beyond just the top layer. When applied daily over several weeks, it will help reduce dryness and related itching or peeling.

Cocoa butter lotion absorbs quickly and keeps skin supple.
Cocoa butter lotion absorbs quickly and keeps skin supple.

Some studies have shown that lotions containing cocoa butter may help prevent eczema and other skin disorders. Using it during pregnancy may also help prevent stretch marks to some degree, although the occurrence of stretch marks is often attributed to genetics. For the best results, cocoa butter should be used several times per day on any areas of dry skin. Those who have a pre-existing skin disorder or disease should consult a doctor before attempting to treat it with cocoa butter lotion.

Cocoa butter is made from the cacao seed.
Cocoa butter is made from the cacao seed.

There is also some evidence that cocoa butter may help reduce the appearance of existing scars when used often. Although it cannot remove scarred tissue, since scars are typically permanent unless removed surgically, the use of cocoa butter lotion has been shown to fade the dark colors often associated with scarring. Many anti-scar treatments contain cocoa butter as a main ingredient.

Cocoa butter is a fat and naturally creamy.
Cocoa butter is a fat and naturally creamy.

Many people use cocoa butter as a general moisturizer. It is soothing and leaves skin feeling softer and more comfortable, making it ideal for daily use. Negative reactions are uncommon, but those who experience irritation or redness after using cocoa butter-based lotions should discontinue use of the offending product. Cocoa butter lotions can be purchased in natural form with pure cocoa butter and few added ingredients, or cocoa may be be added to lotions which are comprised of several ingredients.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

I use cocoa butter lotion in winter on my heels, elbows and hands. It seems to fight winter dryness and itching. But I haven't seen any change in my stretch marks. I wonder if it takes a long time for cocoa butter lotion to work on them.

serenesurface

Cocoa butter lotion is great for old scar marks, blemishes and even stretch marks.

I originally bought a bottle of it for stretch marks due to pregnancy. But seeing how great it made my skin feel, I also started applying it to my face. I had a few old blemishes and I was amazed to see them disappear after a few weeks of using this lotion. Cocoa butter lotion is amazing, I wish I had started using it earlier, but it's never too late.

burcidi

Instion-- I agree with the last part of your comment, but not all cocoa butter lotions are created equal. Unfortunately, some of the cheaper ones contain mineral oil and fragrance, probably to cut costs.

The best type of cocoa butter lotion is one that has a high content of cocoa butter and all natural ingredients. These are more moisturizing and have healing properties. Of course, this type of lotion costs more, but it's worth it.

Instion

Cocoa butter lotion is also used in the healing of tattooed skin, presumably because the tattoo scabs over and dries? Can it be used in combination with other scar reducers, such as vitamin E, for added help and healing?

The stuff is a much better alternative to typical commercial lotions and moisturizers, many of which contain fragrance, mineral oil and other not-great ingredients. Mineral oil in particular coats the skin and doesn't let it breathe.

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    • Cocoa butter lotion absorbs quickly and keeps skin supple.
      By: Africa Studio
      Cocoa butter lotion absorbs quickly and keeps skin supple.
    • Cocoa butter is made from the cacao seed.
      By: Printemps
      Cocoa butter is made from the cacao seed.
    • Cocoa butter is a fat and naturally creamy.
      By: svl861
      Cocoa butter is a fat and naturally creamy.
    • Cocoa butter reduces the discomfort associated with stretched skin during pregnancy.
      By: igorborodin
      Cocoa butter reduces the discomfort associated with stretched skin during pregnancy.