Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter
Plant butter — the nourishing care that helps protect, soften and preserve the suppleness of the skin
Common name: Cocoa butter
INCI name: Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Where it comes from
Cocoa butter is of plant origin. It is obtained from the beans of the cocoa tree, a tree grown notably in the tropical regions of Africa, South America and other warm parts of the world.The beans are processed to extract a rich plant fat that is naturally solid at room temperature. After purification, the resulting butter is used in cosmetics for its nourishing, emollient and protective properties.
How does it work on the skin?
Picture the skin as having a thin protective layer that works like a blanket: it helps keep water inside and protects the skin against external aggressors.
When this protection is insufficient or weakened, water escapes more easily. The skin can then become dry, rough, uncomfortable and lose its suppleness.
Cocoa butter provides fats that soften and nourish the surface of the skin. It also forms a protective film that helps slow water loss.
It is rather like adding a thin protective layer on the skin to help it keep its comfort and hydration.
To the touch, the skin can thus gradually become softer, more supple and more comfortable. Its appearance can also look smoother, particularly when dryness and roughness are linked to a lack of lipids.
Thanks to this nourishing, protective action, cocoa butter is particularly valuable in formulas meant to reinforce the feeling of comfort of skin that needs rich care.
Which skin types?
Cocoa butter is particularly suited to:
- Dry skin : helps nourish the skin and reduce the feeling of dryness by bringing lipids to its surface.
- Very dry skin : particularly valuable for skin that badly lacks comfort and feels tight or rough.
- Dehydrated skin : its protective film helps limit water loss and thereby helps keep the skin more comfortable.
- Rough skin : helps soften the skin's surface and restore a softer, smoother skin feel.
- Skin lacking suppleness : provides nourishment that helps keep the skin more supple and pleasant to the touch.
- Skin weakened by dryness : its emollient, protective action helps preserve the skin's comfort when it is especially dry.
- Normal skin : can also be used in nourishing care, particularly when the skin is exposed to conditions that encourage drying out.
It is particularly suited to care for the body, hands, feet, lips and dry areas, depending on the formulation it is used in.
At CHEM BIODERM
We value cocoa butter for its plant origin and its richness in nourishing fats.
Built into a formula, it brings a dimension of nourishment, protection, softness and suppleness, particularly sought after for dry skin or skin that needs richer care.
It thus helps leave the skin more comfortable, softer and more supple, while helping preserve its natural protection.
Browse our ingredient glossary here.