Cocoa Butter

INCI: Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter

Also known as: Cacao butter

EmollientsemollientbotanicalAnecdotal evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

4/5

Irritancy

0/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

1%–100%

How It Works

A heavy occlusive butter with a distinctive chocolate scent. Traditional for stretch-mark prevention; high comedogenic risk on facial skin.

Forms an occlusive barrier; saturated fats slow TEWL.

pH Range

5.0–7.0

Benefits

Deep occlusion
Body emollient
Soothes dry skin

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Body drynessStretch marks

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

Acne-prone facial skin

Layering Order

8/10

Final occlusive/SPF layer.

Max Safe Concentration

100%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–100%

Seasonal Use

Winter favourite for body.

Nutrition Connection

Edible cocoa butter used in chocolate.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Body only, never recommend for facial routines.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Cocoa Butter.

3 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review

Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.

Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Nano-hyaluronic acid significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity after 8 weeks.

Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Ceramide-dominant emollients improved skin barrier function by 63% within 6 weeks.

Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C
Cutis, 2006

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Shea ButterVitamin E

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility