I just love working with Raw Cocoa Butter – the base of all SunnyHerbals Chocolate Lip Butters. That rich aroma makes me feel I’m in chocolate heaven.
The vegetable fat obtained from cocoa beans is cocoa butter. It is solid at room temperature and has a long shelf life between 2 to 5 years.
Cocoa butter can be raw or refined.
What is the difference between raw cocoa butter and its refined version?
Raw cocoa butter is
1.Creamy yellow in color.
2. It has that rich chocolate aroma
3. Most importantly in its raw state, cocoa butter retains all its natural nutrients which includes fatty acids and antioxidants
Refined cocoa butter on the other hand undergoes processing at high heat which removes its color and smell. Refined cocoa butter is used in skincare to add creaminess without the chocolate aroma.
So what does Raw Cocoa Butter do for your skin? Raw cocoa butter is very rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
Here are 7 benefits of Raw cocoa butter
1. Antioxidants present in cocoa butter like polyphenols and flavonoids protect the skin from free radicals. This helps delay signs of aging.
2. Rich in fatty acids like oleic, palmitic and stearic fatty acids, raw cocoa butter nourishes and deeply moisturizes skin.
3. It is a natural emollient that improves skin elasticity, supports collagen production
4. Helps soothe inflamed skin
5. Fatty acids present in cocoa butter that moisturize and hydrate skin and support collagen production, help reduce the appearance of stretch marks during and after pregnancy.
6. Helps fade scars
7. Cocoa butter is very nourishing for the scalp. It moisturizes and conditions the scalp and helps reduce dandruff
While cocoa butter is rich in nutrients that are very hydrating and nourishing for skin, it should be noted that it is also highly comedogenic and clogs pores. So for those who are acne prone, it is not a good idea to apply cocoa butter to the face as it can cause breakouts. A better option is to use Shea Butter that does not clog pores.
All my lip butters are made with raw cocoa butter as it is so good for chapped lips and helps hydrate and retain moisture for a long time. Its ability to support collagen production also causes lips to stay plump, soft and supple
