Cocoa is an ingredient used in cosmetics, specifically in the form of cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao seed butter). Its naturally fatty texture provides thickness to the formula and stands out for its emollient and intensively nourishing properties for dry skin. This butter is extracted by pressing the cocoa beans during the chocolate manufacturing process.
Using pure cocoa butter on the skin or mixed into other cosmetic products with other ingredients (other nourishing, plant-based fats, plant extracts, etc.) can help mitigate dehydrated skin by creating a protective lipid layer that prevents transepidermal water loss. It can also help to compensate for dehydration caused by exposure to the sun, combined with sunscreen. It is also suitable for the delicate skin of lips, hands and feet. In hair cosmetics, such as conditioners or masks, it is a very useful ingredient for dry and frizzy hair, as it deeply nourishes the hair fibre.