What Is Cocoa Butter & Why Is It Trendy?

Cocoa butter is a natural vegetable fat that is extracted from cocoa beans and has been used for centuries to nourish and hydrate the skin. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and known for its anti-inflammatory properties, cocoa butter is a powerhouse ingredient. In recent years, cocoa butter has become increasingly trendy as people are becoming more aware of its health benefits, especially for sensitive skin.

Health Benefits of Cocoa Butter

1. Moisturizes the Skin

Cocoa butter contains fatty acids that help to hydrate the skin and create a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. Cocoa butter can help to improve the elasticity of the skin by increasing the production of collagen. This can help to prevent dryness, wrinkles, and age spots- leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. 

2. Perfect Antioxidant Source

The phytochemicals in cocoa butter guard against skin damage from harmful UV rays, lowering the risk of skin disease. These polyphenols are rich in Resveratrol, which you may have heard of before. Resveratrol is a great natural antioxidant that protects skin against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging.

3. Heal Your Skin Quicker

Cocoa butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and heal irritated skin. It is often used to treat conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

4. Nourishes the Skin

Cocoa butter is a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage. It also contains other nutrients that can help to nourish the skin, such as stearic acid and oleic acid.

5. Protects Against Sun Damage

While it is not a substitute for sunscreen, it can help to protect the skin from UV rays that can cause sun damage. This can help to prevent premature aging of the skin and the development of skin cancer. This antioxidant powerhouse also targets dull and uneven skin.

6. Boosts Good Cholesterol Levels

Cocoa butter is rich in stearic acid, which has been shown to increase good cholesterol levels in the body. This can help to improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

7. Compatible with Sensitive Skin

Cocoa butter is gentle on the skin and is compatible with sensitive skin. This ingredient is known to help cases of eczema and dermatitis.

Can Cocoa Butter Cause Breakouts?

Cocoa butter is generally safe for most skin types and is unlikely to cause breakouts when formulated well. However, if you have acne-prone skin, it is best to patch test before using it on your face. This will help to determine if it is compatible with your skin type.

Cocoa Butter Vs. Shea Butter

Cocoa butter and shea butter are both natural skin moisturizers that are beneficial for skin health. Cocoa butter is derived from the cocoa beans of the cacao tree, while shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree. Both kinds of butter are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to hydrate, protect, and nourish the skin.

Shea butter is known for its emollient properties, which means that it helps to soften and smooth the skin. Cocoa butter is also moisturizing, but it is also known for its ability to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Both cocoa butter and shea butter are beneficial for skin health, especially in the fall when the weather can be dry and harsh. In addition to moisturizing and protecting the skin, both butters can also help to soothe irritated skin caused by conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

How to Use Cocoa Butter for Your Skin

If you are looking for a natural way to moisturize and protect your skin, consider using cocoa butter or shea butter. Both kinds of butter are available in a variety of products, including lotions, creams, and ointments. Overall, incorporating cocoa butter into your skincare routine can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin. 

About the Hydra+ Cream from MIRACO Beauty

The Hydra+ Cream from MIRACO Beauty is a dream cream for your skin. It has the perfect balance of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients and is a water-based moisturizer. Moisturizing, antioxidant-rich shea and cocoa butter are synced with hyaluronic acid, collagen proteins, and green algae that hydrate, restore elasticity, improve texture, and protect the skin's barrier.

The combination is efficient on skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin. As we age, our skin's water content decreases (thanks a lot, nature!). The amount of sebum (oil) in our skin also begins to increase during adolescence, reaching its peak at around age 20-30 before decreasing again after age 40. So, when shopping for the right moisturizer, it's important to remember that cost doesn't always equal quality.

It can also be deceiving to focus on how a product feels on the skin since many formulations can feel moisturizing but actually aren't. Our best recommendation is to find a moisturizer that balances hydrating and emollient ingredients and also contains peptides and skin-soothing ingredients.

The Hydra+ Cream layers beautifully under makeup and adds a layer of protection to the skin microbiome. The addition of collagen protein and kombucha adds radiance and bounce to the skin therefore makes a perfect addition to your current skincare regimen.

So stay informed and stay hydrated, beauties!