Ingredient Highlight

Cocoa Butter`

Cocoa butter is one of my favorite ingredients to use.  This ingredient has a light, chocolate scent which is perfect alone or in combination with other complementing scents (peppermint, strawberry, cherry, and so many others.)   The butter is a solid at room temperature but has a low melting point, so as you rub it across your skin or lips, it glides on smoothly, softening and lubricating the skin.  This is a popular ingredient in massage creams and lip balms due to its low melting point.  It is absorbed into the skin fairly quickly, so it does not leave a greasy feeling behind.

Cocoa butter has antioxidants which fight free radicals and also act as a natural preservative, giving products an extended shelf life (up to 2 years, depending on the other ingredients).   The anti-inflammatory properties of cocoa butter may help ease arthritis.  It has been used for reducing or preventing stretch marks, helping to heal scars (including acne scars), and in the prevention and healing of chapped skin.  The fatty acids in cocoa butter help hydrate the skin.  Cocoa butter acts as a natural barrier, helping to keep moisture in the skin.

If you have read my blog from the beginning, you likely know that I use this ingredient all by itself as my go-to skin moisturizer.  It only takes a tiny amount rubbed on my face and neck at night to make my skin soft and hydrated.  It smells great, too!