Discover the characteristics of Cocoa Butter
PLANT TYPE: Evergreen – Cocoa
ORIGIN: South America
COSMETIC USES: Hydrating, Nourishing, Emollient, Elasticizing
Cosmetic Characteristics
Hydrating | Cocoa butter is a highly valued natural moisturizer that melts just above room temperature. It is rich in fatty acids that contribute to a sensation of soft, nourished skin.
Emollient | Thanks to its fatty-acid-rich composition, cocoa butter has notable emollient and nourishing properties for the skin, which is why it is widely used in cosmetics.
Rich in Antioxidants | Cocoa butter naturally contains oleic, palmitic and stearic acid, which contribute to a sensation of protected skin and help visibly counter the signs of environmental stress.
The Story
Theobroma cacao, also called the cocoa tree, is a small evergreen tree of the Malvaceae family, native to the tropical regions of Mesoamerica. Its seeds, cocoa beans, are used to make chocolate liquor, cocoa solids, cocoa butter and chocolate.
The fruit, called a cocoa pod, contains 20 to 60 seeds embedded in a white pulp. Each seed contains a significant amount of fat (40-50%) as cocoa butter.
A tradition from far away
Historical accounts suggest the Maya were the first to discover and cultivate cocoa. Europeans encountered cocoa beans when Christopher Columbus received them as a gift during his fourth voyage.
In Aztec civilization, cocoa was considered a luxury good, valuable enough to be used as currency. This is the origin of the scientific name Theobroma cacao, meaning "food of the gods."
Discover the other Ingredients
HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL (Sunflower Seed Oil), OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT OIL (Olive Oil), RICINUS COMMUNIS SEED OIL (Castor Oil), THEOBROMA CACAO SEED BUTTER (Cocoa Butter), MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (Tea Tree Oil), GOLD (Gold)