Top 5 Benefits of Cocoa Butter

Looking for a moisturizer that's affordable, naturally sweet-smelling and easily absorbed by the skin? Then be on the lookout for cocoa butter.

Cocoa butter is the cream-colored fat that's extracted from cocoa beans—which explains its chocolate-y scent! It is used in cosmetics, soaps, lotions, and other skincare products thanks to its moisturizing properties. That's because it's one of the most stable, highly concentrated fats. It also melts at body temperature, making it readily absorbed by the skin.

Get to know more about this wonder moisturizer:

1. It keeps skin conditions at bay. Cocoa butter has been known to treat eczema and dermatitis. Thank the cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP) in cocoa butter: CMP inhibits the production of immonu globulin, which tends to worsen the symptoms of dermatitis and asthma.

2. It may help prevent cancer. Studies have shown that CMP helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells. CMP inhibits cancer cell and tumor growth by preventing the oxidation of good cholesterol and the production of inflammatory cells.

3. It helps boost your immune system. CMP may help suppress T-cell activity in your immune system, making it a kick-ass fighter against certain conditions such as psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

4. Major moisturizing powers. Ever wonder why pregnant women reach for cocoa butter-enriched products to rub on their bellies? Cocoa butter is loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E. Paired with its ability to moisturize like no other, cocoa butter has been the go-to ingredient to prevent stretch marks. While cocoa butter can't entirely erase them, it is able to reduce their appearance.

5. Helps your skin look younger. Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants, which help in fighting off free radicals. Free radicals destroy healthy skin cells, damaging your skin and making it age faster. An added bonus: cocoa butter may also protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.