Is Cocoa Butter Bad for Your Face: What I Wish I Knew!

The face is an acne-prone area that shouldn’t be tampered with just any kind of skincare product.

Cocoa butter is considered safe for use on the skin. Adding this nourishing butter to your skin every day will help you keep moisture in, and it will help prevent your skin from drying out.

Is there scientific evidence to support cocoa butter’s fading dark spots?

Although cocoa butter has been used for years as a dark spot remover, there is limited scientific evidence that it has dark spots.

However, anecdotal data from individuals who have used cocoa butter consistently shows that, when used correctly, cocoa butter can treat dark spots.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Fade Cream
  • This cream targets dark spots, age spots, uneven skin tone and discoloration 
  • Brighter, More Radiant Skin
  • Finest Ingredients
  • Our beauty products and hair and skin treatments feature real, plant-based ingredients

The best technique to use cocoa butter to even out dark spots is to experiment with it a couple of times per week and then evaluate the results. If you record no reactions or sensitivity, you can increase the frequency to daily.

What alternative can I use to even out dark spots?

If your marks are particularly dark or have been present for a long period, prescription treatment will provide greater results. To help reduce dark marks, topical retinoid medications such as salicylic acid, Retin-A, Tazorac, and Azelaic acid are frequently given.

Another advantage of those prescription drugs is that they can be used to treat acne. Let’s have a look at some suggestions.

1.

You can improve on your dark spots with ordinary azelaic. It contains 10% azelaic acid to brighten your complexion, is cruelty-free, vegan, and gentle enough to use twice a day.

It improves the evenness of skin texture and minimizes the appearance of imperfections. You can apply it twice daily to your face to improve the appearance of your skin’s brightness and texture. During the day, use sun protection to prevent contact with your eyes and mouth.

Pros

  • Smoothes skin.
  • Even skin tone.
  • Help treat Rosacea
  • Contains Azelaic Acid.
  • Treats blemishes and dark spots.
  • Treats acne-prone sensitive skin.

Cons

  • The smell may be sensitive to some users.

2.

The oil-free salicylic acid acne cleanser from Neutrogena cleans and calms acne. It contains lipo-hydroxy acid, a milder acne treatment. It is suitable for all skin types because it is free of oils, fragrances, and parabens.

In a single step, this powerful acne treatment and cleanser treats and prevents outbreaks. The oil-free cleanser not only gently washes deep into pores for clear skin but also includes salicylic acid, which aids in acne clearing and prevents recurrent breakouts.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Rinses clean 
  • Non-irritating skin.
  • Non-comedogenic 
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Contain Salicylic Acid

Cons

  • Some users prefer fragrance and foam.

The downside to using cocoa butter on your face

As long as you are not allergic to the cocoa plant, cocoa butter is deemed safe. In addition, unlike cocoa powder, cocoa butter has no caffeine. Unfortunately, acne is not one of cocoa butter’s strong strengths. It will aggravate your acne.

Cocoa butter is known to clog your skin’s pores. The chemical structure of oil impacts whether or not it clogs pores. Because the molecules in cocoa butter are packed so tightly together, it is comedogenic or pore-clogging. Olive oil, almond oil, and apricot oil are examples of less comedogenic oils. Pores will not be clogged with soybean, sunflower, or safflower oil.

What are dark spots?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation refers to dark spots or the dark markings that blemishes leave behind after they heal.

Some individuals are susceptible to hyperpigmentation. Although anyone can develop dark spots as a result of acne, persons with medium to dark skin tones are more prone than those with lighter skin tones to develop hyperpigmentation. And those scars are more likely to be permanent.

Even if you don’t pick at your pimples, you may develop acne scars. Acne scars vanish on their own in some people after just a few weeks. In some, though, they may never go away if not treated.

Also Read: Does Cocoa Butter help with Dark Spots?

How does cocoa butter treat dark spots?

Cocoa butter is effective at reducing the visibility of scars and hyperpigmentation. However, you should not use cocoa butter on acne scars.

While the butter is likely to remove the scars, it is also likely to cause new pimples to appear in their place.

It can also protect the skin’s surface layer from external substances that might harm and discolour the skin. However, while cocoa butter may help to reduce the look of darker spots over time, it is not a significant skin-lightening agent.

You may be able to improve the health and appearance of the skin on your face by using cocoa butter. In order to keep skin looking healthy, it is important to keep it moist, elastic, and protected from the sun.

When cocoa butter is melted, it becomes oily, so it can be used on your face depending on the type of skin you have. It is best to use cocoa butter as a makeup remover rather than a moisturiser if you have oily skin. Those with acne-prone skin should avoid using cocoa butter on their faces.

If you have dry skin without acne, cocoa butter is ideal for applying to your face. Cocoa butter, which is oily, may cause breakouts if it comes into contact with the skin’s natural sebum. Normally, your body produces sebum to protect your skin. A buildup of dead skin cells can clog up pores when this oil is produced in excess.

Now imagine using cocoa butter on an oily face that produces excess sebum. So it’s best to use cocoa butter on areas other than your face.

If you have the right skin type, there are plenty of ways that cocoa butter can benefit your face, including acne, scars, and the best cocoa butter products for the face.

Moreover, cocoa butter works well to keep dry lips soft and moisturised, and even dark spots. Read on to find out how.

How to treat acne

The best way to treat acne is to see a dermatologist. Trying on your own might trigger more breakouts.

If acne tends to leave lasting dark posts on your skin, you should see a dermatologist right away. The sooner you start treatment, the easier it will be to get those marks under control.

Don’t be upset if your dermatologist prioritises acne treatment and ignores the blemishes for the time being. Remember that acne must be controlled before you can treat the markings effectively. Your dermatologist will subsequently focus on levelling out your skin tone if your skin is substantially clear.

What is cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter, also known as cacao butter, is fat from the cocoa bean. Cocoa butter is a form of healthy saturated fat that contains zero cholesterol. This fat is used in chocolate production, culinary, toiletry, pharmaceutical, and skincare products.

Cocoa butter comes from a cocoa plant called Theobroma cacao, a native of central and south America and cultivated in parts of west Africa. 

The cocoa butter in its raw state is extracted from cocoa beans and has a strong chocolate aroma. Contrarily, refined cocoa butter has a minimal aroma.

Unlike other butter, cocoa butter is solid and melts below room temperature on low heat.

Is Cocoa Butter Good For Face Moisturiser?

If you have dry skin that is free of acne, you can use cocoa butter on your face. If you choose to use cocoa butter on your face, I recommend using pure, unrefined cocoa butter. Unrefined is better because it contains all the nutrients that your skin needs.

Cocoa butter is an emollient that locks in moisture to keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Keeping your skin hydrated is essential, no matter what skin issues you’re dealing with.  If you have psoriasis or eczema, cocoa butter might be perfect for you.

Benefits of using Cocoa Butter on the Face

Besides working as a wonderful moisturizer, cocoa butter has some other noteworthy benefits for the skin.

Cocoa butter contains antioxidants

Cocoa butter includes antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, as well as polyphenols. These nutrients combat free radicals, which cause skin damage.

Antioxidants alleviate inflammation, heal damaged skin cells, and encourage skin cell development.

Cocoa Butter Reduces the Appearance of Scars & Hyperpigmentation

These antioxidants also help to minimise the visibility of scars and hyperpigmentation. Cocoa butter does not affect the level of melanin in your skin. However, it can heal the skin to lighten dark spots and remove minor scars.

Cocoa Butter Is a Good Makeup Remover

Because cocoa butter is oil-based, it is ideal for removing waterproof makeup. Because water despises oil, oil can remove waterproof makeup from your face.

How to Use Cocoa Butter on Your Face

You can apply cocoa butter on your face in a variety of ways. You can utilise it in its purest form, purchase a ready-made product, or make your cocoa butter blend.

Using Cocoa Butter in its purest form

The easiest way to use cocoa butter is to buy pure raw cocoa butter. You can apply this to your face as a moisturizer.

Choose a Pre-Made Cocoa Butter Product

Another simple approach to using cocoa butter is to purchase a product that contains cocoa butter as an ingredient. Many of these products have additional components that are beneficial to your skin.

Below are a few of my favourite cocoa butter products.

Make Your Own Cocoa Butter Recipe

My favourite way to use cocoa butter is to create my mixture. The downside to this is that it’s more expensive and will take some time. Still, you get to pick which ingredients go into the recipe, so you know exactly what’s going on on your face.

Best Cocoa Butter for Face

Using cocoa butter on your face depends on your skin type. Cocoa butter face lotion works great on people who have dry or normal skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to avoid using cocoa butter on your face.

I recommend using unrefined cocoa butter. It contains the most nutrients, retains its lovely chocolaty smell, and it’s versatile. You can also use Pre-Made Cocoa Butter Products that are dermatologically tested for use on the face. You can try Palmer’s anti-dark fade cream on your face.

1. Organic cocoa butter By SaaQin

There is no butter more instantly effective than this in its natural, unadulterated form, with nothing added or peeled away. It never fails to quench your dry skin and hair because it absorbs quickly and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.

The natural fragrance of cocoa will appeal to you, and this product gives a subtle, familiar scent that is not overbearing. This is high-grade cocoa butter. You can tell a difference, and you’d buy it again in a heartbeat.

Pros

  • Versatile butter
  • Chocolate smell
  • Moisturises skin
  • Raw cocoa butter
  • Easily spreadable
  • Good for lip butter or balm.

Cons

  • Hard texture

2. Palmers’ Anti-Dark Spot Night Fade Cream

If you’re looking for a product to help with hyperpigmentation, this is going to be your best option. It contains cocoa butter and vitamin E for proper nourishment.

Palmer commits to using only the safest cocoa butter. This cream is free from parabens, hydroquinone, phthalates, sulfates, MI, and dyes.

This cream targets dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone. While doing so, helps your skin become hydrated, soft, and more elastic.

This cream also contains niacinamide, which targets dark spots and discolouration.

Pros

  • Clinically tested
  • Even dark spots
  • Free of parabens.
  • Helps with hyperpigmentation.

Cons

  • It contains refined cocoa butter.

What to look out for when buying cocoa butter for your face.

Check for Raw butter on the label

Read the label carefully to ensure that the product is pure cocoa butter and of excellent quality. If there are other ingredients except for cocoa butter, it is not pure cocoa butter. Look for a “pure cocoa butter” product if you intend to use it for facial moisturiser.

Fragrance

Check to see if the raw butter you buy has a natural chocolate aroma.

For individuals who wish to bathe in chocolate but cannot afford to wade into molten chocolate, cocoa butter can be applied to their skin. As a result, your skin will not only be moisturised but will also smell wonderful.

Organic Ingredients

Many cocoa kinds of butter on the market have been processed with chemicals and so lost their purity.

As a result, if you want to ensure that the product you’re purchasing is of good quality, search for a label that says ‘organic ingredients exclusively’ on the container.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is cocoa butter safe for the face?

The answer is, that it depends.  Cocoa butter is naturally antioxidant-rich and helps fight free radical damage that can cause ageing and dullness. To keep your skin soft, hydrated, and younger-looking, you can use cocoa butter as a facial moisturizer. If you have oily or acne prove skin however, avoid using cocoa butter on your face.

Is cocoa butter good for your face at night?

Due to its wonderful ingredients, which also include palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids, cocoa butter nourishes the skin giving it a vibrant glow in its natural form. Apply cocoa butter on the face before bed and enjoy beautiful skin. Additionally, cocoa butter fastens the healing of cracked and dry skin.

Can cocoa butter cause acne?

Cocoa butter is considered mild to moderately comedogenic. This means it can clog your pores. So, if you’re diligently rubbing cocoa butter onto your face every day, you may be doing more harm than good. If cocoa butter clogs your pores, it’s contributing to breakouts.

Now it’s your turn.

Cocoa butter is an excellent moisturiser for your skin and face. Using cocoa butter might improve the overall health and appearance of the skin on your face. Moisture, elasticity, and sun protection are all desirable attributes for keeping skin looking healthy.

However, cocoa butter is moderately comedogenic, which means, it can clog your pores. Clogged pores mean you’re likely to have breakouts of acne. That’s why it’s best to use it on your face if you have dry or normal skin. 

If your skin is oily, it’s best to use cocoa butter on other areas of your skin than your face. 

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AUTHOR
From chocolate craving to winter hot cocoa drinks indulgence - I've being through it all. In as much as I'm always learning about the awesomeness of cacao/cocoa beans, there's one thing I know for sure. Quality cocoa product always comes tops. The devil is in the details. That's why you should listen to me. I've done the research. I've made all the mistakes in the books. Yes, I'm just like you but I know a thing or two that can help you make a better choice.