Cocao Butter is a rich natural fat derived from the cacao beans contained inside the pods of the Cocoa/Cacao Tree.
Cacao is the name given to the raw, unprocessed beans found in their fruit pods, whereas Cocoa is the name given to the beans after they have been harvested and processed.
Used topically, Cocoa Butter melts at body temperature and works to naturally soothe dry, sensitive skin while reducing and preventing the appearance of scars and unwanted marks. It is believed to have photo-protective properties that protect against harmful UV radiation.
Used in hair, Cocoa Butter moisturizes strands to make them more manageable. While repairing damage, Cocoa Butter replenishes naturally-occurring oils, adds volume and shine, boosts strength and resilience.
HISTORY OF COCOA BUTTER
Most commonly identified as the ingredient that gives chocolate its substance, consistency, and melting property, Cocoa Butter is a rich natural fat derived from the cacao beans contained inside the pods of the Cacao Tree.
This botanical is also recognized as the Cacao Tree and the Chocolate Tree, the latter name being derived from the Mayan term “Xocolatl” – their word for chocolate, which they derived from the Cacao tree.
The difference between the words Cocoa and Cacao is that Cacao is the name given to the raw, unprocessed beans found in their fruit pods, whereas Cocoa is the name given to the beans after they have been harvested and processed.
In West Africa, where more than half of the world’s commercial cocoa is produced, and in parts of Central and South America as well as in the Caribbean – countries to which they are indigenous – Cacao beans have been harvested for centuries to create Cocoa Butter.
This smooth emollient with a mild aroma has been used for centuries as a moisturizer that heals and protects skin and hair that is exposed to the harsh effects of the sun and the wind. For years, this pale-yellow, edible vegetable fat has been used in the manufacturing of toiletries and pharmaceuticals. Cocoa Butter has also been used traditionally for culinary purposes, such as in the production of chocolate, of which the butter is also a by-product. Aside from its culinary and medicinal applications.
Over time, the Cacao fruit came to be known for its medicinal properties, being used to address intestinal infections and diarrhea, to regulate the thyroid, to reduce secretions, and to work as a mild stimulant.
The tree’s young leaves were found to be advantageous for disinfecting wounds, while the peels of the beans were applied in remedies for diabetes as well as ailments affecting the liver, bladder, and kidneys.
Cacao beans and leaves were brewed into concoctions for addressing cough, asthma, colic, loss of appetite, weakness, malaria, fractures, parasites, pneumonia, and poisoning.
Lastly, the butter made of the beans was used to soothe and relieve fatigue, split lip, uncomfortable skin conditions, and burns.
COCOA BUTTER BENEFITS
The main chemical constituents of Cocoa Butter are:
Oleic Acids, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Palmitoleic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, alpha-Linolenic Acid, and Phytosterols (namely Stigmasterol).
OLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 9) are known to:
Maintain the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair
Stimulate the growth of thicker, longer, and stronger hair
Reduce the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines
Eliminate dandruff and thereby support hair growth
Boost immunity
Exhibit antioxidant properties
Prevent joint inflammation, stiffness
STEARIC ACID is known to:
Have cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin
Be an ideal emulsifying agent that binds water and oil
Help products remain potent when stored for long periods of time
Condition and protect hair from damage without diminishing luster or making it feel heavy
Have exceptional cleansing properties
Soften skin
Provides the butter with a solid consistency
PALMITIC ACID is known to:
Have emollient properties
Soften hair without leaving a greasy or sticky residue
Be the most common saturated fatty acid
LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA 6/Vitamin F) is known to:
Moisturize hair and promote its growth
Facilitate wound healing
Be an effective emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils
Exhibit anti-inflammatory properties
Soothe acne and reduce chances of future outbreaks
Promote moisture retention in skin and hair
Make oils feel thinner in consistency when used in an oil blend, thus being beneficial for use on acne-prone skin
Soothe and promote the healing of skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis
Slow the look of premature aging
ARACHIDIC ACID is known to:
Enhance and promote muscle gain/mass by boosting the body’s inflammatory responses
Boost immunity
Ease symptoms of depression
Soothe pain and discomfort associated with arthritis
Reduce weight
PALMITOLEIC ACID is known to:
Delay the appearance of premature aging
Moisturize and tighten the skin
Promote the growth of shiny hair
Enhance the brightness of the complexion
Boost the growth of healthy-looking nails
Enhance skin elasticity to prevent symptoms of premature aging, such as wrinkles
VITAMIN E is known to:
Have antioxidant properties that slow the look of aging and boost circulation
Repair scarred and blemished skin
Prevent moisture loss from skin and hair
Offer soothing relief to skin that has been burned
Deeply cleanse pores and balance oil production
VITAMIN K is known to:
Boost the body’s ability to clot blood, thereby facilitating the healing of wounds and bruises
Reduce swelling and bruising
Helping prevent acne and reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne
Slow the look of aging by preventing wrinkles
Regenerate hair strands and promote regrowth
ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3) is known to:
Lessen inflammation
Control blood clotting on the skin
Soothe joint pain and ease stiffness to improve flexibility
PHYTOSTEROLS (STIGMASTEROL) is known to:
Have skin lightening properties
Effectively soften dry, brittle hair
Ease frizzy hair
Have anti-inflammatory properties
Exhibit anti-aging effects
Improve blood circulation
As illustrated, Cocoa Butter is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:
COSMETIC: Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Stimulant, Nutritive, Detoxifying, Revivifying, Moisturizing, Anti-Aging, Rejuvenating.
MEDICINAL: Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Stimulant, Nutritive, Detoxifying, Revivifying, Moisturizing, Anti-Septic, Aphrodisiac, Bactericidal, Emmenagogue, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Uplifting.
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Cocao Butter is a rich natural fat derived from the cacao beans contained inside the pods of the Cocoa/Cacao Tree. Cacao is the name given to the raw, unprocessed beans found in their fruit pods, whereas Cocoa is the name given to the beans after they have been harvested and processed. Used topically, Cocoa Butter […]
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