Benefits of Unrefined Cocoa butter for skin

Cocoa butter, an indulgent and luxurious ingredient, has been prized for centuries for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Derived from the fatty seeds of the cacao tree, cocoa butter is a staple in skincare, offering many benefits for the skin.

Cocoa is the dried and fermented seed of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), native to the tropics of Central and South America. It's the main ingredient in chocolate production and has been prized for its rich flavour, aroma, and nutritional benefits for centuries.

Where is Cocoa Grown?

Cocoa is grown in the "Cocoa Belt", a region spanning:

1. West Africa (Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria)

2. Central and South America (Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil)

3. Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia)

4. Pacific Islands (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands)

Types of Cocoa

1. Criollo

Criollo is a scarce and precious variety associated with the Maya and the Aztecs. It is considered the finest and rarest variety of cocoa, accounting for only about 5% of the world’s cocoa production. The beans are more delicate and prone to disease, which makes them harder to grow.

Criollo is Grown in Central America, the Caribbean, Venezuela, and Madagascar.

2. Forastero: Forastero is the most common cocoa variety, making up about 80-90% of the world’s cocoa production. The beans are known for their robust, strong flavour but are generally less aromatic and complex than other varieties. It is primarily grown in West Africa (Ghana, Ivory Coast), Brazil, and Ecuador.

3. Trinitario

Trinitario is a hybrid of Forastero and Criollo, combining the hardiness of Forastero with the refined flavour of Criollo. It makes up 10-15% of the world’s cocoa production.

It is grown in countries like Trinidad (where it originated), Venezuela, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia.

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Cocoa butter in Skincare

In skincare, cocoa butter is widely used for its skin benefits due to its rich moisturizing properties and high content of beneficial fatty acids.

For skincare, it is best to use pure, unrefined cocoa butter. Unrefined cocoa butter retains its natural nutrients and benefits compared to refined cocoa butter, which may have been processed and stripped of some beneficial compounds.

The cocoa butter we use at Bambouberry is unprocessed and retains natural nutrients, making it ideal for skin care. It is usually pale yellow or light brown and has a natural, strong chocolate aroma.

Cocoa butter offers numerous benefits for the skin

Unrefined cocoa butter Hydrates and softens skin, reducing dryness and flakiness.
Antioxidants and fatty acids help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Cocoa butter improves skin's elasticity, firmness, and tone.
Calms irritated skin, reducing inflammation and redness.
Fades the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Shields skin from environmental stressors and damage.
It helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Nourishes and protects dry, chapped lips.
It help alleviate symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Suitable for sensitive skin, including babies and children.