Cocoa Butter vs. Shea Butter

Which Is Better for a Skincare Routine?

Using cocoa butter vs shea butter for skin is highly debated within the cosmetic manufacturing industry about which one has the better effects. Although they are similar, they have many differences in how they are used, what they treat, and who benefits the most from each. Cocoa butter and shea butter are natural substances that offer outstanding moisturizing benefits to keep skin smooth, soft, and rejuvenated.

Cocoa and shea butter are trending ingredients right now because they make consumers feel confident about the effectiveness of the products they’re using. Many consumers today who buy cosmetic products that use cocoa and organic shea butter value the fact that the ingredients are 100% natural and ethically sourced. Kraft Chemical offers cocoa butter and shea butter as ingredients for beauty, cosmetic, and personal care manufacturers who have been or are interested in using these natural kinds of butter. Kraft Chemical only offers the best, most natural ingredients for consumers to get the desired effects they’re looking for.

The Benefits of Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter, also called theobroma oil, is a pale-yellow, edible fat extracted from the cocoa bean primarily found in South and Central Africa. The fatty acids that make this natural ingredient a great moisturizer are oleic, stearic, and palmitic. Its melting point is just below the human body temperature, making it perfect to be used on the skin.

Other benefits of cocoa butter in skin care include:

• ✔ Nourishes skin to create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
• ✔ Aromatherapy – Cocoa butter has a distinct light chocolate scent that can be soothing.
• ✔ Antioxidant qualities and high in vitamin E making scars and stretch lines less noticeable.

Cocoa Butter in Skin Care Routines

In a skincare routine, cocoa butter products are versatile and most often found in lotions, face masks, lip balms, or ointments as a protective barrier. Since the fats in cocoa butter are insoluble in water, products that use it can retain moisture in the skin longer than other ingredients or products can.

Who benefits the most from using cocoa butter?

The consumers who would benefit from using cocoa butter in their skincare routine the most are those who have dry skin that is not acne-prone. However, cocoa butter is a popular ingredient that can be bought and used by anyone, no matter the skin type or complexion.

What are the benefits of cocoa butter as an ingredient outside of skincare?

Cocoa butter benefits all types of industries, not just skincare. It is an ingredient used in chocolate in the food industry and it can be used as an ingredient in personal care products such as ointments and pharmaceuticals. It is often used by manufacturers for its naturally sweet aroma in massage oils or lotions to produce a relaxing effect.

The Benefits of Shea Butter

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of a shea tree, which is primarily found in Africa. Raw shea butter is ivory in color, with more processed versions being white or dyed yellow. This ingredient is rich in linoleic,  arachidic, and palmitic acid – which are the fatty acids that make shea butter a great moisturizer.

Other benefits of shea butter in skin care include:

• ✔ Cell-regenerative properties to soften the skin, reduce wrinkles and stretch marks, and treat eczema. 
• ✔ Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and naturally mimics your skin’s sebum. 
• ✔ Lightweight and better for acne-prone skin.

Shea Butter in Skin Care Routines

Shea butter is widely used in lotions, salves, and products similar to ones that have cocoa butter in them.  However, shea butter has its amazing moisturizing features that some consumers would prefer over cocoa butter in their skincare routine.

Who benefits the most from using shea butter?

The consumers who would benefit the most from using shea butter in their skincare routine are those who have oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Industry experts know that pure shea butter will not clog pores and is a great way to offer deeper hydration without the risk of breaking out. Others seek and benefit from shea butter products meant to treat and diminish stretch marks, scars, or other skin blemishes.

What are the benefits of cocoa butter as an ingredient outside of skincare?

There are fewer benefits of shea butter outside of skincare than cocoa butter, but it is still a multi-purpose ingredient. Shea butter is sometimes used in food preparation and as a substitute for cocoa butter – but the taste is noticeably different. Shea butter as an ingredient predominantly benefits industries that sell personal care and cosmetic products to treat hair, lips, and nails.

Is it safe to use shea butter and cocoa butter together?

Yes, it is safe to use both of these ingredients together in skincare products and routines. Many consumers like products that have both ingredients because they can receive different benefits from each. Cocoa butter and shea butter are also great to be mixed along with other oils like vegetable and coconut oil to create an intensive oil-rich body moisturizer.

Craft Your Next Skin Care Product With Kraft Chemical

There are many differences between cocoa butter versus shea butter for skin and hair purposes. Cocoa butter is an amazing moisturizer that repels water and is loved for its soft chocolatey smell. Whereas shea butter is sought after by consumers for its lightweight, non-comedogenic, moisturizing qualities that are safe for acne-prone skin. With the rise in popularity of these ingredients, manufacturers and industries need to pick a trusted and reliable supplier. Let Kraft Chemical help you select the best ingredients for you and your products. Talk to an expert today.