Cocoa butter - properties and uses. Cocoa butter in cosmetology

03.01.2021 Snacks

In addition to cocoa powder, there is also cocoa butter. Here we will talk about its properties and application in cosmetology today.

Cocoa butter is obtained by pressing the beans of the cocoa tree. This is a fairly hard and brittle substance, which becomes watery and oily after heating, and it is enough to heat up to 35 degrees. Cocoa butter is known in the culinary and cosmetic industries. It has a pleasant aroma and numerous beneficial properties.

Useful properties of cocoa butter:

1. natural natural antioxidant
2. Healing and tonic effect
3. Strengthening capillaries
4. Prevention of oxidative processes
5. Reducing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease
6. Protecting the heart muscle from weakening
7. Reducing the likelihood of developing cancer
8. Improving collagen synthesis and skin hydration
9. Normalization of cholesterol in the blood
10. Improving blood circulation in the brain
11. Skin protection from UV rays

Cocoa butter is used as a fatty base in cosmetic and culinary recipes. It is based on, which improve the condition of the body, create a rejuvenating effect. Cocoa butter is also added to medicines - against peeling lips, burns and other skin damage.

Everyone is familiar with a depressive state, for many it occurs in autumn and winter, and for some in the spring there are such ailments. Cocoa butter will help protect yourself from this disease. With the help of oil, the work of the whole organism improves.

Is there any harm in eating cocoa butter? Yes, there is, but from excessive consumption, as, indeed, from all other foods, vegetables and fruits, which we sometimes get carried away with excessively.

If you love sweets, chocolate and other products that contain cocoa, you should also be aware of the results of abuse. And here are the main ones - metabolic disorders can occur; the appearance of excess weight and as a result, the appearance of acne is possible.

And hence the contraindications of cocoa butter: for those who have diabetes; obese or with impaired metabolism, as well as young children (up to a year), since the oil contains a small amount of caffeine.

Maybe someone will ask - what about allergies? Specialists - doctors and nutritionists say that cocoa beans themselves will not cause allergies, but we should not forget that when we use our favorite sweets and other chocolate products, before we put this tidbit in our mouth, it goes through various stages of processing, where and other chemical products.

Composition of cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat. The composition of cocoa products includes the same substances, but in different amounts and ratios. In cocoa butter, the highest fat content is approximately 95%, the remaining 5% is water, biologically active substances of a lipid nature (oleic, stearic, lauric, palmitic, linolenic fatty acids) and other substances.

The lowest fat content in cocoa powder, however, it contains more carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Cocoa powder is rich in vitamins and microelements, as well as biologically active compounds of the protein structure, which includes dopamine and serotonin.

Cocoa beans contain the largest amount of biologically active substances. So, back to cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is very fatty, hard, pale yellow in color. It has a high calorie content. The most useful and fragrant is natural, unprocessed oil. As a result of processing, the product loses some of its properties, and even the aroma partially disappears. In terms of antioxidant properties, cocoa butter is superior to other natural remedies.

The quality of an oil is determined by its purity from chemicals. It is easy to confuse it with substitutes, which is sometimes used by dishonest sellers. The oil is in a solid state at 20°C, starts to melt above 35 degrees. If it melts at 20 degrees, then this indicates its poor quality.

When buying cocoa butter, you may encounter a rather poor-quality product. The very best butter obtained from cocoa beans grown without chemicals. Its cost is high. The first thing to pay attention to is the color of the oil. As already mentioned, cocoa butter has a light yellow color, but not white. With white color there can be a substitute. The oil has an aromatic smell of cocoa. If the oil does not smell, this is also a substitute.

Palm oil with a low cocoa content may be a substitute. Hence the conclusion - do not choose the cheapest oil.

Cocoa butter can be stored in a cool place, and not necessarily in the refrigerator, as long as it is not in direct sunlight. If the room is too hot, you can put it in the refrigerator. Shelf life up to 2 years.

Properties and application in cosmetology

Due to the content of biologically active components in the oil, it is used in cosmetology, for the manufacture of creams, shampoos, soaps and other products, in salon cosmetology - for body, face and hair care. Cocoa butter is used to soften, mainly in the care of dry skin. It is also used for skin rejuvenation.

What are the results of using cocoa butter?
The oil has regenerating, moisturizing properties. It nourishes the skin, smoothes fine wrinkles, restores the cellular structure and strengthens the capillary walls. Cocoa butter can eliminate peeling, redness, flabbiness of the skin, promotes the healing of small wounds.

This is one that boosts immunity. Cocoa butter can also be used as a night cream if the skin is dry. During winter, when going outside in windy and frosty weather, you can lubricate your lips and face with oil. Covering the surface of the skin with a thin film, it protects the skin. Moisturizers that have a high water content are not suitable for this purpose.

Cocoa butter can also be used for hands, it nourishes, softens and protects the skin. The oil is suitable for use in home cosmetics. It can be used both in its pure form and as part of masks. It is suitable for any type of skin.

If you want to use it in its pure form, take a piece of oil in your hands and massage it over the skin. The piece will melt and remain on the skin as a greasy layer. But all this will pass quickly, as it is well absorbed. Cocoa butter can also be used for the eye area. There are also other options for using oil at home. Slightly melt the oil and add it in the amount of a few drops to any face cream.

In the summer, this miracle remedy can be used not only as protection from the sun's rays, it will also help to achieve a beautiful tan. The latter property is best used by those who need a tan.

Recipes with cocoa butter at home

Of course you like the flavor of chocolate. And if you also remember the benefits of oil, then try preparing the following masks.

Mask for nourishing and rejuvenating facial skin

Mix 1 teaspoon of melted cocoa butter, 1 yolk, 1 teaspoon of liquid honey and any fruit juice, add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply to face and neck for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. After this mask, the cream can not be applied.

Melted butter can be mixed with an essential oil of your choice and applied in a thin layer to your face. This procedure will help with extreme dryness and flaking of the skin.

You can make a face cream based on cocoa butter. To do this, melt a teaspoon of our product in a water bath, add the same amount of jojoba, peach, olive oil. Mix everything, remove from heat and add a few drops of essential oil. Place the container in which the mass was prepared in cold water to cool. The cream is ready.

The pleasant aroma of cocoa butter, its emollient properties and velvety texture have made it one of the most popular ingredients in cosmetic products. It can be found in lotions, soaps, creams, and other types of cosmetics.

The oil can be used to treat chapped skin, to prevent dryness and itching, and to care for lips.

For example, lip balm.

15 ml of beeswax, 20 ml of cocoa butter, heat until completely dissolved. Add 15 ml of shea butter, which should also dissolve in this mass, 3 drops of honey and 5 ml of sweet almond oil. Balm is ready. It can be used daily.

Oil for body

Melt 1 gram of cocoa butter, add 30 ml of shea butter to it, mix. Then add 12 drops, 15 ml of jojoba oil and 5 drops of vitamin E oil to the resulting mass. Mix everything and transfer the resulting mixture to a dry container, closing until completely cooled. This oil can be used as a body moisturizer.

If you use natural oil in your home cosmetics, then in a short time you will see amazing results. In almost all homemade masks, just one teaspoon of melted butter is enough.

The most commonly used masks, body wraps and massage. As for the hair, the use of oil gives them an extraordinary shine, softens well, perfectly strengthens the roots, preventing brittleness and loss. Hair, well-groomed with this tool, lends itself well to styling.

Cocoa butter masks can be purchased at pharmacies and cosmetic stores. However, many who have used this oil contained in products purchased from these sources say that there can be no better oil than at home. This refers, of course, to a natural remedy, and not a substitute or a fake, in which the presence of chemical impurities or other components that our skin does not need is possible.

Hair masks

Rosemary mask

Heat the oil, add the same amount of rosemary tincture to it. To prepare the tincture, take 2 tablespoons of dry rosemary, pour a glass of boiling water and let it brew. Use after cooling, after straining. This mask is best applied to damp hair 1-2 hours before washing. Then wash off with warm water and shampoo.

Rum mask

Well warms up and stimulates hair growth mask of cocoa butter with the addition of rum. To do this, mix oil and rum in equal proportions, apply to hair, and rinse with warm water after an hour.

Mask with kefir

Mix cocoa butter, burdock oil and kefir (each component one tablespoon), add one yolk. Rub the whole mass well and apply on the head - on the skin and hair roots. It is enough to hold for 1 - 2 hours, then rinse with shampoo. In general, a mask with fatty oils can be kept much longer.

You can add oil solutions of vitamins A and E to the masks, 3-5 drops each. You can use various herbal infusions, to which add 2 teaspoons of cocoa butter. Cocoa butter for skin and hair care is most often recommended for those who have dry skin and hair. And owners of oily hair can replace oil with powder.

In addition to the nutritional benefits, the powder also colors the hair, but more on that another time. This method of staining deserves more detailed study.

Cocoa butter, obtained by careful processing of beans, has been known to mankind for more than one century. As well as the positive properties of this product. The Mayan people considered this plant sacred, because magical brown fruits grew on it. They considered magical, with unique properties. After all, this plant gave them an amazing healing liquid. The oil has been used by men and women to heal wounds and maintain youthful skin. The most ancient civilization has long disappeared from our planet without a trace, but its discovery to this day allows ladies to remain beautiful, postponing old age for later.

The method of obtaining cocoa butter and its properties

This product of plant origin is obtained by processing cocoa beans. They are pressed, resulting in cocoa powder and, in fact, the butter itself. It has a creamy tint, the structure turns out to be solid, if you press it, it will begin to crumble. In this form, it happens at an air temperature of 16-18 ° C. When heated above 28 degrees Celsius, the oil begins to melt and becomes liquid, and also acquires a transparent color. When the dense texture of the product interacts with warm human skin, it becomes supple.

What healing substances are included in the composition of the oil?

All the benefits lie in the components that make up the product. cocoa is rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements. Especially a lot in the composition of fatty acids - the most important substances involved in the normal functioning of the skin. That is why the oil is so useful for beauty.

Fatty acid:

oleic;
palmitic;
lanolin;
linoleic;
arachidic;
stearic.

Vitamins:

group P.

Also, the composition includes hormones of plant origin - phytosterols. Paired with fatty acids, they normalize the skin, penetrating into the deepest layers, restoring damaged areas, nourishing and moisturizing the dermis. You need to pay tribute to the trace elements in the composition. Among them are such important substances as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc. And, of course, cocoa butter contains caffeine. All these substances have a beneficial effect on the organ system of the skin.

Healing properties of oil

Tocopherol is a real beauty vitamin. It has had this name for more than a decade. Vitamin E is essential for the skin, responsible for its youthfulness, elasticity and radiance. But K is less known among the people. This vitamin contributes to the removal of the inflammatory process, and, regardless of the causes of its occurrence, starting with burns (including solar) and ending with an infectious process.

Vitamin P in the composition of chocolate tree fruit oil helps to restore the protective forces of the dermis, so that it better resists the effects of free radicals and carcinogens.

Each of the components in the composition of the oil contributes to its effectiveness. Upon contact with the skin, it instantly begins to act, deeply moisturizing, nourishing and softening the dermis. Thanks to this, it becomes more elastic, elastic, soft and takes on a fresh look.

Importantly, the oil is not an allergen and does not contain toxic substances that could be harmful. It has a lot of positive qualities and is considered almost indispensable for everyday care, especially when it comes to residents of the metropolis, whose skin suffers several times more. Other properties of cocoa butter, which will be interesting to know:

restoration of normal skin color;
improvement in appearance;
pore cleansing;
slowing down the manifestations of the aging process of the skin;
elimination of acne, acne;
whitening, getting rid of age spots;
removal of irritation and inflammation;
regulation of fat balance;
restoration of damaged areas, wound healing;
stimulation of skin production of collagen and hyaluronic acid;
protection from negative environmental influences, including weathering and frostbite.

In what cases should you expect benefits?

Even if the skin is in perfect condition, you should not refuse to use this product. After all, young people need to protect not only honor, but also beauty. Only proper and regular care at a young age can be the key to good skin condition in adulthood.

The benefits of cocoa butter are obvious, and it is important to say that it is suitable for those who:

dry and flaky skin;
oily type with enlarged pores;
problem skin;
pale, devoid of vitality;
aging skin.

The oil perfectly restores, protects and heals the skin from various pathological processes. Therefore, the answer to the question of in what cases it will help is obvious - in all.

When should fruit oil be avoided?

As already mentioned, the product is not an allergen, but only in one case - if there is no negative reaction to chocolate. But even if it is available, you can try to use cocoa butter in cosmetology. It is diluted with other components, avoiding use in its pure form. The composition is recommended to be tested by applying a small amount to the elbow. If there is no allergic reaction within a day, you can use it.

Precautions when using oil

It is not recommended to use it too often for women with oily and problem skin. It is better to limit the use to once or twice a week. An allergic reaction to chocolate tree fruit oil is also possible due to individual intolerance to the product. This may occur due to one or more substances in the composition. In this case, the use of oil should be abandoned.

Application in cosmetology

Cocoa butter has found application in several branches of medicine. For example, it is used to prepare a cough remedy, helps restore immunity, normalizes the digestive system, and even helps get rid of gynecological problems. But it has earned the widest application in cosmetology. Today, the oil is used not only in its pure form for constant care, but also as part of a variety of masks, as well as for the preparation of creams with various properties. The product is sold as a bar or liquid extract in pharmacies and cosmetic stores. Pieces before adding to the compositions or using in their pure form, you just need to melt in a water bath or soften in your hands.

The benefits of oil for the skin of the face and methods of application

Firstly, it can be used in its pure form as an alternative to permanent care cream. It is used to nourish and moisturize the skin of the face, lips and around the eyes. When peeling, it is recommended to apply it on the face before makeup. Cocoa bean oil is also great for eyelashes and eyebrows.

Secondly, on its basis, an excellent cream is obtained, which will give odds to many expensive products. For example, here is a great recipe:

25 g of chocolate tree oil;
5 ml of paraffin and lanolin;
15 g of vaseline.

Put all the ingredients in a bowl and melt in a water bath, stirring the mixture constantly. When there are no whole pieces left, add 45 ml of alcohol-free rose water. Mix well, beat with a mixer until completely cooled. Pour into a convenient jar, and the cream for daily care is ready.

Thirdly, many different masks are prepared on the basis of oil, each of which has its own purpose. For example, to restore skin tone, you need to mix:

6 ml liquid oil extract;
5 ml of chamomile oil;
7 ml of aloe juice;
1 cucumber, grated.

The mask is applied to cleansed skin for half an hour. It helps to smooth wrinkles, moisturize, nourish and brighten the skin, in which all ingredients are directly involved. And to eliminate excessive dryness of the dermis, a cocoa butter mask is suitable, the recipe of which includes only two products. You will need 6 ml of liquid extract and 9 g of chopped parsley. This mask is also applied to the skin for half an hour.

For owners of oily skin type, the composition is ideal, the main properties of which are aimed at regulating the work of the sebaceous glands, cleansing and narrowing the pores, and removing shine. The list of ingredients includes the following products:

9 ml of kefir or sour cream;
1 egg white;
40 g oil extract.

Beat the protein, and then add the rest of the ingredients to it. This mask should work for 10 minutes.

This product helps to lighten the skin, and therefore will help make stretch marks less noticeable. Also, chocolate tree fruit oil can compete with anti-cellulite products. It is allowed to apply to the whole body or its individual parts, which are most often overdried, for example, feet and elbows. However, spreading over the entire area can be expensive, as it will require a lot of oil, and not very convenient, so it is recommended to dilute it with other oils or add it to your favorite cream.

Other healing properties of cocoa butter are aimed at getting rid of stretch marks, increasing skin elasticity, firmness and attractiveness. This simple recipe will help: mix 50 g of melted cocoa butter with 1 teaspoon of grape seed oil, mix and apply to problem areas. With regular use of the composition, you can count on a qualitative restoration of the skin of the body.

In addition, with the help of oil, you can achieve a uniform tan. It will protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight, and also prevent the risk of burns.

Does it make sense to use hair oil?

It is not only possible, it must be used to restore hair! helps to restore them, stimulate growth, gives shine, making them stronger and healthier both inside and out. So the healing properties extend not only to the skin. After several receptions, the hair will become much more voluminous, which cannot but please the fair sex.

How to use cocoa butter for hair?

It can be used in its pure form as a means for massaging the scalp, as well as in the form of multicomponent masks. Self-massage is an ideal option, since when the oil is rubbed in, blood circulation is activated, the hair follicles receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which makes them stronger and promotes rapid growth.

There are great recipes for masks. Chocolate bean oil is most often mixed with egg yolk and various oils, such as olive, burdock, castor, and so on. Kefir is also good for hair nutrition. It is recommended to use masks in courses of 20-30 days, 2-3 times a week. The duration of action is at least an hour. It is desirable to wrap the head with polyethylene and wrap it with a towel in order to achieve optimal conditions for the ingredients to work (many of them work better in heat).

What are the reviews about the oil found on the Internet?

Young girls and older women leave extremely positive opinions about this product. In reviews of cocoa butter, they write that it is really an indispensable and very effective tool in the fight against the most unpleasant problems like skin aging, wrinkles, acne, dryness and excessive oiliness. Women note that with regular use, very soon you can get rid of fine wrinkles, including facial wrinkles, which often appear even at an early age. The skin becomes more beautiful, smooth, healthy and tender. And this is not a myth, but a reality that is nearby.

More useful information about this unique product can be obtained from the presented video.

Cocoa butter is not only an essential component of the favorite treat of all the kids and many adults, but it is also an amazingly healthy product for our skin. Its effectiveness in skin care is significantly higher than any expensive cream. Due to the presence of vital fatty acids and flavonoids in the composition, the skin after applying cocoa butter is transformed before our eyes, moisture and tone increase, wrinkles are smoothed out.

Composition and properties of cocoa butter.
Cocoa butter at room temperature has the appearance of a hard and brittle white bar with a yellowish tint, which has a pleasant aroma of cocoa. There are no additional impurities or any chemical additives in such an oil, it undergoes a high degree of purification, and no heat treatment, due to which the level of useful substances is preserved in such an oil to the maximum. This natural product is good to use in face and body skin care, upon contact with which it begins to gradually melt.

This useful product mainly consists of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (lauric, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic, oleic, etc.), which cause such an incredible effect from its use. Cocoa butter has excellent moisturizing, softening, protective, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, regenerating, rejuvenating and antioxidant properties that help slow down the aging process. In addition, the regular inclusion of this oil in your diet helps to increase vascular tone and elasticity, which, in general, improves their condition.

The use of cocoa butter in skin care.
This oil is ideal in the care of any type of face (combination, oily, sensitive), but it is especially recommended for owners of excessively dry, dehydrated skin, with flaking and loss of elasticity, firmness and tone. It is worth noting that it is also recommended as a rejuvenating agent for mature women with aging and aging skin. In the case of constant use, the skin becomes smoother, nourished and moisturized, noticeably looks smooth, elastic and radiant, fine wrinkles disappear, including those around the eyes. It is also recommended as a caring lip balm and for the prevention of "crow's feet" around the eyes and in general wrinkles on the face.

Cocoa butter can rightfully be considered an ideal skin care product, in particular for the face and body (especially the hands) during the winter months. In addition to the emollient effect, the oil protects the skin from frostbite, overdrying or chapping. In addition, due to its mild and delicate effect, cocoa butter is one of the few allowed for use in the care of delicate and sensitive skin, especially children. It should also be noted that cocoa butter, in some not very neglected situations, copes with minor cosmetic skin defects that appear against the background of cuts, furunculosis, etc. (scars, scars, spots after acne and acne or post-acne) and is considered an excellent means of preventing and eliminating stretch marks, including during pregnancy. Regular use of this product fights the harmful activity of free radicals, preventing the penetration of toxic and any other harmful substances into the skin. It is also useful for defensive purposes. In this case, we are talking about ultraviolet, so the oil is allowed to be used as a protective ointment before and after tanning.

Using this oil in facial care is quite simple, you do not need to have certain skills for this. In addition, it easily penetrates the skin, leaving almost no oily sheen on the surface of the face. It can be used respectively as an independent remedy, or it can be mixed with other oils of natural origin in a ratio of 1: 2 (almond, peach, sesame, linseed, olive, rosehip) and cosmetics. On its basis, it is good to make homemade creams and skin masks with a nourishing and regenerating purpose. In its pure form, drive with a piece of oil with light movements over the skin. It literally instantly melts, absorbs into the skin, making it velvety. Such a session is best done before bedtime, but with very dry skin, this procedure can be done in the morning. This procedure gives a special effect in combination with self-massage, which relaxes and calms the nervous system and muscles. Remove excess product from the skin by blotting with a paper towel. Cocoa butter is an excellent base to combine with essential oils for facial skin.

The use of cocoa butter in nutrition and medicine.
Cocoa butter is also an indispensable food product. Only in order for the product to retain all its qualities and useful properties, it cannot be brought to a temperature above forty or fifty degrees. A honey-oil mixture is very useful for consumption (in a ratio of 1: 1). It serves as a prevention of colds, and also increases vascular tone. Such a “delicious, and most importantly, remedy can be given even to kids.

In the field of medicine, this product has been used for a long time, since about 1710. Nowadays, it is used to make lipstick, suppositories, etc.

Recipes for the use of cocoa butter for the skin of the face.
To improve the condition of the skin with acne or acne and various inflammations, it is recommended to use this mask three times a week: melt a teaspoon of base oil and combine with the same amount of wheat germ oil. After that, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh avocado pulp to the mixture. Apply the composition on the face and hold for half an hour. Wash off the mask with warm water.

To nourish the skin, you can make an excellent mask based on cocoa butter. To do this, you need to combine the base (teaspoon), preheated in a water bath, with the same amount of chamomile oil. In the resulting mass, add a tablespoon of fresh cucumber chopped with a fine grater in the amount of a tablespoon and the same amount of aloe juice (pre-wash the leaves, dry them, hold them in the refrigerator for an hour). This mask is best applied before going to bed, as usual on a cleansed face, and after twenty minutes, rinse with warm water. Do the mask twice a week.

Medical recipes based on cocoa butter.
To normalize the stool, it is recommended to eat a teaspoon of this product at night. The course of treatment is at least three weeks.

To improve the condition with atherosclerosis, it is recommended to take half a teaspoon of cocoa butter twice a day, in the morning (just fifteen minutes before meals) and in the evening also before meals. Such treatment effectively removes bad cholesterol from the blood, and also reduces the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels.

Adding cocoa butter to hot milk (half a teaspoon of butter per 200 ml of milk) is an excellent antitussive and expectorant for colds.

In case of exacerbation of hemorrhoids, immediately before the act of defecation, a small piece of cocoa butter should be introduced into the rectum.

For preventive purposes, to prevent SARS and influenza, the nasal mucosa should be lubricated with this product. Such prevention is also suitable for babies, especially those who go to the garden or attend other preschool educational institutions.

With angina, it is useful to take cocoa butter in combination with propolis. To prepare the product, ten grams of propolis are thoroughly crushed and added to melted cocoa butter (one hundred grams). Mix everything well. Take in a warm form, half a tablespoon three times a day, half an hour after a meal.

This product is effective to use for cracked nipples in a nursing mother, for pain relief of mild burns, to lubricate areas affected by eczema, a fungal infection. In addition, it effectively relieves itching.

Regular use of the oil contributes to the manifestation of the maximum of its properties in the absence of side effects. By the way, this oil has practically no contraindications. The only limitation in this case is individual intolerance to the components of the product. In addition, its use is not recommended for sleep disorders and increased excitability.

Cocoa butter is one of the most popular superfoods today. It is used not only for manufacturing, but also in, and. We will talk about this cocoa product in this article - how this vegetable fat is obtained, how it can be used in everyday life, what self-care products based on it exist, how to choose and do it right at home.

What is cocoa butter made of and how is it obtained?

Cocoa butter is obtained from cocoa beans. This is the final stage of bean processing, after grated cocoa.

After extracting cocoa beans from the fruits of the tree, they are dried and fermented (kept in the open air under), after which they are roasted. Such beans become hard and dark.

Did you know? Cocoa beans served as a means of money circulation for the Indians of South America. Severe punishment awaited for their forgery.

After chemical treatment and crushing, the beans are crushed on roller machines into grated cocoa. Next, the resulting mass is sent under powerful presses, which squeeze out cocoa butter. The remaining cake goes to the preparation of cocoa powder. And the resulting fat is used to make chocolate, or cosmetics.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition is two- and three-acid triglycerides mixed with fatty acids.

Fatty acid:

oleic acid - up to 43%;
stearic acid - up to 34%;
lauric and palmitic acids - up to 25%;
linoleic acid - 2%;
arachidic acid - traces.

At a temperature of 16-18 °C, the oil is hard and brittle in structure. Melts at 32-35°C. At 40 °C it becomes transparent.

Color varies from light yellow to brown. It has a characteristic pleasant smell of cocoa.

Important! If the oil is white, it means that it has gone rancid and is not suitable for use.

Benefits of cocoa butter

This vegetable fat combines quite a lot of useful things for humans:

relieves inflammation;
reduces the level
beneficial effect on the blood - increases the production of hemoglobin, improves blood circulation;
heals wounds very well and increases tissue repair;
helps well with problems;
helps with;
has an expectorant effect.

Did you know? Because of its tonic properties and as an antidepressant, cocoa is included in the rations of many armies in the world.

These properties justify the use of this fat in various industries and life.

Application in various fields

If we look at the properties of cocoa, we will see that there are three areas of its application.

In cooking

The earliest known use, and the most famous, is in cooking. After all, it is a derivative of cocoa - basis for making any chocolate.

Without such fat, it is impossible to imagine the confectionery industry. It is part of all chocolates, icing, fondants, many cakes, sweets.

It is he who gives the chocolate satiety, lightness and that very chocolate smell.

In cosmetology

It nourishes very well, fills with moisture, and all this without unpleasant sensations and undesirable. Cocoa butter is suitable, because of its beneficial properties, and for the production of products aimed at.

The easiest is to lubricate the affected area.

You can prepare an enema solution. To do this, you need a tablespoon of crushed chamomile flowers, half a liter of hot and a teaspoon of cocoa butter. First, prepare an infusion of flowers. Then the fat is thrown in. Everything, the tool is ready for use.

For gynecological diseases

Cocoa butter has also found its use in gynecology, as a means of combating erosions of the cervix.

To do this, use tampons lubricated with melted fat (melt 1 teaspoon in a water bath to a liquid state) and oil (10 drops). The tampon is put on, the procedure is repeated for two weeks.

For hair

Such vegetable fat has a good effect on, strengthens the bulbs, eliminates brittleness and dryness, and adds shine.

Cocoa butter is included in masks for and finds its use there to eliminate all kinds of problems.

Cocoa butter will help your eyebrows and eyelashes too. Rub it into the eyebrows from the middle of the face to the temples. And apply to the eyelashes with a mascara brush. After that, cover your eyes with napkins and lie down for a quarter of an hour.

How to choose when buying

Choosing the right product is not easy, especially for an inexperienced person.

Price. Such a product is not very cheap. The price of cocoa beans is rising every year, respectively, and the oil from them cannot be too cheap.
Smell. The butter should smell like cocoa. If there is none, either it is refined oil (which should be indicated on the label), or a fake.
Color. A real good oil is yellowish-white, creamy. If the oil is white, gray - either it is old and rancid, or they are trying to sell you counterfeit.
Consistency. The original product is solid at normal temperature. If it is plastic to the touch and does not crumble, they are clearly trying to deceive you.

Try to shop in reliable stores and check before buying what they are trying to sell you.

How to store at home

A few words about how to properly store cocoa butter at home. Its shelf life is two years from the date of production. After the expiration of this period, the product is unusable and must be disposed of.

At home, it should be stored in an opaque container at a temperature not exceeding 18 degrees and at a humidity of less than 70%, but preferably not in.

Contraindications and precautions

The described tool is considered quite safe. Possible troubles are associated with. Although they are not frequent, nevertheless, before the first application do an allergy test. To do this, apply a little ointment to the inside of the elbow bend. After a while, look at the place of application. If there are no negative reactions (redness, itching) - you do not have.
Be careful when using such products at night. Cocoa contains an alkaloid similar in action to caffeine. That is, the use of cocoa butter before bedtime can also cause excessive excitability.

As you can see, cocoa is not only suitable for eating. From this oil, you can prepare many useful products for face and body care, for the treatment of coughs and wounds. The tool has almost no contraindications and can be used even for small ones. But be careful when choosing such a product, so as not to fall victim to deceivers.

In the article we are talking about cocoa butter, its beneficial properties, use in cooking, cosmetology and medicine. You will learn how to use a natural remedy for the skin of the face, body and hair, and how to take cocoa butter for a cough.

Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat that is obtained from grated cocoa.

Grated cocoa is ground grains (beans) of the fruits of the chocolate tree.

Cocoa butter has a hard and brittle texture, a whitish-yellow color and a characteristic chocolate aroma. At a temperature of 32-35 degrees, the oil melts and becomes liquid.

Ingredients of cocoa butter:

oleic acid;
stearic acid;
lauric acid;
palmitic acid;
linoleic acid;
arachidic acid;
vitamin E;
vitamin D;
vitamin K;
tannins;
caffeine.

How does cocoa butter affect the body:

eliminates inflammatory processes;
reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood;
improves blood circulation;
increases the level of hemoglobin;
contributes to the acceleration of regeneration processes;
improves digestion.

The main use of cocoa butter is confectionery. The cocoa bean product is used as a fat base for making chocolate, chocolates, pastries and other products.

A natural product is used in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries - as a fragrance, for the preparation of suppositories, cosmetic creams and ointments.

Cocoa butter has been widely used in cosmetology. The tool is used in its pure form and as the main ingredient for the preparation of masks at home. The presence of tannins and caffeine provides wound healing and tonic properties of the product, so the oil is used to improve the appearance of facial skin and stretch marks on the body. The benefits and harms of cocoa butter depend on its use.

Types of cocoa butter

On sale you can find unrefined and refined cocoa butter.

Unrefined butter is a product squeezed from the beans of the chocolate tree and has not undergone subsequent purification. Such a tool contains the maximum amount of useful substances, has a thicker consistency, bright aroma.

Refined oil is a product that has undergone special purification. It is softer and more delicate, includes a smaller amount of fatty acids. This oil is lighter, it has no smell at all. After the refining procedure, the shelf life of the product increases. Refined oil can be used by pregnant women without fear of developing an allergic reaction.

For cosmetic and medical purposes, it is more appropriate to use an unrefined product, as well as for flavoring chocolate and desserts.

Cocoa butter in cosmetology

In cosmetology, cocoa butter is valued for its beneficial properties. The product has a moisturizing, regenerating and softening effect. The fragrant agent acts on the skin of the face and body as an antioxidant, has an anti-cellulite effect. Oil smoothes wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, promotes better absorption of nutrients.

For face

A natural product is used to care for dry and aging skin. With systematic use, cocoa butter smoothes wrinkles, retains moisture on the surface of the skin, and eliminates dark circles under the eyes.

The tool can be used for the face in its pure form. You don't even need to melt it for this. Upon contact with the skin, the oil will become thinner and easier to spread. You can apply the product instead of a cream before going to bed.

To combat fine wrinkles on the skin around the eyes, mix cocoa butter with liquid vitamin E, adding 2-3 drops of tocopherol to a portion of the product. Gently apply the mixture on the skin and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off after time.

For body

For the body, cocoa bean oil is used to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin and eliminate existing stretch marks. Natural remedy improves skin elasticity, promotes the production of collagen and elastin, moisturizes the upper layers of the epidermis.

For these purposes, lubricate the stomach, thighs and chest daily. The product can be applied neat, mixed in equal proportions with olive oil or sea buckthorn oil. Apply the product with light massage movements, rinse off after 20-25 minutes.

Cocoa butter helps to eliminate cellulite. Use a tool for lymphatic drainage massage, massage problem areas for 10-15 minutes. It is possible to carry out wraps with the product. To do this, grease the zones with cocoa butter, wrap with cling film and leave for half an hour. Wash off with warm water.

For hair

Chocolate tree oil is also used for the beauty and health of hair. The agent is melted in a water bath and applied to the entire length of the curls or only to their tips. The product is used both in pure form and as part of various masks. The exposure time depends on the specific recipe; in its pure form, the oil can be kept on the hair for 30-50 minutes.

Regular use of hair oil makes them obedient, shiny, lush at the roots. The tool improves the structure of each hair, seals split ends.

Cocoa butter has a dense texture, so it is not recommended to use it in its pure form for oily hair types.

For lips

Since the oil has a wound-healing effect, it is used to treat cracked or dry lips. The agent is applied in a thin layer 3 times a day. The oil is used to protect against frost in winter and sunlight in summer.

If you add sugar or honey to melted cocoa butter, you can use it as a home scrub. Scrub your lips for 3-5 minutes, and then rinse with warm water, apply a moisturizing or nourishing balm.

Cocoa butter for cough

Chocolate tree oil is used not only in cosmetology, but also in home medicine. The product is actively used to treat cough in adults and children. You can cure a cough with a remedy for colds, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. However, do not forget that the main treatment should be medication.

To eliminate a cough, melt ½ teaspoon of cocoa butter in a glass of hot milk and drink the drink. With the help of a remedy for diseases of the respiratory system, a back and chest massage is performed.

Cocoa butter in cooking

Cocoa butter is one of the main ingredients of white, milk, dark and bitter chocolate. By the way, if dark and bitter varieties of bar sweetness can be prepared without vegetable fat, then white chocolate cannot be made without cocoa butter.

The product is also used in the manufacture of sweets, bars, cakes, creams, icing. You can add cocoa butter to pastries, cereals, puddings and even drinks.

Cocoa butter for children

Products with cocoa butter can be safely given to children if they do not have an allergic reaction to it.

Also, the remedy is used to treat cough, this is most relevant for young children, when not all medications are allowed.

Cocoa butter during pregnancy

During pregnancy, cocoa butter should be used with caution - products containing fat from cocoa beans can be consumed in the absence of personal intolerance.

But even with a normal reaction of the body, it is recommended to limit the consumption of chocolate and other desserts. The caffeine in cocoa butter increases blood pressure. The product impairs the absorption of calcium by the body.

External use of the product will help to avoid the appearance of stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs and chest, improve the condition of the skin of the face and body, hair. Therefore, the cosmetic use of cocoa butter during pregnancy is possible.

What is the cocoa butter equivalent

The cocoa butter equivalent is a substitute for a natural product, or to be more precise, a whole group of substitutes. The cocoa butter equivalent is hydrogenated vegetable fats - cottonseed, rapeseed, soybean, palm and others. Such oils undergo special processing, which allows them to acquire the properties necessary for use in the preparation of chocolate.

The cocoa butter equivalent is used to make chocolate bars, sweets and other confectionery products cheaper.

How to melt cocoa butter

You can melt cocoa butter in a water bath, the product begins to melt at a temperature of 32-35 degrees. If you want to use the product in its pure form for the skin of the face and body, you do not need to melt it first. Upon contact with the skin, it will become liquid.

Contraindications

The use of cocoa butter has no categorical contraindications. Do not use the product internally and externally in the presence of individual intolerance. It is also not recommended to use cocoa butter and products containing it for insomnia and overweight.