You have most probably heard of Cocoa Butter. It is found in chocolate, creams, ointments, and even in some pharmaceutical products. But what do you know about what is rapidly making it popular?

Cocoa Butter Facts

• Cocoa butter is extracted from cocoa beans: After the beans are fermented and roasted, the next stage in the process involves grinding the beans (nibs) into a paste known as chocolate liquor. Finally, the chocolate liquor is pressed to separate the cocoa butter (which makes up around 55% of the liquor) from cocoa solids.
• Pure cocoa butter is a pale yellow color with a flavor that can be quite bitter: Like eating 100% chocolate, pure cocoa butter can be quite bitter if tasted. The fat's low melting temperature of between 34 and 38 degree Celsius is what give you that luxurious "melt in the mouth" sensation when you eat chocolate with high concentrations of fat.
• For many reasons, cocoa butter is becoming increasingly expensive: This has caused some cosmetic manufacturers to go for products where other essential oils can be substituted to reduce costs. 
• Naturally Long Shelf Life: One of the most important qualities of cocoa butter is its exceptionally long shelf-life of 2 to 5 years when stored at room temperature. Shelf life and product life are further improved thanks to cocoa butter's high levels of antioxidants that prevent the butter (and products made with it) from turning rancid.

Cosmetic Benefits of Cocoa Butter
Apart from being an essential ingredient in chocolate, cocoa butter has proved to be a highly versatile and positive product in cosmetics products as well;

1. Anti-Aging: Cocoa butter contains high concentrations of antioxidants such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. These compounds help neutralize free radicals and contribute to the health of our skin. Cocoa butter can assist in smoothing out wrinkles and make scar tissue less evident.
2. Hair Treatments: Cocoa butter moisturizes your hair, and is also thought to lower the occurrence of dandruff and promote healthier hair follicles.
3. Reduce Inflammation: Cocoa butter is said to have a beneficial effect for sufferers of psoriasis, eczema, rashes, or other types of body inflammations.