TLDR; Yes, but like all good things, it depends.
Let’s get into the specifics before you jump on the cocoa butter bandwagon.
Considering there are plenty of options here at Australia Oils of Nature, we want you to be sure if cocoa butter is the best choice for your skin, or for your clients if you’re buying butter in bulk.
Derived from the fat of roasted cocoa beans, it has been used for centuries not just for its rich texture, but also its natural ability to improve the appearance of moisturisation and protection of the skin.
What is Cocoa Butter?
Ancient Mesoamerican civilisations like the Aztecs and Mayans were among the first to use cocoa in both food and ritual — but they also recognised its value for skin health. The butter was used to soothe burns, condition skin, and protect against the elements.
Fast forward to today, and cocoa butter is a key ingredient in countless skincare products—from body lotions and lip balms to stretch mark creams and hair treatments. Thanks to advances in extraction and formulation, it’s now more refined, easier to blend, and more versatile than ever. Our pure cocoa butter pellets are also vegan, making it one of the most popular plant-based moisturisers loved by both skincare enthusiasts and ethical consumers alike.
How To Use Cocoa Butter
Did you know that cocoa butter has multiple uses? While it’s great for general application on skin, you can also use it on your lips, on stretch marks and for your hair. Here’s how you can make the best of your purchase:
For Moisturising Skin
Take a coin-sized amount of cocoa butter. Warm it between your palms until it melts into an oil. Massage gently onto dry or rough skin areas like elbows, knees, hands, or feet. Use daily for best results.
As a Lip Balm
Dab a tiny bit on your lips to soothe dryness and add a natural sheen.
For Stretch Marks & Scars
Apply regularly with gentle circular motions to improve skin elasticity and texture over time.
In DIY Skincare
Mix melted cocoa butter with oils like coconut or almond, or add essential oils to create your own body butters, lotions, or balms.
Hair Care
Use as a pre-shampoo hair mask by melting a small amount and applying to dry ends to hydrate and reduce frizz.
So it’s pretty clear that cocoa butter does have the ability to improve the appearance of moisturisation on your skin. But that being said, there might be some downsides to using cocoa butter if you have sensitive skin. Cocoa butter, while amazing for its anti-oxidising properties, is generally not recommended for very sensitive or acne-prone skin as it can sometimes clog pores or cause irritation. But don’t worry, shea butter might work better for your skin since it’s not comedogenic. Here are the essential differences between the two.
Cocoa Butter vs Shea Butter
When choosing between cocoa butter and shea butter for sensitive skin, it's important to consider how each interacts with delicate or reactive skin types.
Cocoa butter, while a rich and effective choice for many, has a firmer texture and a heavier feel that may not absorb as quickly. In addition to that, some people with sensitive or acne-prone skin may find that cocoa butter can feel super thick, which could contribute to breakouts or discomfort. For this reason, cocoa butter might be better suited for normal to dry skin types that don’t react easily to heavier butters.
Shea butter is generally recommended for its gentle properties and its subtle sweet smell. These qualities typically make it a more suitable option for those with sensitive or dry skin who want a product that gives the feeling of moisturisation without any unnecessary chemicals in the mix.
Explore the full range of butters we have available on Australian Oils of Nature today to place your order online.