Cocoa butter, also called theobroma oil, is a light-yellow vegetable fat that comes from cocoa beans. Producers ferment, dry, roast, strip, and press cocoa beans to extract cocoa butter.
Cocoa beans are grown in tropical regions around the equator — hot, humid climates are well suited for growing cocoa trees. Most of the world’s cocoa beans come from the West African countries Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.
Cocoa butter is versatile. Not only is it a required ingredient in US-produced chocolate, but it’s also a popular ingredient in skin creams, lotions, lip balms, and dessert recipes.
Health Benefits
Get Vitamin E
Cocoa butter is a decent source of vitamin E, which benefits your body in many ways. Vitamin E supports vision, reproduction, and the health of your brain, skin, and blood.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Cocoa butter contains a high amount of fatty acids, which make it well-suited as a primary ingredient in skin cream. Fatty acids help to hydrate the skin. The fat in cocoa butter creates a protective barrier that holds in moisture and prevents your skin from drying.
Skin Healing Properties
Cocoa butter is a primary component of many topical treatments for conditions like eczema and dermatitis. The rich moisture content and protective oil-based nature of cocoa butter eases itching and allows the skin to heal after a flare-up.