How Cacao is Impacting the Skincare and Wellness Products
Cacao doesn’t just end in chocolate, it also belongs in your skincare routine! That’s how versatile this magical crop is. From smooth body butters to firming scrubs, cacao is becoming a star in the clean beauty industry.
Why Cacao?
Cacao is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals. It is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which help neutralize free radicals. By reducing oxidative stress, you’re reducing what contributes to aging, inflammation and dull complexion. Magnesium, iron and zinc are essential minerals that support cellular regeneration and repair. Cacao butter is rich in stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid– all which help lock in moisture in the skin, nourishing it and contributing to its glow.
Cacao Butter for Skin Products
Cacao butter is the most common cacao ingredient used for beauty products and cosmetics. It’s mostly used in body butters, lip balms, lotion bars, stretch mark creams, post-sun/ burn products, among others. Generally deodorized cacao butter is the product of choice, since most of its aroma is removed. (Although smelling like chocolate doesn’t exactly sound like a terrible idea, does it?!) At CocoaSupply, we don’t use any bleaching agents or chemical processes to deodorize the cacao butter– we simply use steam.
Cacao butter has long been studied for its emollient properties, and is especially praised to combat stretch marks. It’s believed to improve skin elasticity, prevent cracking, and support a barrier repair when dealing with fluctuations such as weight gain or pregnancy. For it to work best it’s recommended to apply it on a daily basis. It also works best when formulated with vitamin E.
Cacao Nibs for Exfoliants
Coffee, step aside. Using ground cacao nibs in scrubs and exfoliating products is gaining popularity in the health-conscious world. Instead of harsh salts or formulas filled with microplastics, cacao is biodegradable and gentle enough for body or foot scrubs, adding a very natural and earthy appeal. You can make it yourself by grinding them coarsely and blending into a sugar scrub base, as well as combining them with oils or butters for exfoliating balms.
Who Says There’s No Room for Cacao Powder in Beauty?
Cacao powder is certainly gaining traction in niche wellness beauty markets due to its high antioxidant content. You can make clay masks by mixing it with bentonite clay to detox the skin. It is also seen in scalp treatments, since theobromine helps to stimulate circulation. Cacao powder is also used as a base for natural dry shampoos for brunettes.
Creative Ideas for Craft Makers
Thinking about launching your own cacao beauty product? Feel free to use these simple ideas as inspiration:
1- Cacao and coffee scrub:
Using ground cacao nibs, ground coffee, and organic brown sugar
2- Solid lotion bars:
Using deodorized cacao butter and essential oils
3- Lip balms:
Using cacao butter and raw honey
4- Dry shampoo for dark hair:
Using arrowroot powder, alkalized 10/12 cacao powder (slightly less chocolate scent than natural powder, and less fat content than the 20/22 option), and lavender oil
5- Cacao lip plumper:
Mixing cacao butter, a tiny bit of cinnamon oil, and peppermint for a natural tingle. The cacao butter will hydrate the skin and provide shine, while the spices increase circulation for a subtle plumping effect.
6- Cacao cuticle repair balm:
Using cacao butter, shea butter, and vitamin E. This not only helps dry and cracked cuticles, but it can also be used as a hand salve during the winter months.
7- Cacao-based beard balm:
Using cacao butter, beeswax and jojoba oil.
8- Natural deodorant:
Using deodorized cacao butter, baking soda (optional), arrowroot powder, and essential oils like tea tree.
9- Chocolate lip scrub:
Ground cacao nibs and mix with brown sugar, cacao butter and vanilla. (It will smell so good you’ll want to eat it– and you can!)
10- Cacao belly butter for pregnancy:
Combine deodorized cacao butter with rosehip oil and vitamin E for a prenatal-safe formula.
Using cacao for your body is more than a skincare trend– it’s using ancestral wisdom. Cacao has always been rooted in ritual and healing. It’s a way of connecting to the earth, and continuing tradition.
The Importance of Using the Right Supplier
For beauty products, it is crucial to pick pure, food-grade cacao, staying far away from artificial fragrances, solvents, fillers, bleaching agents, and additives. At CocoaSupply, all our cacao products are minimally processed, ethically sourced, and traceable to small family farms in Ecuador.
The wellness space and clean beauty industry is evolving fast, and cacao is always showing up in creative, luxurious, and always delicious ways.