Barrier & Lipid ·
Cocoa Butter
INCI: Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
What is it?
An occlusive plant butter pressed from cocoa beans, long marketed for preventing or fading stretch marks -- a claim the controlled evidence does not support.
What does it do?
According to PubMed, a British Journal of Dermatology review of topical modalities for preventing striae gravidarum (pregnancy stretch marks) concluded that "cocoa butter and olive oil are not effective for preventing SG or reducing the severity of lesions" -- a real, honestly-reported negative finding directly against cocoa butter's most common marketing claim; the same review found only limited evidence for centella and bitter almond oil massage, and weak evidence for hyaluronic acid, for this specific use.
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.