Cocoa contains several antioxidants called polyphenols, which are a group of plant-derived chemicals with a range of potential health benefits. These polyphenols may have benefits for good skin health, such as reducing inflammation and protecting the skin from sun damage. Osman, H. et al. (2008). Cocoa butter lotion for prevention of striae gravidarum: A double‐blind, randomised and placebo‐controlled trial. https://www.mdedge.com/familymedicine/article/64949/dermatology/do-any-topical-agents-help-prevent-or-reduce-stretch-marks

Despite being an active ingredient in many skin care products, there is little direct evidence that cocoa butter effectively improves skin health. One cell study suggests that cocoa polyphenols improved skin elasticity and skin aging and suggested that cocoa butter may enhance these effects. However, this was a small-scale study, and scientists need to carry out more research before they know the exact effects of cocoa butter on the skin. 2. Moisturizing the skin Like other natural moisturizers, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter is mostly made up of fatty acids. These fats may help form a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping, and therefore stopping the skin from drying out. Many skin care products contain cocoa butter, including moisturizers and anti-aging creams. These products claim to have several benefits for skin health, such as alleviating dry skin and improving skin elasticity. The following sections will explore the evidence for the benefits of cocoa butter. 1. Boosting skin healthMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Gasser, P. et al. (2008). Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuring. Some doctors and midwives may advise the use of cocoa butter during pregnancy to reduce the risk of stretch marks, but there is no evidence that using cocoa butter will achieve this.

Some people also use cocoa butter to relieve skin dryness from common skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. While this works for some people, there is no scientific evidence that it will work for everyone. 3. Preventing stretch marks Cocoa butter is a core ingredient in many skin moisturizers. Some people use pure cocoa butter to help relieve dry skin. One review reports that several studies failed to find any evidence that cocoa butter prevents stretch marks during pregnancy. They add that there is also no evidence that any topical cream prevents stretch marks. Many people believe that cocoa butter can prevent stretch marks from developing, especially during pregnancy.Scapagnini, G. et al. (2014). Cocoa bioactive compounds: Significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health.