Common Name(s): Cocoa butter,cacao butter
CAS Number: 8002-31-1
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides hard-setting occlusive emolliency for body butters and lip balms with skin conditioning stearic acid.
Why It's Used: Classic body care and lip balm solid butter providing strong occlusive moisture retention with the iconic cocoa scent and stable solid-at-room-temperature consistency.
How It Works: High stearic (32-36%) and palmitic (25-30%) acid content provides hard, brittle texture with high melting point (34-38ยฐc). solid at room temperature, melts at body contact for on-skin application. occlusive barrier film reduces tewl. natural polyphenols provide antioxidant activity.
Typically Found In: Body butters,lip balms,hard lotions,soap,cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Occlusive barrier,hard butter texture,natural aroma
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ100%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from theobroma cacao seeds
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Expeller or cold-pressed from roasted cacao beans. natural cocoa butter retains aroma; deodorized available for unscented formulas. very shelf stable (shelf life 3-5 years).
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 4/5 โ comedogenic; avoid on acne-prone face
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Cocoa butter is one of the few naturally occurring fats with a sharp melting point transition (34-38ยฐc) just below body temperature, providing solid-at-room-temperature stability while melting completely and uniformly on skin contact. this unique thermal transition gives body butters and lip balms their characteristic texture and application.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment