Cocoa butter is a pale-yellow, edible fat extracted from the cocoa bean.

It is used to make chocolate, as well as some ointments, toiletries, and pharmaceuticals. Cocoa butter has a cocoa flavor and aroma.

Its melting point is slightly below human body temperature.

Cocoa butter is obtained from whole cocoa beans. For use in chocolate manufacture, the beans are fermented before being dried.

The beans are then roasted and separated from their hulls to produce cocoa nibs. About 54–58% of the cocoa nibs is cocoa butter.

The cocoa nibs are ground to form cocoa mass, which is liquid at temperatures above the melting point of cocoa butter and is known as cocoa liquor or chocolate liquor.

Chocolate liquor is pressed to separate the cocoa butter from the non-fat cocoa solids. Cocoa butter is sometimes deodorized to remove strong or undesirable tastes.

Cocoa butter is a popular ingredient in skin care products because it is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores.

It is also a good moisturiser, and can help to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Cocoa butter is also used in hair care products, as it can help to moisturize and strengthen hair.

Cocoa butter is a safe and effective ingredient for most people. However, it is important to note that it is possible to be allergic to cocoa butter. If you experience any adverse reactions after using cocoa butter, discontinue use and consult with a doctor.

Unrefined cocoa butter has a pale yellowish or slight brown colour. It also has similar odour that is typically associated with chocolate.

For some applications, the natural colour and odour of cocoa butter are not ideal. So cocoa butter is deodorised to give a product that has a neutral pale appearance.

Odour

When cocoa butter is deodorised, it changes. It is deodorised by injecting steam into the melted cocoa butter. This pushes out volatile components which contribute to the natural odour of cocoa butter. The result is a reduction in odour.

Natural and Deodorised Cocoa Butter Uses

Deodorised cocoa butter is typically used in personal care products and soap making where a chocolate smell is unwanted. On the other hand, unrefined cocoa butter is naturally higher in antioxidants.

Here are some of the benefits of cocoa butter:

Moisturizes and softens skin
Improves skin elasticity
Helps to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays
Helps to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks
Soothes and heals chapped skin
Promotes healthy hair growth
Protects hair from damage
Gives hair a healthy shine