Cocoa beans from the Theobroma cacao plant, are used to make cocoa butter and cocoa powder. The process begins with roasting cocoa beans, stripping them of their hulls, revealing cocoa nibs. The cocoa nibs are ground into a paste (called cocoa liquor), which is then pressed to release the fat. This fat, called Theobroma oil, is the cocoa butter, separated from the solids, which are then made into cocoa powder.

Cocoa has been used in medicine for around 3,000 years. It was a favorite ingredient of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, who even used cocoa for currency. Despite the use of the word "butter" in its name, it is vegan and contains no dairy products.

Cocoa butter is ideal for beauty-care products since it stays solid at room temperature. It also contains naturally occurring antioxidants that prevent rancidity, giving it prolonged shelf life. Cocoa butter feels velvety smooth on the skin, making it perfect for salves, lotions, lip balm, and some types of makeup. Due to its high fat content, cocoa butter has a richer, denser feel than many other moisturizers.

If used in skincare, cocoa butter would help to diminish fine lines and age marks.

Cocoa butter enhances the texture and strength of the hair by providing it with the necessary moisturization. It can also impart fragrance to the hair.

Cocoa butter added creams are used in patients with eczema and dermatitis. The abundance of moisture and protective oil-based nature of cocoa butter relieves itching. Also, the skin heals up quickly after a flare-up.

Studies have shown that the phytochemicals in cocoa butter protect the skin from the damage caused by UV rays and lowers the risk of skin disease.

Cocoa Powder Hair Mask

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of cocoa powder

1 teaspoon of cocoa butter

1 teaspoon of organic honey

1/2 teaspoon of castor oil

green tea infusion

1. Prepare green tea by adding hot water into one teaspoon of green tea leaves. Let the tea steep for 3 minutes max.

   2. Break off a chunk of cocoa butter and gently melt it in a          small bowl and then pour cocoa butter into warm green          tea.

   3. Add other ingredients and mix well until you get a smooth        paste. If the mixture is quite watery add more cocoa to            form a paste that can be easily applied to the hair.

INCI Name: Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter

Colour: Pale Yellow

Type: Unrefined, Solid (Edible Grade)

Plant Part Used: Bean

Certificate: COSMOS & ECOCERT

Country of Origin: Ghana (West Africa)