Does Cocoa Butter Clog Pores?

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Most of us use cocoa butter on the skin as a moisturizer. Dermatologists recommend applying it to dry skin for immediate relief. However, there are many questions regarding its applicability and nature. 

One of those questions is, “Does cocoa butter clog pores?” 

And the answer is, “Yes, it does.” Well, cocoa butter is generally processed as a cream or lotion, which is by nature comedogenic. And that is the main reason why it clogs pores.

Now, in this regard, you should know something more detailed. Check out the whole article to get to know them.

What is Cocoa Butter?

Cocoa butter is a vegan plant-based fat extracted from roasted cocoa beans and processed with other ingredients. Sometimes cocoa butter can be packed pure, but most of the time, cocoa butter is processed as cream or lotion with other ingredients.

Lotion-containing cocoa butter can be used to restore moisture levels and act as a barrier to prevent further loss of moisture to the skin. Unlike many other oils and lotions, Cocoa butter is easily absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Cocoa butter also aids in the preservation of skin’s suppleness and tone.

Does Cocoa Butter Clog Pores?

Yes, cocoa butter clogs pores. Due to the close proximity of its molecules, cocoa butter is highly comedogenic. Although it is an excellent source of hydration, it can cause acne just because it clogs pores. Thus, using cocoa butter can be overwhelming for people with oily skin.

Pure cocoa butter is not good for the skin because of its pores-clogging nature. However, you can use moisturizers that include cocoa butter to help dry skin heal and hydrate. But, its adverse effect is most visible on oily skin.

Also Read: Does Shea Butter Kill Scabies?

There has been no research done to demonstrate that cocoa butter clogs pores. Nonetheless, people have experienced comedogenic acne appearing after using pure cocoa butter on their faces. 

Most nutritionists recommend consuming cocoa butter with different foods. This oil is also a good source of vitamin E, which is important for both body and skin. So, if your skin is super oily, you better take it as food instead of moisturizing cream.

Why Does Cocoa Butter Clog Pores?

Mixed saturated and unsaturated fats can be found in cocoa butter. The amount of saturated fat: 60% (palmitic, stearic, lauric, and myristic acid), 35% monounsaturated fat (oleic acid), and 1% polyunsaturated fat (linoleic acid). 

Cocoa butter is usually solid at room temperature, just like coconut oil. Coconut oil is a comedogenic ingredient that contains fatty acids. The tails of fatty acids are straight and packed tightly against each other. The tightly packed molecules of cocoa butter keep it solid at room temperature, which makes it comedogenic and clogs pores.

However, use a moisturizer or lotion that contains cocoa butter in less percentage. Your skin will not break out. Cocoa butter causes acne if there is a high percentage in any product. Cocoa butter is more likely to clog your pores if you have oily skin. 

If you research comedogenic ingredients, you will find cocoa butter on the list. Because cocoa butter is a comedogenic ingredient, it clogs pores. If you want to use it to lighten your skin, it can take time. It can lighten dark spots and is good for acne scars. However, it will take months for cocoa butter to work on dark spots.

There are a lot of ingredients that are non-comedogenic and work faster on dark spots, such as vitamin C. However, for dry and cracked skin, cocoa butter helps to heal them. We recommend using cocoa butter that has been processed with other ingredients and is present in a lower percentage.

Also Read: 
-Is Cocoa Butter Good For Oily Skin? Know The Facts
-Can Cocoa Butter Help with Dark Circles?

Is Cocoa Butter Good for Eczema?

For ages, people have been using cocoa butter to aid in eczema. Raw cocoa butter is a natural ingredient that contains anti-oxidants and Vitamin E. Using raw cocoa butter on Infected skin will help the infected area heal faster. Cocoa butter keeps the skin moisturized and protected from future bacteria that might attack the infected area.

Eczema can cause a rash and itching, but cocoa butter can reduce rashes more quickly and soothe irritated skin. Whenever cocoa butter is used on the skin, anti-oxidants are released, keeping the skin moisturized and protected. Cocoa butter is good for eczema and is also used in winters to protect the skin from the outer environment. 

What Are The Side Effects Of Cocoa Butter?

Although cocoa butter aids in many skin problems, some side effects may occur after using cocoa butter. Here are the side effects of cocoa butter:

It’s comedogenic

Cocoa butter is a comedogenic ingredient that causes comedogenic acne. Comedogenic acne is stubborn and hard to get rid of. Being comedogenic, it also clogs pores and causes blackheads. Because of this, it is advised to use less cocoa butter.

It can cause an allergic reaction

For some people, cocoa butter can cause an allergic reaction. Cocoa butter has high fatty acids and can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.

It can feel heavy on the skin

Cocoa butter is a solid ingredient; raw cocoa butter will feel heavy on the skin. In the summer, you may not want to use cocoa butter because of how heavy it feels on the skin.

It can cause acne

If you have acne-prone skin, cocoa butter will increase the possibility of having more acne. As we already know, cocoa butter clogs pores and will cause acne in sensitive and acne-prone skin.

How to Use Cocoa Butter to Prevent Clogged Pores?

You can use cocoa butter and still not clog your pores. To prevent clogged pores caused by cocoa butter, search for products that contain less concentrated cocoa butter. Products that have less concentrated cocoa butter will not clog your pores.

How to choose cocoa butter that does not clog pores? First, you have to check the ingredient list of the product. Make sure the name of cocoa butter is far down on the list, which means it is less concentrated. You will still get the benefits of cocoa butter without clogging your pores.

Cocoa butter is infused with vitamin E. That means that even if you use other sources of vitamin E, it will not clog your pores. However, the hydration of cocoa butter can also be found in shea butter. Shea butter is better than cocoa butter because it does not clog pores. You will not face breakouts if you use shea butter rather than cocoa butter. 

Although cocoa butter is good for the face, we still do not recommend using raw cocoa butter daily as it can cause acne and breakouts. You can also use cocoa butter on your body to hydrate it, which will not clog the pores. 

Using a small amount of cocoa butter also prevents pores from clogging. So if you want to get the benefits of cocoa butter and prevent clogging pores, use it in a lower percentage and less concentrated.

References

1. The list of comedogenic ingredients
2. Is cocoa butter saturated or non-saturated

FAQs

Does cocoa butter tighten skin?

Yes, cocoa butter tightens skin. Cocoa butter with added vitamin E helps firm and tone skin by enhancing its suppleness and smoothness.

Does cocoa butter darken the skin?

It actually depends upon the skin sensitivity. It is found that cocoa butter darkens dry and sensitive skin in winter. However, it enlightens normal skin. Moreover, if you are using any lotion that has cocoa butter, then it may darken your skin slightly.

What is cocoa butter good for?

Cocoa butter contains a reasonable amount of the antioxidant vitamin E. Maintaining healthy eyes, sperm, skin, and blood vessels also requires that vitamin. Cocoa butter’s strong fatty acid content makes it a great foundational component of skin cream. For dry skin, it works like a lifesaver.

Does cocoa butter help wrinkles?

Yes, cocoa butter helps wrinkles. The natural plant ingredients known as phytochemicals are abundant in cocoa butter. As a result of their ability to absorb and scatter the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, these compounds may increase the skin’s blood flow and delay the aging process. That’s why cocoa butter is excellent for reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you can understand why cocoa butter clogs pores. Now, we can suggest that if you have oily skin, you should avoid applying any lotion or moisturizer with cocoa butter. But if your skin remains dehydrated, then it is great for you.

To avoid pore clogging, you may either go for an alternative or use a very low amount of cocoa butter. Then it may not be comedogenic. You may also consult with a dermatologist in this regard. He/she will let you know whether you should use cocoa butter or not.