People have been using cocoa butter and shea butter on their skin for generations as they’re so moisturizing, and I’m a firm lover of both products myself! But which body butter is better and why?
Ultimately it depends on personal preference, as both products are super moisturizing and make the skin look great. However, they come from completely different sources, with shea butter being made from kernels of the shea tree and cocoa butter being derived from cocoa beans, so they will provide different benefits depending on your skin type.
In this article, I’m going to let you into all the skincare secrets of cocoa butter and shea butter, including their similarities, their differences, how they benefit different skin types, as well as my personal preference!
Similarities and differences between cocoa butter and shea butter
Here are the key similarities and differences between cocoa butter and shea butter!
Similarities | Differences |
They both offer moisturizing benefits | Cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenols which may help protect skin from damage and aging |
Cocoa butter and shea butter contain palmitic acid which helps to soften the skin | Different in scent – shea butter has a distinct nutty aroma while cocoa butter smells like chocolate |
Both are plant-based fats and are generally suitable for vegans | Shea butter contains higher levels of Vitamin A and E which provide increased antioxidant properties |
Similarities
While they come from different plants, shea butter and cocoa butter have a few key similarities that make them great substitutes for one another.
Both are very moisturizing, melting into the skin upon application and giving helping to prevent dry patches on the skin. They both contain palmitic acid which is great for softening the skin and providing a supple texture.
As they are both plant-based fats, cocoa butter, and shea butter are generally suitable for vegans as they don’t naturally contain any animal products. If you’re unsure of this, make sure to carefully check the ingredient list when purchasing either of these kinds of body butter to make sure they’re suitable for you.
Both types of body butter can also be used to make homemade skincare products! Here’s a great recipe for coconut bath melts that can be made using cocoa butter or shea butter.
Differences
Despite having many similarities, there are a few big differences between shea butter and cocoa butter. One of the main differences is their appearance, with shea butter being either yellow or white in color whereas cocoa butter is brown. Here’s some info on the differences between white shea butter and yellow shea butter if you’re keen to know more!
They are also distinctly different in scent, with shea butter having a nutty aroma while cocoa butter smells like chocolate due to being derived from cocoa beans.
There are also differences that may lead to you prefer one to the other depending on your specific skin concerns.
For example, cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenols which are said to help prevent damage to the skin as well as premature aging. Shea butter, on the other hand, contains more significant levels of Vitamins A and E, which are high in antioxidants and therefore help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin.
Best skin types for cocoa butter and shea butter
While cocoa butter and shea butter are generally suitable for all skin types, there are some textures of skin that are better suited to one than the other. I’ve detailed these below to help you decide which type of body butter would be more beneficial for your skin!
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is particularly good for those with dryer skin types, as it has intense moisturizing properties and can help the skin to become better hydrated.
It is also said to be good for sensitive skin, with some recommending it for those suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis.
I wouldn’t advise using excessive amounts of cocoa butter on your face if you have very oily skin. Cocoa butter can cause blocked pores if overused due to its rich texture, so it’s best to stick to a small amount if your skin is on the oilier side.
Shea butter
Shea butter is considered to be safe for all skin types, as it won’t dry out skin or clog pores. It can help to balance sebum production, thereby preventing acne and breakouts, plus it’s good for hydrating dry skin. (Especially as a component in this fantastic whipped body butter.)
Like cocoa butter, you shouldn’t overuse shea butter on your face if you have oily skin. This is because it is rich in consistency and will add oil to the skin which may not be ideal if your skin is already quite oily.
The verdict
Cocoa butter and shea butter both offer many benefits to the skin – however, I of course have a personal favorite.
If both were sitting on a shelf in my local drugstore, I’d have to go with cocoa butter. The smell is irresistible, and I love that it contains ingredients that help to fight skin damage and premature aging!
Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
FAQ
It really depends on your personal preference as to which is the better-smelling body butter. If nutty fragrances are your favorite, you’ll love shea butter; chocoholics on the other hand will love the smell of cocoa butter!
Shea butter can be substituted for cocoa butter in most circumstances. However, bear in mind that their colors and scents are different if you’re using them in specific recipes.
Cocoa butter and shea butter can certainly be mixed together. They’ll create a beautiful concoction to make your skin supple and soft!
Cocoa butter and shea butter will only clog pores if used in excess on the face. They generally shouldn’t clog pores as they help to control sebum production, thereby reducing the likelihood of acne/breakouts.
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