Deodorized cocoa butter, pellets, 100 g

Deodorised cocoa butter gives balms, creams and sticks a firm consistency and leaves a nourishing protective film on the skin. It is obtained from the fruit of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) and through deodorisation is stripped of its typical chocolate scent, so it will not overpower fragrance compositions or essential oils in the finished product.

In a formulation it acts as an emollient and conditioning ingredient. It softens the skin, limits water evaporation from its surface and adds a firmer texture even to wax-free products. It has food-grade quality, which is particularly appreciated in lip balms.

Key benefits

• Fragrance-free – the deodorised version is suitable where the scent should be determined by a fragrance or essential oil, or where the product is meant to have no scent at all.
• Firm consistency – at room temperature the butter is solid, so it holds the shape of a stick or balm and firms up the oil phase of a cream without a thickener.
• Protective film – on the skin it forms a layer that limits moisture loss. Suitable for dry areas, elbows, heels, hands and lips.
• Hair conditioning – in masks and rinse-out conditioners it smooths the hair shaft and makes detangling easier, especially for dry and curly hair.
• Pellets – quick weighing of precise amounts, even melting, no cutting of a block.

Use in formulation

The butter belongs in the oil phase. It dissolves in oils and fats, is insoluble in water, so it enters water-based products only through an emulsion. On the skin it melts and spreads after application.

During production the pellets are melted together with other fats and waxes; the recommended processing temperature is up to 80 °C. In emulsions the butter is added to the heated oil phase and emulsified at the standard process temperature. Heat-sensitive active ingredients are added only after cooling.

Dosage depends on the desired firmness. In lip balms and solid body sticks the butter makes up a substantial part of the fat phase; in creams and body milks it is added in a smaller proportion to firm the emulsion without noticeably weighing down the skin. At a higher proportion the texture is richer and absorbs more slowly, so check the feel at a few test ratios.

Suitable for products such as

• Lip balms – food-grade quality and firm consistency are the main advantages here.
• Body sticks and solid balms – the butter holds its shape and melts on the skin.
• Hand and foot creams – protective film for stressed and dry areas.
• Solid massage bars – in combination with softer butters and oils.
• Hair masks and conditioners – for dry and coarser hair; use at a lower proportion for fine hair.

Good to know

In anhydrous products where the butter is the main ingredient, combining it with a liquid oil or a softer butter (shea, mango) helps to prevent the balm from being too hard and difficult to spread. For oily skin facial products it is used in a smaller amount; for dry and mature skin it is a welcome ingredient in night creams.

The raw material itself contains no water and anhydrous products made from it do not require a preservative. Preservation is only needed in emulsions with a water phase.

Frequently asked questions