I like to think that stretch marks are a work of art on the gods’ favourites, but while some wear them as a badge of honour, they are stretch marks as a source of insecurity for some.
Cocoa butter and shea butter are popular natural fats derived from plants. They have been used as natural moisturisers or skincare ingredients for centuries and are known for their nourishing and healing qualities.
Suppose you are wondering which natural butter is better for your stretch marks; here's a comparison of cocoa butter and shea butter based on benefits and effectiveness. Which of these plant-based naturals best soothe and fade stretch marks and moisturise the skin? Keep reading for answers.
Read Also: These Vaseline Body Oils Will Give You the Softest, Smoothest Skin.
What is Cocoa Butter?
Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from the cocoa bean (the cacao tree's seed). It is a popular ingredient in skincare products because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Due to its highly effective composition, cocoa butter fades stretch marks over time and smoothens scars, wrinkles, and other skin marks.
Here are some body lotions and creams containing cocoa butter that reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.
1. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Cream for Stretch Marks
Palmer's Cocoa Butter stretch mark cream is praised for its effectiveness in fading stretch marks. Its rich moisturising formula improves skin elasticity. It is ideal for areas prone to stretch marks, such as the tummy, thighs, and hips, making it a popular choice for expectant mothers.
Price: $6.70. Where to Buy: Shop Amazon.
2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula
My co-worker raves about Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula as the best cocoa body butter due to its healing and hydrating benefits and healthy ingredients.
Price: ₦9,349 Where to Buy: Shop Coco Rosey.
3. Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion’s moisturising qualities can improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Price: ₦12,850. Where to Buy: Shop Coco Rosey.
Does Cocoa Butter Work for Stretch Marks?
Many have praised cocoa butter for its intense hydration. However, despite popular belief that cocoa butter fades stretch marks, research published on PubMed found that:
"topical application of a lotion containing cocoa butter doesn't appear to reduce the likelihood of developing stretch marks.”
Still, well-moisturised skin can reduce the possibility of elastic skin tearing when stretched and lessen the severity of new marks when formed. To maintain supple and hydrated skin, it is advisable to consistently apply lotions, creams, or oils containing cocoa butter.
Read Also: Shea Butter vs Cocoa Butter: Which Natural Moisturizer Performs Better?
What is Shea Butter?
I grew up using different body lotions and creams, but shea butter remained a constant in my household. From soothing the scalp and injuries to moisturising the skin, shea butter is the jack of all trades.
Shea butter is unique because of its healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It also contains SPF 3-4, which protects the skin from UV sun rays. Users recommend these body moisturisers because they effectively fade stretch marks.
1. Ori Shea Body Butter - Modara Naturals
Ori Shea Body Butter is rated by users for its effectiveness in softening the skin. A particular reviewer claimed it prevented stretch marks during pregnancy. It can be applied daily from head to toe and is safe for infants.
Price: ₦4,200. Where to Buy: Shop Modara Naturals.
2. Toke Natural Unrefined Shea Butter
Toke Natural Unrefined Shea Butter is a perfect option for those who want a quick and effective measure to fade stretch marks.
Price: ₦4,000. Where to Buy: Shop Toke Cosmetics.
2. Thermalabs Shea Body Butter
Users swear by Thermalabs Shea Body Butter for its pleasant scent and moisturising benefits. This body butter contains dead sea minerals and organic ingredients like shea butter. It is ideal for people with dry skin and pregnant women looking to prevent stretch marks.
Price: $38. Where to Buy: Shop Amazon.
Does Shea Butter Work for Stretch Marks?
Shea butter doesn't altogether remove stretch marks from the body, but it reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. It stops scar tissue from reproducing and improves the growth of healthy cells as a replacement. This helps the skin to heal and reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scarring.
Cocoa Butter vs Shea Butter: Which Is Better for Stretch Marks?
According to Healthline, cocoa butter is rich in phytochemicals that improve blood flow, reduce skin aging, and protect the skin from harmful UV sun rays. Its thick texture might leave a greasy residue when applied to the skin, so it needs to be massaged into the skin thoroughly.
Because of its deep moisturising quality, Shea Butter fades stretch marks and maintains skin elasticity, especially during periods of rapid growth. It is safe to apply daily. However, its quality varies based on production techniques. Pure, unrefined shea butter retains more nutrients and properties and is more effective than the refined version with added fragrances or chemicals.
Hydration and Moisturisation
Cocoa butter's richness in fatty acids makes it ideal for locking in moisture. Because of its hydrating and moisturising qualities, it is often added to body lotions and creams. Lotions and body creams containing cocoa butter benefit dry skin, especially during dry and cold seasons when the skin tends to dry quickly. Cocoa butter prevents dryness, flaking, and irritation while keeping the skin's barrier healthy and protected.
At its core, shea butter is a powerful moisturiser. As a dry skin girlie, I've never worried about my skin being dry and flaky after applying shea butter because it keeps my skin hydrated throughout the day. Shea butter's hydrating and moisturising qualities make it a perfect choice for stretch marks. It maintains and improves the skin's elasticity and reduces the possibility of new stretch marks forming.
Both are deeply moisturising, hydrating, and long-lasting.
Texture & Absorption
Cocoa butter and shea butter have thick textures, but shea butter has a lighter texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Scent & Sensitivity
Unrefined shea butter has a slightly unpleasant scent, while cocoa butter has a rich and pleasant chocolatey scent. Due to its heavy moisturising quality, cocoa butter may not be ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. Shea butter, however, is more suitable for sensitive skin because of its healing qualities and is perfect for all skin types.
Ingredients and Claims
Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that hydrate and soften the skin texture. According to Healthline, cocoa butter is rich in phytochemicals that improve blood flow, reduce skin ageing, and protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Shea Butter includes:
Linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids, which regulate skin oil,
Vitamins A, E, and F, which serve as antioxidants to promote circulation and healthy skin cells,
triglycerides, which nourish and condition the skin and
cetyl esters, which condition the skin and lock in moisture.
In Closing
Cocoa butter is your best bet if you are looking for a deep moisturiser with a pleasant scent, vitamins and antioxidants, and deep nourishing properties. But unrefined shea butter is your best choice to repair your skin, fade stretch marks, and protect your skin barrier from damage.