Shea Butter vs Cocoa Butter: Which Is Best For Strech Marks?

Wondering what’s the deal with shea butter vs cocoa butter rivalry? Keep reading to find out which is best for stretch marks!

In choosing what’s best for our skin, we turn into detectives, checking the list of ingredients and featured essentials shown on the packaging. It takes a keen eye to know how a particular product can help your skin.

Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter are two common nature-based fats that play a massive role in skincare product labels. Both are known for their moisturizing, healing, and relaxing properties.

To answer what is much better in treating common skin problems during or after pregnancy, you need an arsenal of information guided by researched knowledge. Mama’s Choice brings you a chance to see what your skin really needs with this guide.

Shea Butter vs Cocoa Butter

All About Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter is an edible fat extracted from the cocoa bean. Other than its most popular function (which is to make chocolates, of course), it is a common ingredient in medicines and other health-related products.

This butter can alleviate issues from hair loss to skin irritation. In addition, it is boosted with vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin E, and choline.

Here are other positive effects that cocoa butter can do on your skin:

1. Trusted for 3,000 years

Cocoa has been used for its medicinal qualities by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. In present times, researchers have discovered that compounds present in this product called phytochemicals help keep both your body and skin healthy.

2. High in fatty acids

This is why cocoa butter is a viable option because of its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin. In addition, the fat present in this butter can improve skin elasticity and can hold in moisture.

Cocoa Butter may have a 3,000-year-old trust approval, but this beloved ingredient has a dose of cons to share. There are some unlikable effects that cocoa butter may impose on your skin.

It is comedogenic, which means that it has the tendency to block the pores of your skin. A study found out that this product also has anti-estrogenic effects. PubMed Central found out through a research study that cocoa butter is ineffective for treating stretch marks.

All About Shea Butter

Shea Butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. While it is used in cosmetics as a moisturizer or lotion, shea butter can also be used in food preparation. It is distinctive from its natural, mild nutty smell. It is commonly marketed as light brown in color. However, you can see it in yellow, off-white, and even green.

Shea Butter also has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids. As a result, it is an excellent product for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning your skin. In addition, shea butter promotes strong antioxidant activity with its active components such as vitamins A and E.

Here are other positive effects that shea butter can do on your skin:

1. Boosts collagen production

Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Losing collagen in your body damages your skin, causing wrinkles and a longer time for wounds to heal. According to Healthline, you can minimize the appearance of fine lines and achieve plumper skin.

2. Promotes healthy skin cell growth

Our skin constantly needs to renew its layers. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and F, which are antioxidant vitamins that promote circulation and healthy skin cell growth.

3. Keeps you in that pregnancy glow

Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties and other substantial benefits for keeping the skin looking young and clean.

Shea butter also has more to offer! Check out the other skin benefits shea butter has:

Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Offers added sun protection
May help soothe sunburn and other skin burns
Can help promote wound healing

But here’s the best thing about it: Shea butter is the best in keeping your glow during the stages of pregnancy.

Shea butter does not have as many cons other than the rare chance of developing shea butter allergies and some people not quite keen on its smell. Other than that, this product is highly effective in treating your sensitive skin with utmost care.

Shea Butter vs Cocoa Butter: The Verdict

Shea butter definitely wins the belt when treating scars, stretch marks, and other skin issues you might face during or after pregnancy.

While both plant-based natural fats have their own fair share of pros and cons, shea butter is proven for its fast-relief healing properties that are safe for mama and baby too!

Also Read: What Works Best To Prevent Stretch Marks

Discover Our Shea Butter-Enriched Stretch Mark Cream

When it comes to pregnancy and sensitive skin – it takes much more than caution to alleviate your ails. Good thing Mama’s Choice Stretch Mark Cream can moisturize, nourish, and prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.

Our stretch mark cream is enriched with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil, and jojoba oil. It is also formulated with the innovative Lipobelle Soyaglycone that enhances collagen production and improves skin elasticity and smoothness.