What is the Difference Between Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter

The main difference between shea butter and cocoa butter is that shea butter mainly contains linoleic acid, arachidic acid, and palmitic acid, whereas cocoa butter mainly contains oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.

Shea butter and cocoa butter are both natural plant-based fats that we use in cosmetics and personal care products. However, there is a distinct difference between shea butter and cocoa butter.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Shea Butter
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Cocoa Butter
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter

Difference Between Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter - Comparison Summary

What is Shea Butter

Shea butter is the fat that is taken from the nuts in the shea tree. Shea trees mostly grow in West African regions, and shea butter comes from these regions. This butter is often used for cosmetic ingredients. Shea butter has an ivory or off-white color. This butter is easy to spread. Although shea butter is a tree nut product, it contains low levels of proteins that can potentially trigger allergies, making it a safer option for individuals with nut allergies.

Compare Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter - What's the difference?

Shea butter contains various vitamins and fatty acids. It protects the skin cells. Since shea butter contains both Vitamin E and Vitamin A, it acts as an anti-aging agent too. The high content of different types of acids in shea butter also helps to clear the excess oil in one’s skin. Basically, shea butter is good for all skin types, and it is popular for its moisturizing effects. It does not make the skin oily after application. Since shea butter restores the moisture of the skin, it prevents acne. The moisturizing and antioxidant properties of shea butter together help the regeneration of healthy new cells in one’s skin. As a result of new cell generation, shea butter helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

What is Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is the fat that is taken from cocoa beans. Cocoa butter is pale-yellow in color and is edible. It is mostly used to make chocolates. But it has many uses in other industries, as well, especially to make products like ointments, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, etc. Due to the moisturizing properties of cocoa butter, it is useful in the manufacturing of body and face lotions. Cocoa butter is an easily absorbant ingredient, and it provides a high level of moisturizing to the skin. Thus, it gives more benefits to dry skin.

Shea Butter vs Cocoa Butter

Working as an ointment, cocoa butter softens the skin. At the same time, it helps to improve skin elasticity by retaining moisture in the upper layers of the cell. Cocoa butter contains many nutrients and antioxidants. It is very healthy for the human body since its antioxidant qualities help to protect the skin from environmental damage. Cocoa butter contains magnesium, Vitamin E, and iron. Since cocoa butter contains antioxidant qualities, it helps to act as an anti-aging agent.

Similarities Between Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter

  • Both shea butter and cocoa butter are fats used in cosmetic production.
  • They contain Vitamin E.
  • Shea butter and cocoa butter contain antioxidants.
  • Both shea butter and cocoa butter contain moisturizing properties.
  • They have a smooth texture and consistency.

Difference Between Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter

Definition

Shea butter refers to the fat that is taken from the nuts in the shea tree, whereas cocoa butter is the fat that is taken from cocoa beans.

Origin

Although shea butter comes from nuts in the shea tree, cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans.

Smell

Shea butter has a nutty smell, whereas cocoa butter has a strong chocolate smell.

Appearance

While shea butter has an ivory or off-white color, cocoa butter has a darker tint.

Texture

Moreover, shea butter is less dense than cocoa butter and is easier to cut.

Usage

Cocoa butter is more likely to be used in aromatherapy or massage lotions than shea butter due to its smell.

Fatty Acids

When considering their fatty acid content, shea butter mainly contains linoleic acid, arachidic acid, and palmitic acid, whereas cocoa butter mainly contains oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.

Vitamin A

Shea butter contains Vitamin A, whereas cocoa butter does not contain Vitamin A.

Shelf Life

Cocoa butter has a longer shelf life than shea butter.

Conclusion

The main difference between shea butter and cocoa butter is that shea butter mainly contains linoleic acid, arachidic acid, and palmitic acid, whereas cocoa butter mainly contains oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.

Reference:

1. “What is Cacao Butter? Everything You Need to Know.” Readcaco.
2. “What Is Shea Butter? 22 Reasons to Add It to Your Routine.” HealthLine.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Sheabutter-virginsheabutter” By Hopkinsuniv – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Cocoa butter” By Йоана Петрова (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr

About the Author: Gerandielle

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