Bitter butter: 4 ingredients that make cocoa butter dangerous

Cocoa butter is a natural fat product which is also known as Theobroma oil or  Theobroma cacao, which is made from cocoa beans that are pale yellow in color. Cocoa butter is mainly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These products of cocoa butter contain B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc, which are good for health. Cocoa butter is mostly used in creams, cosmetics, sun creams, lotions and soaps, which are helpful in retaining moisture and keeping away skin dryness. The natural fat of cocoa butter helps to keep skin smooth in summer and winter. Another advantage of cocoa butter is that it rejuvenates the anti-aging skin collagen.

Harmful ingredients in cocoa butter: Not all cocoa butter creams are safe and effective. You need to be precise in choosing the best cocoa butter cream from the market. Therefore, you need to be precise in choosing the best cocoa butter cream from the market. To choose wisely, you need to know harmful chemicals that maybe present in cocoa butter creams and lotions. It is better to know various chemicals and brands that contain harmful ingredients. Below are the list of ingredients that make cocoa butter harmful and dangerous:

1. Artificial Fragrances: As we know cocoa butter is a naturally obtained product. But artificial additives are often used in personal care products like cocoa butter to enhance fragrance and make it look more natural and chocolaty. Artificial chemicals are also easily absorbed by our skin and are stored in the fat cells of the body. In course of time, this creates skin problems. Several researchers have advised that use of artificial products can increase the risk of breast cancer and health problems. So when you buy cosmetic products, check if they are natural and if there are any harmful chemicals in them.

2. Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is a chemical which is used for industrial applications like anti-freeze, hydraulic fluid and brake fluid. Propylene glycol is added in face creams and lotions like cocoa butter because it has the capability to keep skin moist and prevent it from dryness.  This chemical can cause irritation and also harm eyes when used. Cocoa butter creams and lotions contain propylene glycol which have the greater risk of causing skin irritation. So it is better to consult dermatitis before you use lotions.

3. Parabens: Parabens is used in food and pharmaceuticals as a preservative. It takes the same role in skin lotions and creams made using cocoa butter. Parabens are added in cocoa butter creams to improve its emulsifying capabilities and product stability. Parabens contain methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butlyparaben and benzylparaben. So these chemicals can increase the risk of breast cancer by regulating estradiol which is the main cause of breast tumor cells. Creams and lotions of cocoa butter are easily absorbed by the skin. So, when parabens too are absorbed, they may cause illness or harm to the skin in the long term.  Avoid cosmetic products which contain parabens.

4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is the chemical agent which causes foaming in soaps and shampoos. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is also used in several industrial applications, such as car engine degreasers, car wash soaps and garage floor cleaners. This chemical causes carcinogenic nitrates and dioxins when added to personal care products. So Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has the greater risk of causing itchiness and rashes in the skin.