Evidence supporting the use of: Cocoa Butter
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cocoa butter has a long history of traditional use as a topical emollient to soothe dry, irritated, or itchy skin. It is derived from the fat of cocoa beans and is well known for its moisturizing properties. The traditional rationale for using cocoa butter to relieve itching is based on its ability to form a protective barrier on the skin, which helps to lock in moisture and reduce dryness—one common cause of itchiness. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting cocoa butter’s efficacy in treating itching (pruritus) is limited. Most clinical research on cocoa butter focuses on its general moisturizing effects or its use in preventing stretch marks, not on itch relief per se.
Despite anecdotal and historical reports of its soothing effects, there are few controlled studies directly evaluating cocoa butter for this purpose. The available research suggests that while cocoa butter can help improve skin hydration, it may not be superior to other emollients or moisturizers in reducing itching. In summary, the use of cocoa butter for itching is justified primarily by traditional practice and personal experience, rather than strong scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Itching
aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
peppermint oil
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Mallow
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Cocoa Butter
AbrasionsDiaper Rash
Eczema
Itching
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Wrinkles