Owned by the E.T. Browne Drug Company, the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter brand includes a variety of formulas to treat skin conditions. The basic cocoa butter formula is marketed to heal and soften skin, and to help smooth away stretch marks. All of the Cocoa Butter Formulas include the same basic ingredients, with additional ingredients depending on the problem being targeted. The massage lotion for stretch marks adds collagen, elastin and shea butter. The leg relief formula includes menthol, the product for itchy skin has lecithin and the firming cocoa butter formula has coenzyme Q10.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract and Butter
The seeds of the cocoa tree are roasted and ground to produce a powdery substance and a yellowish-white fat. Classified as an emollient, skin conditioning and skin protecting agent, cocoa butter softens and smoothes skin, and helps to protect it from the environment. It also masks any naturally unpleasant odors that may arise from other ingredients. The Cosmetics Cop notes that cocoa butter improves skin elasticity and promotes the production of collagen. However, it is not able to prevent stretch marks.
Mineral Oil
Also called paraffin oil, mineral oil comes from petroleum. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is a safe, natural moisturizer that seldom causes an allergic reaction.
Microcrystalline Wax (Cera Microcristallina)
Cera microcristallina, better known as petrolatum, helps to heal, reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. It also stabilizes the mixture of ingredients, lengthens shelf-life and increases the thickness of the cocoa butter product.
Dimethicone
Related to silicone, dimethicone softens and soothes the skin while providing a silky feeling. It can also be used to protect skin, may contribute to wound healing and improves the appearance of scars.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Tocopheryl acetate is vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as an antioxidant in the skin. In this form, it also conditions and protects the skin.
Carotene
The type of carotene found in Palmer’s cocoa butter is known by the chemical name CI 40800. This is an orange colorant approved for use in cosmetics.
Writer Bio
Sandi Busch received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, then pursued training in nursing and nutrition. She taught families to plan and prepare special diets, worked as a therapeutic support specialist, and now writes about her favorite topics – nutrition, food, families and parenting – for hospitals and trade magazines.