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Cacao Extract

What Cacao Extract is & what it does

Cacao Extract is a botanical extract from the cacao plant (Theobroma cacao), the source of cocoa and chocolate. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is used as an antioxidant-positioned and conditioning botanical, contributing plant polyphenols such as flavonoids. It can also lend a characteristic scent and is common in products with a chocolate or indulgent theme.

What does Cacao Extract do in skincare?

Cacao Extract is a botanical extract from the cacao plant, the source of cocoa and chocolate. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is used as an antioxidant-positioned and conditioning botanical, contributing plant polyphenols such as flavonoids. It can also add a characteristic scent.

Is Cacao Extract natural or synthetic?

Cacao Extract is a naturally derived ingredient obtained from the cacao plant. Because it is plant-sourced, it is typically suitable for vegan formulations, though the rest of a product should be checked. As a botanical extract, its composition can vary with sourcing and processing.

Is Cacao Extract comedogenic?

Cacao Extract as a botanical extract is not strongly associated with clogging pores, though cocoa-derived butters and oils are sometimes rated higher for comedogenicity than the extract itself. How a product feels depends on its full formula rather than this single ingredient. If you are acne-prone, you may want to see how the finished product suits your skin.

Sunscreens with Cacao Extract

We rate 16 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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