Remember that warm and fuzzy feeling whenever you received a box of chocolates from a loved one? Or how a pint of chocolate ice cream was always there by your side when you were going through a rough time and needed a mood booster? Yes, chocolates have a special place in our hearts (and refrigerator) as a result of what they represent, and the feel-good factor it induces in us. But beyond that, there are numerous scientific studies that show that frequent, moderate consumption of dark chocolate can improve your skin and even cardiovascular health by lowering your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, thanks to the high levels of antioxidants and flavanols found in cacao beans (from which cocoa and chocolate are derived from).
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And while we certainly never needed any justification to satisfy our sweet tooth with some chocolate, it could be time to rework this age-old remedy into our beauty routine. As a rich source of antioxidants, minerals and fatty acids, cocoa butter (another product derived from cacao beans) and other cacao-derived ingredients have been widely used for their skin-conditioning properties for centuries.
However, it has largely stayed out of the limelight in recent years amidst a cluttered marketplace that constantly focuses on new marketing buzzwords and ingredients.
So since the 7th of July is International Chocolate Day, we shine the spotlight on this humble ingredient as we round up our favourite products that pack the goodness of cocoa.
https://www.herworld.com/style/beauty/chocolate-cocoa-infused-beauty-products-soft-supple-skin/
Best chocolate-infused products
Klarity OxyMud Cacao Duo Cleanse and Renewal Mask, $89
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This two-in-one product makes deep-cleansing your skin easier than ever. Fortified with cacao fruit powder, not only does it melt away makeup effectively, it also infuses skin with a potent dose of antioxidants to fight the damaging effects of free radicals. Moreover, it has a unique natural exfoliation enzyme technology to eliminate dead skin cells. Simply apply a thin and even layer on clean and dry skin and watch the mask start to bubble.
As the mask gets activated, it delivers oxygen to skin cells, instantly revitalising the complexion for an energised glow. After about 5 minutes, rinse off thoroughly for softer, smoother and brighter skin.
Fresh Sugar Chocolate Hydrating Lip Balm, $27
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The soft, whipped texture of this lip balm makes it look good enough to eat. With a texture that reminds you of delicious chocolate fudge, this rich formula provides moisture and forms a protective layer over your lips to ensure round-the-clock hydration. We also love the brown tint and totally gorgeous velvety shine it leaves behind.
Caolion Blackhead O2 Sparkling Soap, $24
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While some nightmares, like seeing your ex’s Instagram posts on your news feed, can now be fixed with the “Mute” function, other nightmares like blackheads, can be of the recurring sort. And before you decide to give yourself a very unprofessional facial and run the risk of scarring your skin, here’s a way to manage those pesky buggers: by turning to Caolion’s Blackhead O2 Sparkling Soap.
Formulated with charcoal, sparkling water, cocoa and a host of botanical emollients, this rich-lathering cleansing soap purges pores of impurities while delivering much-needed moisture to restore your skin’s moisture and sebum levels. Over time, sebum production is regulated, pores are refined and skin texture is smoother and more even.
Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate, $44
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Flaunt a natural-looking healthy summer glow with this gorgeous matte bronzer. Infused with cocoa powder, this heavenly-scented product has a buildable coverage and blends seamlessly into your skin. Swirl a large face brush all over the bronzer, dust off excess product and sweep onto the areas of your face where sunlight naturally hits to instantly add warmth to your complexion.
Best part? It has a soft matte finish without any shimmer so it gives a realistic effect, and its long-wearing formula means it stays put all day.
Kocostar Hand Moisture Pack, $7
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Imagine how dry and rough the skin on your face would be if you washed it repeatedly throughout the day without moisturising it. This is exactly what your hands are subjected to everyday if you don’t have the habit of reapplying hand cream on the go. And since the skin on our palms do not have sebum glands, it is unable to produce natural emollients to maintain its moisture levels.
So why not treat your neglected hands to a DIY hand spa with this Hand Moisture Pack? Designed like a pair of “gloves”, it is soaked in a nourishing serum that is a rich blend of shea butter, safflower seed oil and cocoa seed extract. Simply leave them on for 20 minutes before revealing smoother, plumper skin.
Edible Beauty & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair, $55, at Sephora.sg
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Ideal for those with a compromised skin barrier, this restorative night-use balm is a combination of potent botanical extracts, vitamins and antioxidants to hydrate, soothe, repair and strengthen. At the heart of its formula are shea and cocoa butters, which are rich in lipids to relieve irritation and rebuild sensitised skin.
A blend of vitamins B, C and E further helps to reduce redness, improve uneven skin tone and promote self-healing while antioxidants derived from pomegranate and acai fight free radical damage. Apply a thin layer onto cleansed skin as a finishing step of your nighttime routine and wake up to rebalanced and supple skin.
Ciate London Choc Pot, $10
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While nail polish remover pots are not new inventions, this chocolate-scented one surely makes it tempting to indulge in. All you have to do is dip your fingers into the sponge, wiggle it for a few seconds and all traces of nail polish is swiftly removed while a delectable dessert-like aroma is left to linger on your hands.
Its gentle formula is also infused with marula oil and vitamins to condition and strengthen nails.
ALSO READ: REVIEW: 7 BEST COCONUT SCENTED BEAUTY PRODUCTS
