Sometimes doctor-prescribed treatments do only so much to relieve the itchy, scaly, dry skin of psoriasis. Could an over-the-counter (OTC) product containing cocoa butter — often touted as beneficial for the skin and psoriasis symptoms — give your regimen an extra edge?

Members of MyPsoriasisTeam have reported trying moisturizers, creams, and ointments containing natural ingredients, including cocoa butter, to help their skin symptoms. “Can anyone recommend natural products to lessen swelling and plaques?” asked one member.

Another member shared, “I’ve discovered that I can’t do methotrexate or biologics due to severe anemia, so I’m researching the all-natural route.”

You can easily find natural and OTC skin care products at your local grocery store or pharmacy, but some may work better than others. Although no scientific research proves that cocoa butter can help psoriasis symptoms, some people still enjoy it for its moisturizing properties. Before trying any new skin care product, talk to your dermatologist to understand how it may fit into your psoriasis treatment plan.

What Is Cocoa Butter?

Roasting cacao beans produces cocoa butter, also referred to as theobroma oil. This slightly yellow fat was first used medicinally and nutritionally by Mayan and Aztec civilizations several thousand years ago.

Cocoa butter contains a range of beneficial properties, like antioxidants, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory components, but many of these benefits are lost through modern processing and manufacturing. Still, cocoa butter is often used alone or as an ingredient in creams and lotions.

Some products that contain cocoa butter include moisturizers from brands like Palmer’s, Nivea, and Vaseline. These products can be found at local and online pharmacies, grocery stores, and retailers.

Cocoa Butter and Your Skin

Theoretically, cocoa butter should be good for your skin because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists have noted cocoa butter’s potential for both promoting skin health and reducing damage from factors like exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. No findings have shown that cocoa butter definitely helps the skin, but because of increasing interest in the therapeutic benefits of cocoa and cocoa butter, the research continues.

Lack of evidence aside, people still turn to cocoa butter for various skin conditions like lines and stretch marks. People on MyPsoriasisTeam have described how they use cocoa butter products for their skin and psoriasis.

“Palmer’s works for my psoriasis,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member said. “And the natural shea butter fragrance is heavenly! Give it a try!”

Another member agreed: “Palmer’s cocoa butter — I find it’s great to keep the dryness away (for a day anyway 😃).”

“Currently covered myself in raw cocoa butter and wrapped myself in cling film so that, hopefully, tomorrow my skin won’t be cracking or bleeding at work … fingers crossed,” said one member.

How To Use Cocoa Butter for Psoriasis

If you’re interested in trying cocoa butter for your psoriasis, talk to your dermatologist. It’s important that they know about any OTC skin care products you use and can make sure that your OTC and prescribed treatments won’t interact. They can also give you advice about how to use topical products.

Cocoa butter is an ingredient in various skin care products, including:

• Body, face, and hand lotions
• Moisturizers
• Soaps
• Creams and massage oils to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
• Lip balms
• Sunscreen and tanning lotions
• After-sun skin care products
• Shampoos, conditioners, and conditioning treatments for the scalp and hair
• Deodorants

To use these products, follow the instructions on the label. You might use a cocoa butter shampoo or conditioner if you have scalp psoriasis, along with a lotion or moisturizer for psoriasis plaques on other parts of your body.

You can also purchase raw cocoa butter from local retailers and online. Some people mix raw cocoa butter with similar ingredients, like coconut oil, for relief from psoriasis symptoms. One MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote, “Coconut oil helps me. … I mix it with cocoa butter.”

Another member joked, “I smell interesting, to say the least! My body has been coated in vapor rub and my scalp with cocoa butter cream! Good Lord willing, it will help!”

Do a Skin Patch Test

When trying any new home remedy or skin care product, it’s a good idea to first test it on a small patch of skin. Follow these steps:

• Apply a small amount of the product to your skin twice a day for a week to 10 days.
• Leave the product on as long as you normally would.
• If you have no adverse reactions in seven to 10 days, it should be safe to continue normal use.
• If you have adverse reactions, like itching, burning, or irritation, during the test period, discontinue using the product and talk to your dermatology provider.

If you have passed the patch test, you can apply the product to larger areas.

Precautions of Using Cocoa Butter for Psoriasis

Using cocoa butter on your skin doesn’t pose any serious risks. However, products with cocoa butter may contain other ingredients that can irritate or worsen psoriasis symptoms. It’s important to closely review a product’s ingredient list before trying it for yourself.

Some People Are Allergic to Cocoa and Cocoa Butter

If you’re allergic to cocoa butter, don’t apply it. Allergic skin reactions can cause symptoms like itchiness, redness or discoloration, blisters, swelling, bumps, scales, and hives. If you have any of these symptoms after using cocoa butter, you may be allergic to it.

Ask your doctor if you might benefit from an allergy test. They may be able to perform the testing, or they can refer you to an allergy specialist.

Cocoa Butter Can Clog Your Pores

Another thing to consider is that cocoa butter is very thick and can clog your pores. If you have skin conditions such as acne, using cocoa butter might make it worse.

Other OTC Products for Psoriasis

If you want to try OTC products for your psoriasis symptoms, resources like your dermatologist and the National Psoriasis Foundation can guide you to products that are more likely to work for your skin. Your dermatologist knows best about the state of your skin, including other skin conditions you have, and can help determine an OTC moisturizer or other product that can work in tandem with your prescribed treatments.

The National Psoriasis Foundation puts its Seal of Recognition on OTC products that are nonirritating and safe for people with psoriasis. Look for this indication when shopping for OTC products. You can also browse approved products through their Product Directory. Some generally well-tolerated products discussed by MyPsoriasisTeam members don’t have the seal, meaning these options may be irritating for some people. Following trusted guidelines can help you select products that have a better chance of helping your skin symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

By joining MyPsoriasisTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with psoriasis, you gain a support group of more than 116,000 members.

Have you tried cocoa butter products for your psoriasis symptoms? Have other types of natural remedies worked for you? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below or on your Activities page.