Cocoa butter is derived from the Theobroma cacao tree. An evergreen tree, the species prefers tropical climates and grows naturally in a band that begins in southeastern Mexico and extends southward through Central America and into the Amazon basin in South America Cocoa butter has been shown to contain high concentrations of plant flavonoids and polyphenols.  The oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic and antioxidant properties that are beneficial for the skin.  Cocoa butter is high in saturated fatty acids making it an excellent and stable skin moisturizer and skin emollient.  There is also ample evidence that it aids in stretch mark removal!