-
<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Not Scientifically Proven
The largest study on coca butter's effects on stretch marks found that it had no noticeable effect. The study focused on 175 women during their first pregnancy. A second study was conducted with 100 pregnant women being treated with a cream form of vitamin E known as alpha-tocopherol. The women using the cream developed fewer stretch marks than those using a placebo.
On the Other: Anecdotal Evidence
For centuries, women have used and sworn by cocoa butter as a way to get rid of stretch marks, which are known medically as striae. Some say that when applied before the stretching occurs, cocoa butter is a very effective way to prevent the scars, not necessarily to get rid of them once they form.
Bottom Line
There is no evidence to suggest cocoa butter gets rid of stretch marks, but preventing them with the topical application of alpha-tocopherol appears somewhat successful.
Source:
New York Times: The Claim: Cocoa Butter Can Remove Stretch Marks
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC