A very popular post on the original Face by Stace, bringing back a classic that has been refreshed. This topic has been so popular, I have written versions of it for magazines. Enjoy!
I have found body butters work efficiently, effectively and literally instantly, I kid you not! Butter creams, such as this Beet Overnight Radiance Cream, you will notice a difference immediately. Make sure to always use cold-pressed shea butter (and cocoa butter). To provide simplicity, hot-pressed shea butter is a quick process causing all of the nutrients and goodness that shea butter is known for to evaporate, which is why cold-pressed shea butter (and cocoa butter) is a better option. Cold-pressed is slower processing, leaving the nutrients, antioxidants in tact.
Shea butter and cocoa butter are two of the most iconic plant‑based moisturizers in beauty — rich, nourishing and deeply tied to global skincare traditions. But the way they’re extracted dramatically changes their texture, scent, nutrient profile and performance. Let’s break it down.
Cold‑pressed shea butter and cocoa butter are considered superior because the extraction method protects their natural nutrients. When these butters are pressed without high heat, they retain their full profile of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids — the very compounds that make them effective for skin repair, moisture retention, and overall radiance.
Cold‑pressed shea butter keeps its vitamins A and E, along with essential fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and support healing. Its creamy texture melts easily into the skin, delivering deep moisture without feeling waxy. Because it isn’t exposed to high temperatures, it maintains its natural ivory colour and soft, nutty aroma — signs of purity and potency.
Cold‑pressed cocoa butter preserves its polyphenols, which help improve elasticity and firmness. These antioxidants support smoother, more resilient skin, making cold‑pressed cocoa butter ideal for stretch marks, dryness and mature skin. It also retains its natural chocolate scent and melts smoothly with body heat.
Hot‑pressed versions of both butters are extracted with high temperatures that break down vitamins and antioxidants. They often undergo refining, bleaching, or deodorizing, which further reduces their skin‑beneficial compounds. While hot‑pressed butters still moisturize, they lack the reparative, nutrient‑rich qualities that make cold‑pressed formulas stand out.
Takeaway: Cold‑pressed shea and cocoa butter deliver maximum nourishment, better texture and more authentic, unrefined benefits. For readers who value ingredient integrity and visible results, cold‑pressed is the clear choice.
I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?
