Cocoa Absolute Essential Oil

Cocoa Absolute (Theobroma cacao) from France has an intense, deep, dark chocolate aroma and is solvent-extracted from the beans (seeds) produced by the cacao tree, which grows in many tropical areas of the world. The beans are white when harvested but before they are subjected to extraction, they are washed, fermented, dried, roasted and reduced to powder. This absolute is used in perfumery and is also suited to candle and soap making.

The edible chocolate that we are familiar with comes from the same botanical source as our Cocoa absolute.  The cacao bean has been used by the indigenous people of Central America as food, as medicine, and as a ritual substance  for thousands of years. In ancient times, and in some places still, it has been recognized and prized as an aphrodisiac and as a substance that gives  a pleasurable, elevating experience. Even today, you will hear people describe themselves as “chocoholics” because they so love the feeling the get from eating chocolate.  The famous 18th century botanist Linnaeus so appreciated cacao’s properties that the Latin name he gave it literally means “food of the gods”.

While you should never use Cocoa absolute (or any absolute) internally, for us inhaling its aroma really does impart some of the same “feel good” effects as indulging in a chocolate bar – and without the calories! Try it and see what you think.

Cocoa Absolute Uses

Cocoa absolute is used in natural perfumery, for soap and candle making, and for environmental fragrancing. It’s not used in aromatherapy because it’s solvent-extracted and doesn’t offer aromatherapeutic benefits, but can be used minimally for its aromatic profile.

For topical use, we recommend a maximum concentration of 0.2% in a suitable fatty base, such as vegetable oil or perfumers’ alcohol. This concentration can be achieved by adding 2 drops of cocoa absolute to one ounce of the suitable base.

Because Cocoa Absolute is thick, it may clog some diffusers; the best type of diffuser to use with thick absolutes and essential oils is a fan diffuser with a replaceable scent pad.

If you love the exquisite aroma of our Cocoa Absolute, you may really go for our heavenly Vanilla Absolute.