Chocoholics, this one’s for you.
If you’re looking for a total-body treat that melts into your skin while your mouth waters, Rachel’s Plan Bee Cocoa Cream has you covered.
{Rachel’s Plan Bee sent me a sample of Cocoa Cream to consider for review. It costs $25 for a 5-ounce plastic jar. I purchased three additional jars at full price to gift to my boyfriend and my family.}
This rich, dense, absolutely delectable cocoa cream is made with organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter, organic sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil and beeswax.
It’s undeniably chocolate thanks to cocoa absolute, but has the signature dash of vanilla planifolia, a Rachel’s Plan Bee staple.
Rachel’s Plan Bee Cocoa Cream Ingredients:
Shea butter*, cocoa butter*, sunflower seed oil*, grapeseed oil, beeswax, tocopherol (mixed)**, vanilla planifolia, cocoa absolute *certified organic **non-gmo
Because Cocoa Cream is cut with a couple of carrier oils, it spreads evenly and blends flawlessly into your skin. But, if you’re familiar with Rachel’s Body Butters (and if you’re not, you should be — so good), it has a distinctly different texture.
Imagine a stick of delicious, flavorful butter that’s taken straight from the fridge. It’s hard, but it instantly melts once you work your handle it a bit. That’s Cocoa Cream.
Now, imagine that same stick of butter at room temperature. It’s spreads without much pressure and leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin. That’s Body Butter.
If you use too much of either of these, you will be greasy. Heed Rachel’s advice when she says a little goes a long way. Start with a quarter-sized amount to cover a wide swath of skin (like a leg or an arm).
At first application, heavy-handed Kim used way too much. But in the dead of winter, I didn’t really care — bring on the emollient protection! Besides, any “excess” (is there such a thing?) could be worked into extra-dry areas, like knees, elbows, feet and — hell, why not, it’s bedtime and I shower in the morning — hair.
On subsequent applications, I got the serving size just right, and Rachel’s Plan Bee Cocoa Cream melted into my skin and left a dry yet obviously moisturized finish. It’s the perfect remedy for itchy, dry patches and a nighttime routine that begs for a touch of extra care.
But you don’t have to take it from me. My mom, the cocoa butter queen since the 70s, raved about Rachel’s Plan Bee Cocoa Cream. And, please note, that woman cuts zero slack to anyone who wants to treat her pretty, Asian skin.
Her simple review of Cocoa Cream:
“I liked it. At first it felt greasy, but then it sank in and left my skin so soft.”
After it passed my test and my mom’s test, I bought two more jars for a few other discerning folks: my pregnant sister-in-law and the male pattern beauty blogger himself.
Give these two critics a bit to make their calls, but trust me, if the two picky Asians in the group approve, you know it’s got to be good.
If you’re ready to give Rachel’s Plan Bee Cocoa Cream a go, and you want to be extra indulgent, might I tease you with this ridiculous combination: Cocoa Cream + Jasmine Body Oil.
Dispense half a serving of each (dime-sized dollop of cocoa, half a pump of jasmine) into your hands, warm them up and apply like no one’s watching, you devil.
Flowers and freakin’ chocolate. Yum. Pour yourself a glass of wine while you’re at it.
But seriously, that combination is a sensory explosion. Rich, feminine, sexy and sweet. Not to mention, your dry skin will be singing your praises. Your nose will, too.
What are your favorite creams, butters, lotions and more? What are your first memories of cocoa butter? Tell me in the comments!
